On January 21, I posted an article about the momentum around test automation. Since then we’ve seen the economy tank further, yet requirements for what needs to be delivered are not changing. Engineering teams need to do even more than before, with fewer resources and in less time. Test automation is no longer an option. Companies are seeing that changing the way things are done is mandatory. The pace of change is accelerating due to pressures in the economy.
Here’s a set of questions that we need to start asking:
- What does the test engineer of 2009 look like?
- What will be the capabilities and requirements of the test engineer in 2010? In 2011?
- Do you think that a test engineer, by 2010, will not know how to automate their tests, do analysis, and use virtual testbed technology (make their tests stronger and more robust prior to accessing expensive lab equipment, take the test work home with them, etc.)?
- Will the test engineer of 2011 be able to deliver against requirements by deadlines without using a test automation platform?
This week we published a press release about how BT is preparing for their future and rolling out a platform for test automation across the company. Fanfare is excited to be part of this, and frankly, we have learned a lot about what is required to be successful in an enterprise platform deployment. We expect this approach to become standard practice for large companies that need to keep up with the pace of change … if they don’t want to get left behind.
 | Craig Lewis is the VP of worldwide field operations. Learn more about Craig >> |
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