Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2.12 shows how the software flows from the development environ-
ments to the production environment. As developers complete copies of their
software (Step 1), it is loaded into the development integration environment
where it is made available to the members of all module teams. Each mem-
ber can load the software from the development integration environment into
their own sandboxes so that they can test their software to ensure that it works
with the team software (Steps 2 and 3). The developers revise their software
as needed and copy it back to the development integration environment (Step
3). The integrated system software is tested before entering the production
environment (Step 4).
2.8.1.1
Test the Components of Each Module
Testing usually brings to mind software testing fi rst, which is certainly important.
But, attention should also be given to testing the other system components like the
hardware, the data, and the personnel.
•
Unit tests
: The tests that are conducted on the module software are called
unit
tests
or
module tests
.
Data tests
: Creation of the data component is so important that teams often
designate it as a separate phase. Planning for the database or warehouse data
repository to be used by the system must begin early in the project, perhaps
as early as the Preliminary investigation stage. In the Preliminary construc-
tion stage, data testing takes the form of building subsets of the database or
warehouse repository and confi rming that the data structures and contents
perform as anticipated by the system design independent of the software that
must maintain it.
Hardware tests
: When the system module utilizes new hardware, tests should
be conducted to ensure that the hardware operations conform to the man-
ufacturer's promises and the module's operational requirements (processor
speed, screen resolution, data storage capacity, memory capacity for multiple
concurrent tasks, and so on).
Personnel tests
: Testing the personnel component is intended to determine
whether the personnel already have suffi cient skills to use the new system.
The new system may require more detailed business knowledge than the old
system. How does the business manager measure his or her staff's readiness?
What training is available to close any skill gaps before the system “goes
live?”
•
•
•
2.8.2 Demonstrate the New System Modules to Users
and Project Sponsors
As the software modules successfully pass the tests, they are demonstrated to users
and project sponsors. There are three possible outcomes of these demonstrations.
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