The Future of QA Outsourcing: Opportunities You Should Not Miss

Sometimes it is difficult for a company to ensure thorough testing of software using internal resources. The reasons may differ. For example, some devote all their resources to the development and testing shifts in the background. For others, it is not economically reasonable to create the necessary conditions for in-house testing: hire and train specialists, invest in the technologies, etc. In such cases, QA outsourcing companies come to the rescue.

Even before the quarantine, the IT industry was actively using outsourcing, outstaffing, and freelance services. But in 2021, the number of remote employees doubled. Many companies became less cautious about long-distance cooperation. In the end, the pandemic forced the entire world to shift to the remote mode in a few days. As it turned out, it was possible to maintain the processes functioning even with teams outside the offices.

Involving outsource resources is usually faster and simpler than creating a new team inside a company. It works perfectly for turbulent situations when a business needs a quick boost after a pause or during uncertainties. Therefore, outsourcing started to grow in demand, and this trend is likely to stick for a while.

Why is software QA outsourcing the best solution for the future?

Testing is an essential stage of a software development cycle. Offering your customers a product that hasn’t been thoroughly checked comes with risks, doesn’t it? But this task is not an easy one. Developers and team enthusiasts can check the basics, but they don’t know all the subtle aspects. So entrust this work to people who love it and can offer expertise your team may lack. Below, we have described a few reasons why a specialized quality assurance & testing company will do it perfectly.

Efficient results of the offshore QA testing

If a company doesn’t have a QA team, developers and product owners don’t need to be distracted by testing and identifying bugs in the program operation. Professionals will take care of that, doing it more efficiently. Besides, when working with a company located in a different time zone, you may get results even faster. After all, they are testing while you are sleeping 🙂

Forget about micromanagement

The entire process from start to finish is delegated to another company. A QA specialist becomes a part of your team thanks to direct and close communication. Meanwhile, all the management-related moments remain the responsibility of a partner company, and you can focus on internal processes instead.

Stay innovative with software testing outsourcing

QA outsourcing companies work in a particular area, which means that they are comprehensively immersed in studying it. They tend to have a very high level of understanding of the services they provide, use the latest technology, have cutting-edge knowledge. They are always up to date on the latest trends and can apply all possible testing methods. When you work with such a company, you get all the benefits of their large tank of knowledge.

Automated testing to optimize software delivery

Companies that provide test automation services help save a lot of effort and optimize long-term spendings. Automated testing is not easy to set up, and it requires relevant expertise. An outsourcing company can advise on what parts to automate and maintain an automation test suite in the future. One of the main advantages of software QA outsourcing is an opportunity to request on-demand testing or agree upon the number of hours your project needs.

Fresh Look by QA outsourcing companies

It will be difficult for people to find mistakes in a program they have created all by themselves. Another team of professionals will be able to objectively and impartially check every little detail and assess all possible risks.

Guaranteed security

When delegating testing to partners, there is no need to provide information about the code. By complying with international ISO and GDPR standards, you can be sure that your intellectual property rights will not be violated.

The keys to successful software quality assurance outsourcing

We have listed just a few of the advantages of cooperation with outsourcing testing companies. But there are pitfalls here as well. For example, if you do not take into account the mentality and values of other cultures, you can get into an unpleasant situation. As a rule, you won’t find it difficult working with East European companies. Employees understand western business culture, are proficient in English (and sometimes other languages, too), and care about their reputation enough to deliver the expected level of services.

To get the maximum benefit from cooperation with QA outsourcing companies, you should consider all the possible difficulties. Below are the things that may need special attention.

Choose the software testing outsourcing companies responsibly

It is the main condition for a good result. Pay attention to the company’s reputation in the market, qualification, tools and techniques they use. Check for case studies on their website. Ask about the experience relevant to your product and field.

Sign the comprehensive agreement

Take into consideration that cooperation will be most successful only if both sides are winners. That is why you should thoroughly discuss the contract terms and the peculiarities of future cooperation.

Productive communication

Poor communication can spoil your relationship with the partners and create misunderstandings. As a result, it can influence your time and expenses seriously. There are some to consider here to prevent such an outcome:

• Clear purpose and description of the testing task.
• Coordination between company employees and outsourcing specialists.
• Use of the most convenient channel of communication for all.
• Periodic control of the testing process – verification of documentation, discussion of completed and planned activities, and reporting the results.

Final thoughts

The world is changing rapidly. The events of 2020 have further speeded up this transformation, which is affecting all areas of our lives. But along with this, we were able to look in a new way at the usual things, to recognize previously underestimated opportunities. With face-to-face communication being limited, we need to pay special attention to the remote possibilities for communication and work. Remote QA resources help to support the development when adding in-house specialists is not an option. If you still have any doubts regarding QA outsourcing you can reach us. We’ll help to clarify the things and tell you more about the processes and services that may be helpful for your product’s quality boost.