Mobile Quality Assurance

Every day there is a news release declaring the launch of new mobile device and soon after the launch of applications! The mobile application market seems to be cramped with loads of applications every day. In a new study, there is apparently a gold rush waiting to happen in the next three years and here are the expected numbers by 2013:

Estimated number of smartphone users: 160 million
Estimated number of smartphone app downloads: 7 billion
Estimated revenue from smartphone app downloads: $4.2 billion

The nature of competition is sure getting fierce as the below chart predicts what the near future looks like.

Mobile companies simply hurl one option after another to the user to choose from? So how does the user make his choice? What should be the basis of choice? Well unanimously users would say quality. Ah, don’t we all hanker after the best quality?

Are you completely assured?

Today’s mobile applications deliver complex functionality on platforms that have limited resources for computing. Yet, unlike the PC-based environment, the mobile environment comprises a plethora of devices with diverse hardware and software configurations and communication intricacies. This diversity in mobile computing environments presents unique challenges in application development, quality assurance, and deployment, requiring unique testing strategies.

Testing is one of the most important segments in application development process. As numerous applications are squeezed into mobile phones and customers become ever demanding, the mobile application market sees a surge in demand. Keeping this in mind, mobile application developers and handset manufacturers should understand the importance of testing and assuring the quality of the applications.

What seems to be simple enough, quality assurance is a challenging task. With various operating systems and sizes, test results vary from one to one. To add more woe to this is the fact that the market is packed with numerous service providers. Thus results vary from one to another. There can be no single solution for all as results will differ in accordance with the above mentioned factors. Hence quality assurance of mobile applications is indeed a difficult task which requires lots of precision and care.

Quality Assurance: A challenge!

The unique challenges in testing mobile applications come from the diversity of the device environment, hardware and networking considerations, multiple operating systems and Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodologies.

Ø Diversity in device environment: The world of mobile computing is complex and composed of various mobile devices and underlying software. Some of the challenges faced due to this condition are:

· Every mobile device has different display screens, due to this the depiction of images and positioning of elements on the screen varies from device to device.

· Application runtimes differs from device to device. Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW), Java and embedded visual basic runtime are some of the commonly used runtimes in mobile devices. Thus applications should be tested for variations specific to runtime.

Ø Hardware configuration and Network related challenges: When dealing with mobile devices, one deals with lesser memory and processing power than the PC environment. Unlike the network landscape of the PC environment, the network landscape of the mobile device may have gateway (access points between the wireless internet and cable internet). Some of the drawbacks due to challenges related to this are:

· Due to limitations in memory size of mobile device there might be variations in performance of applications across different types of mobile handsets. Herein testing programs should ensure that the application deliver optimum performance for all desired configuration of hardware.

· Some devices communicate through WAP while some through HTTP. Application should be tested for compatibility with WAP as well as HTTP enabled devices.

· Various network connections take different time for data transfer. Thus when applications communicate over network boundaries there might be irregularities in data transfer. Thus accurate testing should be done to measure the network traffic that could possibly hinder data flow.

Ø Rapid Application Development (RAD) Methodologies: Time to market is a key factor that decides upon the quality of the application. In order to meet delivery deadlines, RAD methodologies are used to save time. With the use of RAD tools the time taken to develop the applications is lessening, hence the application is put up for testing much earlier. Thus the testing team is put into much pressure to complete testing and make the application ready for market.

Ø Multiple OS: With a number of operating system in the market, applications are made to run in more than one platform. Thus testing of application would mean testing each application on more than one operating system. Even while providing applications for only one OS type, there can be significant configuration diversity. For example, The Symbian operating system has multiple UI layer alternatives, with Series 60 and UIQ the most common. Even the Microsoft OSs for Windows Mobile-based Smartphones and Pocket PCs, differ sharply from each other. Thus all these variables make for a challenging test environment.

Thus testing embodies a huge range of subjects that has to be kept in mind while testing a mobile application. The testing sphere is huge and hence requires extra precision while testing applications. With the challenges increasing day by day, quality testing becomes a challenging job. The above mentioned challenges are the common ones; however there might be other unique problems that might crop up while testing.

Broadly speaking, quality assurance process checks the main factors like Functionality, Reliability, Usability, Efficiency, Maintainability and Portability of the application. The spectrum of testing services is huge and the below given figure broadly outlines the main functions of the testing services.

Face the challenge!

A quality assurance environment based on precision and right methodology ensures better testing of application. So what are the critical factors that determine the success of mobile testing programs? Let’s have a look at them.

Ø Use of test automation: Manual execution of test cases can at times be time consuming and faulty as well. Thus automating the important areas of testing can yield better results.

Ø Use of emulators and actual devices: applications that are independent of device can be tested via emulators however actual devices should be used to validate the results.

Ø Testing for application complexity: Due to diversity in mobile hardware and platforms, testing programs need to check for compatibility test besides other standard tests.

So where do we stand?

As quality assurance evolves to be such an important aspect in mobile application, hence organizations comprehending to deploy mobile applications much have a full proof plan for testing. Weighing and measuring each and every factor that influences the quality of the application will help in better testing of the application.

With more and more users are moving towards iPhone, BlackBerry, Android etc, application development companies are coming out with new applications almost every day. Ensuring a good quality of the application thus becomes the foremost requirement of the companies. Herein is the need for quality assurance of mobile applications.

DbyDx Software, today announced the launch of its new version of BlackBerry SMS scheduler & BlackBerry E-mail scheduling software, TXTLater. This software, specially customized for the BlackBerry users, has been widely used and recognized across the globe. TXTLater enables customers schedule SMS/E-mails for a select date and time and the message would be delivered automatically! Now with the launch of its new version TXTLater would support Call scheduling. This feature would enable users to schedule calls for the future just like SMS/E-mails and the user would be reminded about the scheduled call accordingly!

The upgraded version of TXTLater has been developed keeping in mind the day to day need of professionals across the world. The software has already been accepted and applauded for its user friendly nature. With the latest version, users can now schedule SMS/E-mails/Calls for the future and worry less about missing out on important events or meetings! The upgraded version of TXTLater would be supported by every network carrier across the world and is offered at a nominal price of US $ 6.99.

Mobile phones have come to be an integral part of human lives. Hence mobiles with enhanced features and facilities are always in demand. TXTLater is one such software which has made life a little easy for the busy businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals of today. TXTLater would be available for purchase from BlackBerry App World and also from DbyDx website.

“The family that eats together, stays together”, the old saying fits best when it comes to DbyDx family. The recent recession has witnessed shutting down of companies and job cuts across the world. The financial turmoil has played havoc with lives of people, and its aftermath has plunged the world economic condition into a tight situation. Study shows that it will take a long time for the world economy to get back to a strong position. Amidst such testing times, we have successfully stood our ground and kept our family intact.

At DbyDx we believe that employees are pillars on which the entire organization stands. Dedicated and hard working employees can be assets for any company. Companies that have understood the real worth of their work force are the ones that have survived the rough weather. Thus even during the hard times DbyDx family stayed intact and faced the challenge. The recession has slowed the process of growth but not stopped us. What made all the difference, was the way we looked at troubled times. For DbyDx it was the time to hone our skills and grab every opportunity.

At DbyDx we have successfully retained our growth plan and thus have consistently increased our work force to strengthen our team. Even during the times of recession, there was no hold on hiring. At DbyDx we believe that a dedicated and skilled workforce can make all the difference. Our expansion plan never took the back seat and we have successfully maintained the winning streak by winning new clients and successfully completing projects on time.

The faith and mutual trust at DbyDx is what holds us together and the bond is strengthened in times of trouble. We have sailed through the hard times together and now look forward to take the ship to a safe harbor!

Did you ever think that a simple photo taken, of an object, through your mobile can give you detailed information of the object? Imagine yourself in a botanical garden and while you click pictures of the rare trees and plants, specific details of every species would be visible on your mobile screen! Amazing, isn’t it? Well thanks to Augmented Reality!

Augmented reality takes a real-time object or space as the foundation and incorporates technologies that add on contextual data about the object to enhance the understanding of the person. Data can be added in various forms, for example audio commentary, location data, historical facts. Augmented reality has been used in number of fields like medical, aviation, museums and education. Many mobile companies are going for augmented reality which is now becoming a famous feature in high end mobile handsets.

The technology used varies from segment to segment; some require headgears while some requires GPS. The real motive behind augmented reality is to bridge the gap between the reality seen by the user and the facts and content provided by technology. With more and more people getting tech savvy, such technologies pose as a great opportunity for companies to expertise in this. As computing hardware—both wired and wireless—approaches ubiquity, new opportunities emerge to use technology to enrich individuals’ experiences of objects and places.

It is remarkable that more and more Indian IT companies are trying their hands in latest innovations and have successfully concluded projects. At DbyDx, we believe in constant churning of new ideas. Augmented Reality is one such arena where DbyDx has proved its talent and is now enhancing and honing the skills to make it one if the best players in the market.

The recent financial crunch has shown us the hard way to success. As the world fights to recuperate from this crisis, companies look at different ways in maintaining business balance. Expectations are reset, cost saving measures are taken, however some believe that recession brings in great opportunity. Opportunity in terms of development, growth and assessment.

Let’s take recession as a summer/winter recess that of a school. Typically during a recess, a student completes his/her assigned homework as well as prepare themselves for the next term. Keeping in mind this example, companies can take recession as a time to assess their skill, acumen and recognize the possibility of growth. Such recess stands as a great opportunity for companies to innovate & develop so that when the market turns around, companies are completely ready to take on the challenge. It’s best to utilize this time to think differently!

From a recent research it was found that the Indian IT industry is inadequate in terms of innovation. It is concern, because innovation is the future. In next 10 years more than 80% work will be on technologies which don’t exist today. DbyDx through its steady rearech and innovation is at the edge of latest technology innovations in the IT Industry. In order to make path breaking contribution to the development of mankind, innovation is imperative. What actually holds the key is equal amount of innovative drive from small/mid-sized and big IT companies. DbyDx, through its constant innovation has witnessed a growth of 145% while nearly all companies have been moving at a flat growth rate!

Keeping in mind India’s favorable position even in times of trouble, the IT industry should make innovation the mantra. The time is apt to churn out ideas that will build the road ahead! The pace at which small/mid-sized IT companies in India is growing is a healthy sign. With equal participation from the IT giants as well as the growing ones, a healthy economic environment would be ensured.

However much needs to be done in terms of taking the task of innovation forward. An all-round effort has to be taken in all aspects of innovation.

July 2009: DbyDx launches TXTLater for BlackBerry

A first in its stride, from the in-house DbyDx Labs, DbyDx Software brings for the BlackBerry user - TXTLater.

TXTLater is an SMS and Email messages scheduling application for BlackBerry users. TXTLater allows you to schedule SMS and Email messages to be sent at chosen date, time, and recurrence (e.g. once, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly).

DbyDx Software is a worldwide provider of technology, outsourcing, and consulting services to start-up, emerging and established technology companies. DbyDx is an emerging leader in the outsourcing and offshoring market in web and mobile applications development and has a history of developing breakthrough solutions. Thousands of organizations around the world use DbyDx’s unique Hybrid Extreme Programming (DbyDx HXP) Concept and have become high-performance enterprises and industries. DbyDx has extensive experience in managing large IT applications in real time as well as in providing high value services around packaged enterprise applications.

TXTLater is for you if:

• You need to send a birthday/Season’s greetings and don’t want to forget about it .
• You need to send Email and SMS messages to person in USA from Europe at times when he/she doesn’t need to wake up to read it.
• You would like to send a calendar entry with appointment information to remind somebody about the upcoming meeting (eg. 4 hours before the meeting starts).
• You may need to check your credit/debit balance in your bank account by sending an SMS (if your bank supports this) and do not want to forget about it.
• You need to send a meeting reminder.
• You need to fully automate the process of sending messages on schedule.
• You want to send a message at the selected time and date.
• You need to attach files (Email message only) to the scheduled messages.

For more information, please visit http://www.dbydx.com/txtlater/

• Founded in 2005

• Ranked 1st in major Online Outsourcing Marketplaces

• Backed by investors from the prestigious Harvard Business School and the esteemed Indian Institutes of Technology

• Developed over 10 iPhone applications

• Served over 50 early-stage and established technology companies in Mobile Application space, Web Application development, and Quality Assurance

• High ROI on investments of our clients due to our unique Hybrid Extreme Programming (DbyDx HXP) Concept

• 300% YOY growth rate since incorporation

• 85% repeat business

• Headquarter in New Delhi, India

• Global Delivery Center in Noida, NCR, New Delhi, India

For more information, please visit www.dbydx.com