A device lab is the foundation for testing and creating high-quality applications. However, traditional in-house device labs present numerous issues for testing teams, from bandwidth issues to excessive costs and resource expenditure. Automation especially suffers with traditional labs — in fact, lab issues alone cause more than fifteen percent of automated tests to fail.
Cloud testing allows teams to automate testing while accessing a broad range of devices, browsers, and operating systems. The benefits of cloud testing include cost and time savings, increased automation and collaboration, and more.
In this blog we will delve into the importance and benefits of cloud testing, as well as touch on some best practices for getting started with cloud testing.
What is Cloud Testing?
Cloud testing refers to the process of testing software on a real-device cloud, or device lab. With cloud testing, testers and dev teams gain access to thousands of real devices in one convenient virtual location.
Cloud Testing Overview
Throughout the software development life cycle, applications must be tested for everything from performance and security to accessibility, functionality, and more. Embracing a continuous testing model requires apps to be tested throughout the SDLC across different browsers, OSs, and devices.
However, setting up and maintaining an in-house device lab can prove both difficult and costly. With thousands of new devices and app upgrades released every year, the burden of maintaining an up-to-date in-house device lab is not always feasible.
Cloud testing is the solution to this problem. Cloud testing allows testing and development teams to access thousands of devices, including newer and older models, as well as operating systems that they would not otherwise be able to access in a traditional on-site lab. Cloud testing alleviates the burden of cost and saves time, allowing testing teams to focus on their tasks. This leads to greater accessibility, lower overhead, and more efficient testing.
Related Reading: Why Every Company Needs a Digital Lab
Why Do You Need Cloud Testing?
As apps are released onto the market, testing teams are required to continue scaling their testing efforts to ensure uniform quality, no matter the scope of the app. This involves faster and more extensive testing to ensure the app can handle increased load, while maintaining exceptional user experience.
Cloud testing allows testers to test for multiple users across devices, OSs, and browsers simultaneously throughout the SDLC and post-release without needing to update their device lab.
Furthermore, cloud testing facilitates test automation. Test automation requires access to numerous devices and versions, as well as robust reporting and analytics functionalities. With cloud testing, testers gain access to all necessary devices and features to enable advanced automation.
Related Reading: The Drawbacks of a DIY Mobile Device Lab Setup
The Benefits of Cloud Testing
As stated, in-house device labs do not have the tools or infrastructure needed to allow testers to successfully test on all real-world instances. Cloud testing is necessary for testing teams so that they can keep up with regular device upgrades, testing standards, and more.
Some other significant benefits of cloud testing include:
- Access to both new and older models of real devices in one convenient location.
- Accurate testing environments that enable testers to prepare their apps for real-world conditions.
- Ability to test faster and more efficiently across all devices, browsers, and operating systems.
- Enhanced collaboration across teams.
- Streamlined, efficient CI/CD workflows.
- Cross-platform testing, including all iterations of iOS and Android.
- Access to legacy platforms and OSs, including older versions of iOS and Android.
With these numerous benefits of cloud testing in mind, let us now explore some cloud testing best practices.
Cloud Testing Best Practices
If you are ready to get started with cloud testing, the following are best practices to keep in mind so that you get the most out of your testing:
- Choose a cloud testing platform that supports access to a wide range of real devices, browsers, and operating systems, including support of newly released versions.
- Ideally your cloud testing platform should integrate into your existing DevOps toolchain.
- Choose a cloud testing platform that allows you to test against real-world conditions, including network, battery level, and device orientation.
- Your cloud testing platform should also offer around-the-clock support with same-day access to new devices.
- Watch our cloud testing webinar to learn how leading teams are leveraging the public cloud to scale automation and streamline releases.
Related Reading: Test Coverage Guide
Bottom Line
Perfecto’s cloud testing device lab hosts thousands of real devices that can be accessed from any browser. With a singular mobile testing cloud lab, organizations can test faster and more efficiently. Perfecto’s cloud testing device lab includes:
- Open API to help integrate the Perfecto cloud testing lab into your existing DevOps toolchain.
- Instant access to 3000+ real devices.
- Test real-world conditions, including network, battery level, device orientation, and more.
- Get instant access to any new mobile device, platform, and web OS permutation.
- 24/7 support.
- Same-day access to new devices and versions.
- And more.
Take your testing to the next level with cloud testing from Perfecto. It is no wonder why Perfecto is trusted by over half of Fortune 500 companies. Experience Perfecto first-hand by signing up for a free 14-day trial today.