The digital transformation process has seen an increase in the complexity of software. This is due to the fact that a software application has to work in a multi-dimensional environment comprising of processes, devices, networks, operating systems, frameworks, servers, IDE’s, and others. Besides, each component of the environment can be further divided thereby increasing its complexity. Technology is changing at a rapid pace and each and every software built on it needs to perform at its optimum level. The software interface to technologies such as the cloud, mobility, big data, and analytics, AI or IoT should be robust enough to deliver quality and meet the user expectations.Given the increase in software complexity, technology changes and the shifting dynamics of user behaviour, the quality of software or application should be top notch. To ensure the quality of software across dimensions, paradigms and disciplines, the quality assurance process needs to undergo a change. It is no longer about software testing alone, but implementing software quality engineering. The idea is not merely about identifying the glitches during the testing phase but eliminating them altogether during the design and development stages.What is software quality engineering?As opposed to software testing that involves the testing of specific functions or parts of a software against predefined outcomes, software QA engineering is much more diverse and all encompassing. A software quality engineer works with the development team to design and develop the source codes. He or she conducts other allied tasks such as testing, integrating and deploying the software.A QA analyst of a quality engineering company as part of his or her responsibility sets up verifiable testing goals. He or she does so in consultation with all the stakeholders. The software quality engineer oversees the entire SDLC and creates a quality culture where each and every stakeholder is aware of the quality objectives. The underlying philosophy of QA engineering is to work on the codes at the designing phase in order to eliminate glitches or vulnerabilities.Also, the software quality engineer ensures the delivery of software within time constraints. The timely deployment of a software application goes a long way in meeting the expectations of customers. Notably, the all-encompassing software QA engineering includes software testing as well.Five rules of software quality engineering The approach of QA engineering has moved towards shift-left testing. The term means rigorously testing the codes during the development phase to identify and eliminate the glitches. The five rules that a QA engineer should follow for the successful implementation of a quality engineering process are:1. Functional testing: The process involves testing the UI and API to see if they meet the design specifications. This automation testing exercise validates the core functions, inputs, installation, and menus. To illustrate further, a functional testing includes

Checking the input fields by entering data consisting of strings, special characters, extended characters and non-Latin scripts

Checking the basic API functionality and core application parameters against pre-defined outcomes

Setting up the application on local machines running on different operating systems

Checking of text functions like copying, pasting and editing

Checking the short cuts by using hot keys

2. Peer review of code: The source code should be reviewed by another test engineer to gain a better perspective. However, it is advisable to follow the basic functional testing exercise before going for a peer review.3. Static code analysis: Use specific tools to look for security and other vulnerabilities. Such tools can check a static code without actually executing it. Perform static code analysis to check if the codes meet the required coding standards or conform to the security regulations.4. Unit testing: The process involves the checking of a unit comprising of a component, class or method against valid or invalid inputs. In a DevOps environment, a unit test should be conducted every time a change is made to the code. Ensure the unit test to be an extensive one to nip the glitches in the bud. The process can use virtualization with the entry of dummy inputs to check each and every test scenario.5. User performance testing: The testing should involve a single user and check for any load and performance issues. The test area should include testing the application for quicker loading and execution.ConclusionThe five key rules of Quality engineering ensure that the codes meet the desired business objectives and user expectations. Any quality engineering company would do well to include the five key rules in its strategy. By doing so, the company helps to remove glitches at the development stage of a software. This leads to the deployment of a better quality software within time and budget constraints.

Tech Support has been a calling card of millions of contractors for well over 20 years now.Like car mechanics in the 20th century, they exist to provide support to the millions of users of IT systems – many of which have very little to no support provided by the manufacturer.Whilst a number of services have existed for many years, with the likes of GeekSquad providing 24/7 support, there is one issue with which most of these providers will not help – software.Lack Of Software SupportEverything from web hosting, DNS, cloud email and even the systems running web infrastructure (WordPress etc) require constant maintenance, assistance and support.This is generally not covered by the large tech support providers, leading a number of “smaller” providers to fill the gap.The scope is simple – if you have a problem with WordPress, Microsoft Azure, Exchange, Office, Photoshop or any other software service provider, there are a number of ways to get the fixes provided by a support company.The difference is that the majority of support companies do NOT deal with code – only surface-level issues which are generally fixable by looking at tutorials online. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find companies just relying other [third party] information to help resolve clients’ problems.To this end, if you have issues installing & customizing WordPress themes, managing inventory in Shopify, fixing Javascript errors, ensuring that web servers are set up properly, fixing issues with domain names, etc – there are presently *no* providers to provide this level of granularity, even for a cost.This is where a number of “software” centric support providers started to provide services – giving companies & people the opportunity to get their entire digital infrastructure running as smoothly as possible with the provision of underlying software-level support.How It WorksThe underpin to all of this is that there’s a “grey area” between where many “support” companies operate, and what clients end up needing.This grey area has only grown in the past 5+ years, due to the increased importance of different “cloud” centric technologies, most notably Microsoft’s move forward with Azure and its accompanying services.The “technology” business is undergoing a period of change. Soon, “software” will ALL be considered “services” – meaning that you’ll have apps for the likes of Amazon, YouTube and Evernote directly on your desktop – reducing the necessity of the web browser from a “do all” tool to simply an information consumption device.Whilst this doesn’t matter, what it shows is that the “market” is moving towards a completely software/service centric model.Thus, we get a number of businesses who end up in a curious position.They may need their digital infrastructure managed, maintained and supported… but presently have no provider in a position to help.It might sound trivial… but things such as how to get Evernote set up in the most effective way, designing & implementing effective systems with Zapier, or building out a strong spreadsheet for new businesses on Google Docs… no provider has the ability to go to such lengths to ensure that companies are running their digital infrastructure as smoothly or effectively in the “new” cloud era.

The “older” providers are too focused on hardware implementation / “infrastructure” level problems… new providers typically focus on menial issues with the likes of iPhones, Android and other tools.

The “software” centric provider gives users the ability to maintain this infrastructure as effectively as possible – essentially providing a shoulder for many businesses / consumers to lean on if they have *any* issues with their systems.

Both providers work in a similar way (providing “online” support staff, contactable via email, livechat or phone – and “offline” support dealing with localized fixes) – the difference lies in the effectiveness they bring to the work.Software centric providers generally have much more experience of the different software tools for users. For example, they may have a particular way that WordPress is set up – or some Photoshop trick to ensure the best work.This is what has lead many companies to begin looking at them as a means to ensure their growth.What It MeansUltimately, “software” support companies provide a more cost-effective method to receive code-centric fixes for many different errors that both “traditional” providers will not fix, and “software developers” will not want to get involved with.The main competition for many of these service providers are actually software developers themselves… many of whom would happily provide fixes for $40 on the likes of Upwork or Freelancer.I personally have many clients who need a HUGE number of fixes, but these fixes we ended up just doing for free (because they weren’t that big of a deal). Adding Google Analytics conversion tags, removing menu items in WordPress, automatically adding products in Shopify, managing CRM issues etc.The point is that the “software” support provider typically charges a monthly, quarterly or yearly fee to provide users with the ability to contact them at any time of the day/night and have either an answer provided directly, or the request passed onto an expert who has specific expertise in the area of concern.Whilst many companies don’t need the service immediately, it’s a HUGE timesaver, and great safety net for people who may rely on their website to operate – but don’t have anyone to provide immediate support if it goes down.For example, a “WordPress blog” that receives 50,000+ visitors per day may have ZERO support infrastructure in place in case it went down, or had problems with speed etc. Who would you pay in a situation like that?Coders generally charge by the hour and most of them don’t really have much expertise with high-traffic websites. This is the type of situation in which software-level support excels.Which Providers ExistIn terms of “software” support provision, there are several providers who’ve come onto the scene in the past few years…

Bask (.) com – NOT software centric – services provided to consumers + business. Recurring revenue model which actually works relatively well. Unfortunately, very little software support

GeekSquad – NOT software centric – attached to BestBuy, GeekSquad are renowned for a decent quality of service. Unfortunately, they are not very well versed when it comes to software based issues

PCFixes (.) com – software centric – new service launched in 2018 to provide software-centric support – provides users with the ability to get specific fixes/help for the likes of WordPress, Shopify, Photoshop, Office, Outlook and more

The present state of the industry is that it’s growing rapidly, and that several of the above providers are in a very strong position to help a number of companies remain operational.

#EANF#