Deploying Windows XP - Application Compatibility

Application testing service is investigation performed to provide stakeholders with information about the quality of the product or service under test. It also helps in presenting an independent outlook of the software which allows the business to better understand the risks associated with software implementation.

Lack of compatibility with other application software, operating systems, or target environments are the main reason for software failure. Various changes in the network environment may necessitate testing. Deployment of a new operating system or large group of applications, or even software updates may require testing. Virus updates also may need to be thoroughly tested prior to deployment. Having a test lab established facilitates in executing these types of testing with minimal expense and effort.

A Test lab is needed to test the viability of applications on a new operating system. A basic test lab should have ample space to facilitate smooth testing of software updates and also should have personnel as per the schedule and budget of the deployment project. The computer systems used in the test must at the very least meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows XP. The electrical supply for the test lab must be sufficient to handle the load of all hardware running simultaneously.

Monitoring and controlling the applications installed on client computers is a tough in network administration. In an Active Directory? network, the software configuration of client computers can be controlled through Group Policy. An ideal situation is one where collecting an inventory of hardware and software is an automatic process.

Microsoft's Systems Management Server (SMS) is an ideal method for automating the process of gathering hardware and software inventory information over a long period of time. This method helps in checking every computer as it logs onto the network and detect when non-standard software has been installed.

Microsoft uses the exploratory method for testing new applications. This method assumes that the tests will be determined as new features are discovered within the application. It must be determined whether the new application will run correctly on the chosen operating system, and that all of the functions needed are supported. Another approach would also confirm that the application works suitably in all aspects of its operation on every hardware/software configuration present in the environment.

In case of older applications that are already in use within the environment, testing through the exploratory method is not of much use. The exploratory method is more suitable for new applications whose features are not clearly understood. To achieve testing with known applications requires identifying the areas of primary interaction with the operating system like printing, network, file input and output, help, and so on. After these areas are fully recognized, tests that determine whether or not the applications are compatible with Windows XP should be designed.

Application testing service, depending on the testing procedure used, can be implemented at any time in the development process. The methodology of the test is decided by the software development methodology adopted.

Mike Greaves is an article writer who writes the article about application testing service and software functionality testing.

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