IoT Testing At Oniyosys: Strengthening Multiple Dimensions Of Services

Kevin Ashton, co-founder of the Auto-ID Center at MIT, which created a global standard system for RFID and other sensors, coined the phrase “Internet of Things” in 1999. IoT encompasses a world where living and inanimate things are connected wirelessly and serve the purpose of machine-to-machine communication.

In the development of applications which involve Internet of things (IoT), the IoT gadget, device application and communication module plays a vital role in analyzing the performance and behavior of the IoT service. Poor design may hamper the working of the application and affect the end-user experience. Oniyosys has developed a comprehensive QA strategy to handle these unique requirements and challenges associated with validating IoT applications.

In today’s article we will discuss Why IoT, QA Opportunities In IoT Testing, Sample IoT Test Cases on IoT testing, Challenges That QA Team Can Face During IoT Testing and Solutions And Best Practices.

Why IoT?

• Efficient Machine to Machine (M2M) Communication

• Development of multiple Protocols (IPv6, MQTT, XMPP (D2S), DDS (D2D) etc.)

• Development and Integration of Enabling Technologies (Nano-electronics, embedded systems, software and cloud computing, etc.)

• Supports Smart Living concept

Important Domains of IoT:

• Smart Cities

• Smart Environment

• Smart Water

• Smart Metering

• Smart Safety measures

• Smart Retail

Sample IoT Test Cases:

• Verify that IoT gadget is able to register to the network and data connection is made successfully.

• Set a proper time delay after the connection for the first gadget is established. Verify that another IoT gadget is able to register to the network and data connection is made successfully.

• Verify that all the gadgets involved in the Internet of things testing are able to register to the network.

• Verify that all the gadgets involved in the IoT testing are able to send SMS to the network.

• Verify that only gadgets with proper authentication are able to connect to network.

• Verify that gadget disconnects quickly from the network when user removes the (U) SIM.

• Verify that gadget is able to enable or disable network friendly mode feature.

• Verify that gadgets involved in IoT are able to transmit huge chunks of user data if required.

• Verify that gadget transmits keep-alive message once in every half an hour.

• Verify that if sim subscription is subject to terminated condition, gadget does not retry service request as per the requirements in NFM.

• Verify that if sim subscription with roaming not allowed, gadget does not retry service request as per the requirements in NFM.

• Verify that if SIM subscription with barred GPRS service, gadget does not retry service request as per the requirements in NFM.

• Verify that if maximum number of connections (as per the requirement) is attained, the IoT gadget need to stop attempt to link to the network till a predefined duration.

• Verify that in case data volume exceeds that defined in requirement, the IoT gadget should not initiate any more transfer of data till a predefined duration.

• Verify that IoT gadget need to inform the network about power status.

• Verify that IoT gadget is able to transfer data in low power mode.

• Verify that IoT gadget transmits data with IoT device application in the form of encrypted data.

Challenges That QA Team Can Face During IoT Testing:

• It is expensive to replicate the environment required for IoT testing and demands too much of effort

• The subsystems, sub-components, and services that are interrelated are possessed by various groups and third party units. If user is unable to access a single dependent sub-component, it could affect the testing of the whole system.

• In order to obtain the right test data among different systems, Substantial effort and organization among multiple teams is required

• Gadget which is available for testing might be of inadequate capacity or is not available at the right time

• Sensor quality and accuracy – Device under test may not be of good quality or have the right precision needed for testing

• Compatibility Issues

• Complexity

• Connectivity issues

• Power problems

• Security/Privacy issues

• Safety Concerns

 

IoT Testing – Solutions And Best Practices:

• IoT Services stresses for robust testing competences to guarantee that the performance of the services is able to meet the requirements and SLA. By adopting effective best practices user can successfully execute IoT testing.

• QA need to concentrate on good testing approaches and practices for efficiently implementing a testing job. Well-defined requirements, comprehensive test plan, unit testing, integration testing and effective communication would form the basis of IoT testing. Impeccable programming tactics and practices ensure that the end-result is a quality product.

• New platforms ensure effective communication and to efficiently obtain valid info from huge amounts of raw data. This ensures good timing and systems framework to back the real-time applications. QA testing team can also make use of cutting-edge tools, consoles, viewers and simulators to ensure successful execution of the project.

• QA testing team also need to have sound understanding of the architecture, the Operating System, hardware, applications, protocols and shortcomings of hardware gadgets to design good test cases.

• Robust backend – if the mainstream functionalities are embedded into a robust backend, backend functionalities can be tested using usual testing methods, tools and approaches.

At Oniyosys, our team expertise and efforts serve to make testing and validating IoT applications a simple and productive experience. The Oniyosys Test solution includes a combination of testing with actual devices, tools, and frameworks.

Performance & Stress Testing: For Delivering Responsive Future-Proof Systems

At Oniyosys, we get involved in performance testing right from the pre-deployment stage itself. This helps in early resolution of issues. In the event that systems are already live.

What is Performance Testing?

Performance Testing is the general name for tests that check how the system behaves and performs. Performance testing examines responsiveness, stability, scalability, reliability, speed and resource usage of your software and infrastructure. Different types of performance tests provide you with different data, as we will further detail.

Before Performance Testing, it’s important to determine your system’s business goals so you can tell if your system behaves satisfactorily or not according to your customers’ needs.

After running performance tests, you can analyze different KPIs, such as the number of virtual users, hits per second, errors per second, response time, latency and bytes per second (throughput), as well as the correlations between them. Through the reports, you can identify bottlenecks, bugs and errors, and decide what needs to be done.

When should you use Performance Testing?

When you want to check your website performance and app performance, as well as servers, databases, networks, etc. If you work with the waterfall methodology, then at least each time you release a version. If you’re shifting left and going agile, you should test continuously.

What is Stress Testing?

Stress Testing is testing that checks the upper limits of your system by testing it under extreme loads. The testing examines how the system behaves under intense loads, and how it recovers when going back to normal usage, i.e are the KPIs like throughput and response time the same as before? In addition to load testing KPIs, stress testing also examines memory leaks, slowness, security issues and data corruption.

Stress Testing can be conducted through load testing tools, by defining a test case with a very high number of concurrent virtual users. If your stress test includes a sudden ramp-up in the number of virtual users, it is called a Spike Test. If you stress test for a long period of time to check the system’s sustainability over time with a slow ramp-up, it’s called a Soak Test.

When Should You Use Stress Testing?

Website stress tests and app stress tests are important before major events, like Black Friday, ticket selling for a popular concert with high demand or the elections. But we recommend you stress test every once in a while so you know your system’s endurance capabilities. This ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected traffic spikes, and gives you more time and resources to fix your bottlenecks.

This is an example of what a Spike Test would look like on JMeter. This test analyzes adding 7,000 users at once and then adding 500 users every 30 seconds until reaching 10,000 users.  After reaching 10,000 threads all of them will continue running and hitting the server together for 5 minutes.

We offer the following performance tests:

Load Test – where we test applications at the optimal level of its specifications.

Stress Test - here we test the system or application at extreme operating conditions by stressing it out by removing the resources that support it & see how it works.

Ageing Test – this test gauges how an application performs after extended usage over a long period of time.

Throttle Test – here the application is testing across different bandwidths and within specifications like CPU usage, memory, web traffic, web processes etc.

At Oniyosys, our performance testing team will help with suggestions on how to improve the existing applications and help in identifying the segments of software that need fine-tuning and fixing under both normal and extraordinary conditions.

Automation Testing : The Best Alternative Of Manual Testing

Website test automation requires you to use software and tools, which is an ideal alternative to time consuming manual testing. In order to successfully plan and execute test automation, you need to have an effective framework, tested methodology, and suitable tools to reduce time and boost the quality of testing. Oniyosys has the expertise to create software test automation process for applications across a number of domains. Our proficiency in developing test automation scripts for customized website allows us to manage product complexities.



What is Automation Testing?



Manual testing is performed by a human sitting in front of a computer carefully executing the test steps. Automation Testing means using an automation tool to execute your test case suite.   

The automation software can also enter test data into the System Under Test ,  compare  expected and actual  results and generate detailed test reports. Successive development cycles will require execution of same test suite repeatedly. Using a test automation tool it's possible to record this test suite  and re-play it  as required.Once the  test suite is automated,  no human intervention is required .This improved ROI of Test Automation. Goal of Automation is to reduce number of test cases to be run manually and not eliminate manual testing all together.



Why Automation Testing?

• Manual Testing of all work flows, all fields , all negative scenarios is time and cost consuming
• It is difficult to test for multi lingual sites manually
• Automation does not require Human intervention. You can run automated test unattended (overnight)
• Automation increases  speed of test execution
• Automation helps increase  Test Coverage
• Manual Testing can become boring and hence error prone.

Which Test Cases to Automate?

Test cases to be automated can be selected using the following criterion to increase the automation ROI

• High Risk - Business Critical test cases
• Test cases that are executed repeatedly
• Test Cases that are very tedious or difficult to perform manually
• Test Cases which are time consuming

The following category of test cases are not suitable for automation:

• Test Cases that are newly designed and not executed manually  atleast once
• Test Cases for which the requirements are changing frequently
• Test cases which are executed on ad-hoc basis.

Simple Steps to follow in Automation Testing:


There are lots of helpful tools to write automation scripts, before using those tools it’s better to identify the process which can be used to automate the testing.

• Identify areas within software to automate
• Choose the appropriate tool for test automation
• Write test scripts
• Develop test suits
• Execute test scripts
• Build result reports
• Find possible bugs or performance issue

For the products that are change-resistant and economical, Oniyosys is adept in building functional test automation cycle and effective regression testing capabilities pre- and post-deployment and it suits all budgets and technical needs. Explore our Lucrative Test Automation Benefits for Maximum Level of Accuracy, Fast Turn Around Period & Money Saving, Team Skill Improvement, Interactive Approach and Advanced Test Automation Tools Usage.

Regression Testing - A crucial step for the success of application development and upgrades

Oniyosys conducts regression testing, where previously run tests are re-conducted to avoid the emergence of old/new software bugs or regressions that typically come back when major code or program modifications/maintenance are done.

Let’s talk about our Regression Testing for better understanding :

When any modification or changes are done to the application or even when any small change is done to the code then it can bring unexpected issues. Along with the new changes, it becomes very important to test whether the existing functionality is intact or not. This can be achieved by doing the regression testing.

Types of Regression testing techniques:

We have four types of regression testing techniques. They are as follows:

1) Corrective Regression Testing: Corrective regression testing can be used when there is no change in the specifications and test cases can be reused.

2) Progressive Regression Testing: Progressive regression testing is used when the modifications are done in the specifications and new test cases are designed.

3) Retest-All Strategy: The retest-all strategy is very tedious and time-consuming because here we reuse all test which results in the execution of unnecessary test cases. When any small modification or change is done to the application then this strategy is not useful.

4) Selective Strategy: In selective strategy, we use a subset of the existing test cases to cut down the retesting effort and cost. If any changes are done to the program entities, e.g. functions, variables etc., then a test unit must be rerun. Here the difficult part is to find out the dependencies between a test case and the program entities it covers.

When to use it:

Regression testing is used when:

• Any new feature is added
• Any enhancement is done
• Any bug is fixed
• Any performance related issue is fixed

Advantages of Regression testing:

• It helps us to make sure that any changes like bug fixes or any enhancements to the module or application have not impacted the existing tested code.
• It ensures that the bugs found earlier are NOT repeatable.
• Regression testing can be done by using the automation tools
• It helps in improving the quality of the product.

Regression Testing Techniques

Software maintenance is an activity which includes enhancements, error corrections, optimization and deletion of existing features. These modifications may cause the system to work incorrectly. Therefore, Regression Testing becomes necessary. Regression Testing can be carried out using following techniques:

                             

Retest All

This is one of the methods for regression testing in which all the tests in the existing test bucket or suite should be re-executed. This is very expensive as it requires huge time and resources.

Regression Test Selection

Instead of re-executing the entire test suite, it is better to select part of test suite to be run.

Test cases selected can be categorized as 1) Reusable Test Cases 2) Obsolete Test Cases.

Reusable Test cases can be used in succeeding regression cycles.

Obsolete Test Cases can't be used in succeeding cycles.

Prioritization of Test Cases

Prioritize the test cases depending on business impact, critical & frequently used functionalities. Selection of test cases based on priority will greatly reduce the regression test suite.

If your software undergoes frequent changes, regression testing costs will escalate. In such cases, Manual execution of test cases increases test execution time as well as costs. Automation of regression test cases is the smart choice in such cases.  The extent of automation depends on the number of test cases that remain re-usable for successive regression cycles.

Regression Testing Tools

Following are most important tools used for both functional and regression testing:

Selenium: This is an open source tool used for automating web applications. Selenium can be used for browser-based regression testing.

Quick Test Professional (QTP): HP Quick Test Professional is automated software designed to automate functional and regression test cases. It uses VBScript language for automation. It is a Data-driven, Keyword based tool.

Rational Functional Tester (RFT): IBM's rational functional tester is a java tool used to automate the test cases of software applications. This is primarily used for automating regression test cases and it also integrates with Rational Test Manager.

Oniyosys run regression tests using a suitable combination of automated and manual testing. They are conducted not only during the operational software development stage but also before the release stage into a live environment. Regression testing helps detect major variances that could have serious implications on the revenue, schedule, and company reputation. This type of testing is crucial to the success of application development and upgrades.

Functional Testing :The Most On-Demand Service Of Oniyosys

Functional testing services at Oniyosys cover end-to-end software testing right up to user acceptance testing with complete system integration and acceptance. During our functional testing process, we check the programs thoroughly for any bugs which may not be visible during the normal testing process. Our functional testing module is applicable for both new applications and as well as existing applications with added features. Let's discuss our functional testing -

Functional Testing is a testing technique that is used to test the features/functionality of the system or Software, should cover all the scenarios including failure paths and boundary cases. This testing mainly involves black box testing and it is not concerned about the source code of the application.

Each and every functionality of the system is tested by providing appropriate input, verifying the output and comparing the actual results with the expected results. This testing involves checking of User Interface, APIs, Database, security, client/ server applications and functionality of the Application Under Test. The testing can be done either manually or using automation


What do you test in Functional Testing?

The prime objective of Functional testing is checking the functionalities of the software system. It mainly concentrates on -

Mainline functions:  Testing the main functions of an application

Basic Usability: It involves basic usability testing of the system. It checks whether a user can freely navigate through the screens without any difficulties.

Accessibility:  Checks the accessibility of the system for the user

Error Conditions: Usage of testing techniques to check for error conditions.  It checks whether suitable error messages are displayed.



Functional Testing Process:

In order to functionally test an application, following steps must be observed. 

1. Identify Test Input ( test data ) 

2. Compute The Expected Outcomes With The Selected Test Input Values

3.Execute  Test Cases

4.Comparison Of Actual and Computed Expected Result



Types of Functional Testing :

Mainly major functional testing techniques are of two types - 
1. Black Box and 2. White Box Testing

The other major Functional Testing techniques include:

1.Unit Testing

2. Integration Testing

3. Smoke Testing

4. User Acceptance Testing

5. Localization Testing

6. Interface Testing

7. Usability Testing

8. System Testing

9. Regression Testing

10. Globalization Testing



Functional testing tools:

There are several tools available in the market to perform functional testing. They are explained as follows: 

Selenium - Popular Open Source Functional Testing Tool.

QTP - Very user-friendly Functional Test tool by HP.

JUnit- Used mainly for Java applications and this can be used in Unit and system testing.

soapUI - This is an open source functional testing tool, mainly used for Web service testing. It supports multiple protocols such HTTP, SOAP and JDBC.

Watir - This is a functional testing tool for web applications. It supports tests executed at the web browser and uses ruby scripting language.

Functional testing is more effective when the test conditions are created directly from user/business requirements. When test conditions are created from the system documentation (system requirements/ design documents), the defects in that documentation will not be detected through testing and this may be the cause of end-users’ wrath when

they finally use the software.

At Oniyosys our functional testing is the most in-demand service of the company with scores of successfully completed projects and they span a wide spectrum of activities from integration testing to user acceptance testing to production release support.

Software Application Testing Services

The main purpose of application testing is to find defects or failures in the product or application. Also during the test planning it’s decided what constitutes an “important defect”. Usually an important defect is the one that influences the usability and functionality of an application and makes it hard for the customer to use the application.

Oniyosys offers a truly effective and streamlined solution for Application Testing your software and web application. Our application testing services enables you to deploy your application with assurance that it will endure contemporary and near future levels of load. Our testing services have helped organizations in accomplishing predictable and ameliorated quality levels.

Oniyosys

The application must successfully pass all test conditions before it is ready for the general customer. However by testing one cannot establish the fact that the product will function properly under all conditions. Rather it will be able to highlight those specific conditions under which the product will not function properly.

There are various methods of conducting Application Testing namely static and dynamic testing. The process of dynamic testing is more often used than static testing. The process of dynamic testing is conducted when the application is run or executed for the first time. It is primarily used to test some specific sections of the code.

Application testing can be carried out at any point of time during the development process. However, most of the testing takes place after each and every requirement is fulfilled and the coding process is completed.
Testing a web application is an important part of preparing it for release. From usability to loading performance, there are several areas of a program that the testing phase evaluates, and the key to proper evaluation is proper test design. Although different applications can require different test procedures, some procedures are ubiquitous.

Application Testing offers an independent viewpoint to the business to understand and evaluate the risks associated with the product or the software. The test procedure basically includes executing the application to find out software bugs.

A good web application testing plan ensures that a web application is functional and user-friendly. By empowering the testing phase to evaluate critical areas of user experience, companies can develop applications that are instantly user friendly – an important aspect of sales momentum during an application’s release period.

Most web applications require several types of testing, but perhaps none of them is as important as testing for user acceptance. If a program contains problems that significantly affect how it performs for end users, it can fail to generate enough sales to justify the cost of developing it.

Software QA Testing

Software Quality Assurance encompasses the entire software development process, which includes processes such as software design, coding, source code control, code reviews, change management, configuration management, and release management.

Oniyosys offers ready-to-go test packs, infallible Quality Assurance services, and dedicated teams of experts to help clients realize the full benefit of independent testing services and benefit from the best end-user experience. Acting as an extended wing, our team of dedicated and expert professionals brings down testing and Quality Assurance costs while providing the best possible software testing services.

Oniyosys

Flexible approach and client-centric communication strategy we follow right from planning to managing test modules and on-time delivery make us a reliable choice for those looking for an effective and affordable software testing company to further their business growth. Endowed with cutting edge technology and skilled manpower, we promise to deliver the best value of your money through manual software testing services and cost-effective automation framework development. While sharp testing mindsets part of Oniyosys team of experts make your application foolproof and deliverable within a reasonable time frame, our high-class Quality Assurance consulting solutions help mange risks, lower costs, and gain through enhanced end-user experience.

Quality assurance should function as a “tone” for the user, a reminder to the designers and developers that the site is designed for users outside the office. Quality assurance as ombudsman would be a positive force for a quality user experience. If you are limited in what you can accept responsibility for, document those limits. For example, if you can’t test data or middleware, announce that fact whenever you provide test results for the website quality. Even the best designed and developed sites will experience problems and failures, so a good quality assurance team should set expectations — for the entire web site team and with management — for what QA can effectively accomplish.

Quality assurance looks beyond the structured test cases used by website quality control because these test cases are necessarily limited. Quality Assurance focuses on more than a site’s ability to meet a specific benchmark; quality assurance aims to make the site better so tests are passed more consistently, so that the benchmark can in fact be refined, and so that problem areas can be eliminated.

An important aspect of software product quality assurance is that it is different from quality test. While, Quality Assurance is based upon standards and established plans, quality test procedures are followed on the bases of concrete figures and numbers. Thus, there must be two separate teams for Software Quality Assurance and software quality testing.