Sogeti UK survey finds 92% of testers say the cost and complexity of testing is increasing

London, November 11th, 2013

A new Sogeti survey of software testing and Quality Assurance professionals attending Sogeti UK’s software testing and quality assurance conference, TestExpo 2013, has revealed that 92% of delegates see the cost and complexity of software testing increasing, but just 22% currently feel comfortable and prepared to face these challenges head on.

To keep pace with this rapidly evolving complexity and overcome rising costs, the leading test professionals questioned said their highest priorities were to train their existing test and QA teams (61%), identify innovative ways to transform their testing function (56%), recruit testers and QA pros with new skills (51%) and purchase new, relevant testing tools (also 51%).

The face-to-face survey was conducted in October by Sogeti at London’s TestExpo 2013 conference, where 119 software testing and QA professionals were quizzed about the challenges facing today’s software testing teams, the impact on their businesses, and their plans to address the issues.

When asked about their top testing priorities for businesses over the next 12 months, respondents cited improving quality of testing to the business (65%) ahead of other drivers, including reducing time to market (36%), delivering a better customer experience (34%), reducing costs (29%) and improving flexibility and scalability (23%).

Brian Shea, CEO of Sogeti UK, said: “Quality has never been a higher priority for businesses as they work hard to attract customers in highly competitive markets. Continual re-evaluation of test process and capability is necessary to ensure the smooth roll out of transformational projects that will ultimately ensure they stay at the top of their game. Through the adoption of pioneering test tools and innovative methodologies, these organisations can gain confidence in the services they deliver and be assured that their testing activity is successfully aligned with broader business objectives and stakeholder values.”

Further findings in the TestExpo 2013 survey include:

Just 8% of respondents believe that neither the complexity nor cost of testing is increasing
39% of organisations centralise testing internally, while 17% engage with an external managed test service provider, and 12% would look to do so in future
A quarter (25%) now use some form of cloud-based testing platform, service or resource – although there are concerns around the complexity of test environments and on-going access to data (18%), as well as security (16%)
Nearly half of organisations (49%) now perform mobile testing, while a further 25% plan to in the next 12 months
Functionality (43%) is top focus for mobile testing, followed by compatibility (33%) and security (31%)

TestExpo attendees also walked away with valuable takeaways from the event, with three-quarters (74%) stating they left with ideas for best practices, techniques and methods that would help them to overcome the key business challenges of software testing.

The overall survey findings echo the 2013 – 2014 World Quality Report, published annually by Sogeti, Capgemini and HP, which also found a renewed focus on quality, customer experience and streamlining the in-house Testing function, as well as a large growth in mobile testing and increased challenges around test environments. View or download a full copy of the 2013 – 2014 World Quality Report here.

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About Sogeti

Sogeti is a leading provider of technology and software testing, specializing in Application, Infrastructure and Engineering Services. Sogeti offers cutting-edge solutions around Testing, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Mobile, Cloud and Cyber Security. Sogeti brings together more than 20,000 professionals in 15 countries and has a strong local presence in over 100 locations in Europe, USA and India. Sogeti is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cap Gemini S.A., listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.

Together Capgemini and Sogeti have developed innovative, business-driven quality assurance (QA) and Testing services, combining best-in-class testing methodologies (TMap® and TPI®) to help organizations achieve their testing and QA goals. The Capgemini Group has created one of the largest dedicated testing practices in the world, with over 12,000 test professionals (as of June 2013) and a further 14,500 application specialists, notably through a common center of excellence with testing specialists developed in India.

For more information about Sogeti please visit:
www.uk.sogeti.com
http://blog.uk.sogeti.com
Twitter: @UK_Sogeti