Teams working on early-stage products often need just enough QA to catch issues but don't want the commitment of a full-time QA resource. As we spoke with startups, we realized they were wary about dedicated QA slowing them down in the early stages. But we also continually heard the need for lightweight testing before releases. So, we designed a service to meet this need. If you're looking for a quick QA pass before releases, read on.
This low-overhead service provides everything early-stage products need for effective testing, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a dedicated QA engineer. We provide the right balance of testing depth, collaboration, and timing to ensure your product gets the necessary attention.
| ✔ Bi-weekly release support | ✔ Exploratory testing | ✔ Automated core test suite |
| ✔ ACC model | ✔ Testability guidance | ✔ Test automation framework |
| ✔ Continuous Integration | ✔ Synthetic data | ✔ Framework training |
Table 1. Some of the many benefits you get with our Essential Service
Qxf2 provides biweekly support for your release testing, combining exploratory testing with UI and API automation. You'll receive a robust, feature-rich and battle-tested test automation framework that typically takes several man-months to build. We will also provide an automated core test suite. The automated tests will be added to your CI pipeline so your team has full access and control to the tests.
Your developers will have a clear path to start contributing to test automation. Senior QA engineers will be involved in the early stages to make the right testing choices for your team. If needed, we create synthetic data for repeatable tests, and provide human oversight for tests that are hard to automate.
Qxf2 uses multiple folks upfront to quickly arrive at an automated core test suite. That way, your team benefits quickly. We also use nice techniques to socialize the tests and enable your developers to contribute. And like you might have guessed, we have figured out a couple of ways to automate the test automation.
Our work unfolds in three stages: Discovery, Ramp-up, and Steady State. We start with an exploratory phase, diving deep into your product to identify critical areas for testing. This is followed by an intensive implementation phase, where we work with you to define and automate a core test suite. Once the essential tests are in place, we transition into a maintenance phase, where we periodically update and occasionally expand the tests as your product evolves.
Aside: When you talk to us, ask us how we ended up automating the automation!
Since most in the software world are accustomed to full-time, dedicated QA models, we feel it's important to clarify: This is NOT a dedicated tester role. There's no ticket testing, no embedded integration within your team, and advanced automation. Instead, you get a team of QA experts working intensively at the start to deliver an automated core test suite. Over time, we shift to relying mainly on automation and biweekly exploratory checks to support ongoing releases.
We start with a short feasibility check that usually involves us talking to your engineering leadership for about an hour. If things go well, up to two senior Qxf2 engineers will coordinate with your development and product teams. After the ramp-up phase, this reduces to one senior engineer. In the steady state, the senior engineer will hold weekly meetings to discuss updates to the regression suite, plan exploratory testing, and coordinate timelines.
1. Discovery: We conduct exploratory testing to uncover potential issues and file bugs. We then create an ACC model to snapshot our current estimate of product quality. Collaboratively, we work with your team to identify a core test suite that aligns with your product's needs. Our involvement in this phase is a key differentiator from other similar services which expect you to define and prioritize what tests are needed.
2. Ramp-up: We generate synthetic data and automate the core test suite using our framework, integrating it into your CI pipeline. Additionally, we create exercises to help your developers gradually get comfortable with the framework and encourage active engagement with the tests. Unlike other services, we provide you with full access to the test code, allowing your team to have complete control and transparency.
3. Steady state: A key part of this phase is our biweekly release support, which includes conducting exploratory tests and providing human assistance for tests that are difficult to automate. Your team continues to work weekly with a senior QA engineer to plan release tests and communicate testing needs and problems. We focus on test upkeep and add new tests based on the senior QA engineer's discretion. If the ramp-up phase is done well, we can reduce the need for a large time commitment from our side in this phase, incentivizing us to ensure the ramp-up is thorough and effective.
Throughout the engagement, we provide key artifacts including the ACC model, mind maps, and a robust regression suite. Our deliverables also include automated UI and API tests, synthetic data, CI integration, bug reports, and documentation. Additionally, we offer hands-on brown bag sessions on our test automation framework to enable developers to own the test automation. You will receive quarterly executive updates to ensure alignment and transparency.
Are you working on an early stage product and interested in using this service? Or curious about how we evolve as you grow? Just write to Arun ([email protected]) or drop a note .
© Qxf2 Services 2013 -
