Software testers and software development testing companies are the backbone of software development. They ensure that every line of code is tested, and they help developers scout out bugs before a product goes live. Choosing a software testing company is not an easy task. Besides the laundry list of factors to consider in the screening process, choosing the wrong one can have significant repercussions for your business.
When selecting a software testing company to work with, here are seven crucial things you should consider. Remember that reliable and time-tested software companies like XBOSoft will embody all of the traits spotlighted below.
Willingness to research
When choosing a software development testing company, assess your top-choice company’s willingness to research. Will this team of testers do their due diligence and perform a deep dive into your company’s history, mission statement, etc. Or, will this software testing company blindly accept an order started without examining your needs or looking at your software documentation?
Some businesses prefer working with companies with the innate ability and interest in unearthing vital insights about the software. Companies with a natural curiosity and a hunger for information should ask the following:
- What does your product do?
- How many employees do you have (including remote)?
- What’s your budget for this project?
- How long will the testing last, and what is the deadline?
Industry reputation
Industry reputation is another crucial consideration in choosing a software testing company. Before sealing the deal, investigate what other businesses have said about their quality of work. As an additional precaution, inquire about these software testers they responded when met with critique or technical difficulties. A company’s response to unforeseen complications is a great way to gauge the reliability of a software testing company.
If you’re choosing between two companies that are on equal footing in every way except for industry reputation, then hiring the more reputable company of the two could be your best option.
For those in need of software testing services, uncover insights about a company’s reputation by asking how long the company has been around. Additionally, be sure to sift through positive and negative reviews of the company and jot down your findings regarding customer satisfaction levels.
If you’re still unsure, you can speak directly with someone at the company via phone interview or email correspondence before hiring them to make sure they’re a good fit for your needs.
Knowledge of the industry
Another important consideration is the knowledge of the company. Ultimately, you’ll want to partner with a software testing company that has experience in your industry. For example, if you find yourself torn between two companies, take a closer look at their industry specialties. One software testing company might specialize in web-based applications, while another specializes in mobile apps or desktop programs.
The more specialized they are, the better they will understand how their product interacts with yours. With industry knowledge in their back pocket, these software developers will also be able to proactively identify potential problems that could arise based on similar products within your industry or other industries. However, this doesn’t mean that choosing an “all-around” type of tester isn’t worth considering. After all, there are many benefits when choosing a generalist as well.
Flexibility
One of the critical factors in choosing a software testing company is flexibility. By putting their flexibility to the test, you can take a sigh of relief, knowing you’re able to make changes or updates without having to start from scratch due to all-too-constricting red tape.
Note that some companies have strict policies on what can be changed after a product has gone live. In contrast, others accept client input during the development process but don’t allow any modifications once the project reaches completion.
That said, it’s vital to know which type of tester best suits your business before hiring them, so you aren’t stuck with an inflexible partner who doesn’t understand your unique requirements.
Communication
Communication is another crucial consideration when choosing a software testing company. You want to find out how well they communicate with you and, more importantly, what methods of communication are available if there’s an issue or concern that needs to be addressed quickly.
Some companies use email only for all communications. In some cases, software testing companies specify phone conversations, in addition to written correspondence, as their preferred method of contact.
When selecting a software testing company, take your preferred mode of communication into account. For a hiccup-free project, ensure that your company’s communication style and the communication style of your software tester align.
Data protection and security
Data protection is another critical consideration when choosing a software testing company. For example, suppose you’re looking for an international tester. In that case, you want to be sure they have the necessary data transfer agreements in place to protect your information and product while being transferred overseas.
Some companies may not offer such protections or guarantee full compliance with any applicable laws. By contrast, others will provide this service as part of their software testing packages and advise if needed before starting work.
When choosing a software development testing company, make sure they have experience within your industry and know what needs to be done, regardless of whether it’s web-based applications, mobile apps, or desktop programs. For best results, verify that your software testing company of choice has security protocols in place for each product.
Value for the money
Finally, choosing a software development testing company is also about selecting the best value for your money. You want to find out how much they charge and what included services are offered as part of that price, such as an initial consultation or post-implementation support.
Some companies offer lower prices but don’t include any consultations in their base package, while others feature higher rates but offer extensive consulting beforehand when you need it most.
When initiating a tie-breaker between two tester partners with similar ratings on quality and customer satisfaction, make sure you consider these factors before deciding which one to hire.
Final wrap up
While you may initially shrug off the importance of choosing the right software testing company as just another decision in a pile, choosing a flexible partner who communicates well and has data protection experience can make all the difference in your business.
In addition, a well-reviewed software tester will save you hard-earned money and all too limited time. That said, always consider these factors when in the process of hiring a software testing company for your needs. Otherwise, expect miscommunications to ensue and bug-ridden software to prevail.
