Well, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model has grown immensely popular over the last few years. Some highlights of this model is that it provides quick deployment, resource reliability, reduced dependency on an internal system, and so on. The best thing about the SaaS model is that there is no need to install the software. All you need to do is to access the websites that provide this software and use it.

Knowing the SaaS Model

SaaS, also known as Software-as-a-Service is available to business houses via the internet. This model has done away with the need to install the application on individual computers or laptops. Rather, the application being a web-based solution, it can be accessed online via web-browser. Hence, it’s not only convenient, easy to access but also comes with a lot of features.

In terms of features and purposes, SaaS solutions are very diverse. However, the functionality and complexity of SaaS applications differ greatly from one product to another. It is crucial to test any software; however, with SaaS application testing, testers are faced with many challenges.

SaaS Testing

Do you have any idea about SaaS testing? No! Nothing to worry about. Follow the rest of the post to know more.

The advancement of the Cloud Computing concept has allowed SaaS platforms to acquire a remarkable place in the market. As you might know, it is providing diverse services through the clouds. Now, you must be wondering, where does SaaS application testing come into play?

Well, once the application development process is complete, the SaaS testing plays a great role. Depending on the type of software, the whole duration of the testing cycle is decided. To define SaaS testing precisely, it can be said that through this testing method, the quality of the software can be easily assured.

SaaS testing has done away with the traditional form of software testing. Why? Offices might have started to open in this new-Normal world, but they might not be able to function with full capacity as they used to do before. Hence, the previous mode of working might be a dream now. In this present scenario, employees are either coming to the office on a rotational basis; whereas, some are working from home permanently. Whatever might be the scenario, testing of software applications can’t be put to a grinding halt. Irrespective of the fact, whether one is working from home or their office, the SaaS testing model is ideal. After all, it can be accessed by the testers from anywhere and at any point of time.

Why Businesses Are Opting For It?

In this technology-laden world, business houses are making a move towards cloud computing, as well as to SaaS models for the delivery of software. In case, you are wondering why more and more businesses are going for the SaaS model, let’s take a look.

• Improved dependability, adaptability, and accessibility
• Decrease in the expense of software deployment and upkeep
• Simple recuperation for faults
• Brisk deployment of the software with greater accessibility
• Pay per use
• Persistent up-gradation and testing on account of the expansion of new features
• Interior framework conditions are diminished to numerous levels
• Adaptability in resource scaling and valuing
• SaaS applications update and overhaul (new deliveries) effectively and open up to the clients.

Thus, it can be said that SaaS application testing is the act of authentication and confirmation of SaaS applications concerning different parts, such as security, performance, and compatibility.

In comparison to traditional forms of testing, SaaS application testing offers the fastest and the most effective products. At the same time, the SaaS model has done away with hardware acquisition, maintenance, installation, and support cost. For the above-stated reasons, enterprises are going for SaaS testing nowadays. In this respect, one thing needs to be mentioned, that is, QA (Quality Assurance) of the product is required at multiple steps.

What’s The Need for QA for SaaS?

SaaS testing is considered to be much better than traditional testing. However, the Quality Assurance’ becomes a thing of concern. In case, an enterprise doesn’t have a proper QA resource with them, they can outsource it. For the time being, let’s focus on the importance of a proper QA.

The reliability of an application validated through performance testing isn’t enough. Through QA efforts, any enhancement can be kept in alignment with the organizational goals. It helps to add maximum value to the product.

Quality Assurance (QA) is, always showing signs of change, and the sudden burgeoning of SaaS applications across enterprises has caused some quick changes as of late. With SaaS, there’s an additional layer in the focal point of QA, i.e., the need to consider the client base and stage insight in general, instead of simply the usefulness in a little environment.

In case, you are still wondering about the need to invest in QA for the SaaS, read on.

• Each new SaaS is a custom arrangement dependent on explicit business needs. Similar to any item made from scratch, it needs an intensive investigation.
• SaaS functions as a Distributed Control System, all parts of which ought to be associated with one another effectively. You can’t guarantee this without running integration tests.
• A SaaS application accepts various features – access through web or phones, various kinds of client access, record altering, etc. A supplier needs to ensure every feature’s function as assumed before offering them to end-users.
• SaaS solutions intend to optimize the business measures and improve client experience. Potential SaaS clients have various degrees of capability with the software. Hence, it is essential to make the product user-friendly.

Well, SaaS application testing is a standard procedure. Hence, the QA team carries out a custom testing strategy, along with a test plan by focusing on the project requirement. However, various types of the testing methodology are followed.

Understanding the SaaS Testing Methodology

When you have opted for SaaS testing, you must be well- aware of the fact that this kind of testing has taken the center stage. The core-elements of SaaS testing is Applications, Infrastructure, and Network.

There are many crucial areas on which the SaaS testing is focused. Mentioned here are some of the areas. Have a look.

• Black box and White box testing is a part of component testing.
• Through functional testing, one can check if the application is functioning as per the need.
• The exploratory testing should be carried out on test cases.
• As a part of the infrastructure and security testing, the network security, integrity and accessibility, and security threats can be tested.
• Proper regression testing is needed for any up-gradation, data release, and migration for an application.
• Through reliability testing, any failure risk can be reduced during real-time deployment.
• To check the security of the network, all possible tests should be carried out.
• Since SaaS applications are relied upon to have a substantial burden, performance and scalability testing are needed to check the conduct of the application at top burdens, in numerous conditions.
• API testing is carried out to check the functionality, completeness, security, and performance of documentation
• Operational testing helps to deal with customer queries, billing, and payment.

To make an application batter, there come a lot of challenges. Dealing with these challenges is very important. Once it’s done, delivering a high-standard application is very easy.

Best Practices for Testing

Some of the best practices for SaaS testing are mentioned below. Take a look.

Improve SaaS testing efforts by taking a look into the different organizational patterns
Making use of a powerful hardware application for recognizing the application performance
Ensuring complete access to the test requirements as per the need of the SaaS applications
Timely testing of the application for its performance check

With the advancement of cloud testing, more enterprises are ditching the traditional testing format. The reason behind switching to SaaS testing is for its vast benefits.