Software testing outsourcing

Software Testing Outsourcing is software testing carried out by an independent company or a group of people not directly involved in the process of software development.

Software testing is an essential phase of software development, however it is often viewed as a non-core activity for most organisations. Outsourcing enables an organisation to concentrate on its core development activities while external software testing experts handle the independent validation work. This offers many business benefits which include independent assessment leading to enhanced delivery confidence, reduced time to market, lower infrastructure investment, predictable software quality, de-risking of deadlines and increased time to focus on development.

Software Testing Outsourcing can come in different forms:

• Full outsourcing of the entire test process (strategy, planning, execution and closure), often referred to as a Managed Testing Service
• Provision of additional resources for major projects
• One-off test often related to load, stress or performance testing
• Beta User Acceptance Testing. Utilising specialist focus groups coordinated by an external organisation

Top established global outsourcing cities

According to Tholons Global Services - Top 50, in 2009, Top Established and Emerging Global Outsourcing Cities in Testing function were:

1. Chennai, India
2. Cebu City, Philippines
3. Shanghai, China
4. Beijing, China
5. Kraków, Poland
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Top Emerging Global Outsourcing Cities

1. Chennai
2. Bucharest
3. São Paulo
4. Cairo
5. Boston
6. London

Cities were benchmark against six categories included: skills and scalability, savings, business environment, operational environment, business risk and non-business environment.

Vietnam Outsourcing

Vietnam has become a major player in software outsourcing. Tholon’s Global Services annual report highlights Ho Chi Minh City ability to competitively meet client nations’ needs in scale and capacity. Its rapid maturing business environment has caught the eye of international investors aware of the country’s stability in political and labor conditions, its increasing number of English speakers and its high service-level maturity.

Californian based companies such as Global CyberSoft Inc. and LogiGear Corporation are optimistic with Vietnam’s ability to execute their global offshoring industry requirements. Despite the 2008-2009 financial crisis, both companies expect to fulfill their projected goals. LogiGear has addressed a shortage of highly qualified software technicians for its testing and automation services but remains confident that professionals are available to increase its staff in anticipation of the US recovery.

Argentina Outsourcing

Argentina’s software industry has experienced an exponential growth in the last decade, positioning itself as one of the strategic economic activities in the country. Argentina has a very talented pool of technically savvy and well educated people with great command of the English language. The country also shows a number of advantages: Because Argentina is just one hour ahead of North America's east coast, communication takes place in real time. Even More, Argentina’s internet culture and industry is one of the most progressive in the world: 60% Broad Band Access, Facebook penetration in Argentina ranks 3rd worldwide and the country has the highest penetration of smart phones in Latin America (24%). Perhaps one of the most surprising facts is that the percentage that internet contributes to Argentina’s Gross National Product (2.2%) ranks 10th in the world.