TestDirector allows testers to run tests on their local machines and then report the results to the repository that resides on a remote server.
Integrates with internal and third-party tools
Documented COM API allows TestDirector to be integrated both with internal tools (e.g., WinRunner and LoadRunner) and external third-party lifecycle applications.
Enables structured information sharing
TestDirector controls the information flow in a structured and organized manner. It defines the role of each tester in the process and sets the appropriate permissions to ensure information integrity.
Provides Analysis and Decision Support Tools
TestDirector's integrated graphs and reports help analyze application readiness at any point in the testing process. Using information about requirements coverage, planning progress, run schedules or defect statistics, managers are able to make informed decisions on whether the application is ready to go live.
Provides easy defect reporting
TestDirector offers a defect tracking process that can identify similar defects in a database.
Generates customizable reports
TestDirector features a variety of customizable graphs and reports that provide a snapshot of the process at any time during testing. You can save your favorite views to have instant access to relevant project information.
Supports decision-making through analysis
TestDirector helps you make informed decisions about application readiness through dozens of reports and analysis features.
Provides Anytime, Anywhere Access to Testing Assets
Using TestDirector's Web interface, testers, developers and business analysts can participate in and contribute to the testing process by collaborating across geographic and organizational boundaries.
Provides Traceability Throughout the Testing Process
TestDirector links requirements to test cases, and test cases to issues, to ensure traceability throughout the testing cycle. When requirement changes or the defect is fixed, the tester is notified of the change.
Integrates with Third-Party Applications
Whether an individual uses an industry standard configuration management solution, Microsoft Office or a homegrown defect management tool, any application can be integrated into TestDirector. Through the open API, TestDirector preserves the users� investment in their existing solutions and enables them to create an end-to-end lifecycle-management solution.
Manages Manual and Automated Tests
TestDirector stores and runs both manual and automated tests, and can help jumpstart a user�s automation project by converting manual tests to automated test scripts.
Accelerates Testing Cycles
TestDirector's TestLab manager accelerates the test execution cycles by scheduling and running tests automatically unattended, even overnight. The results are reported into TestDirector�s central repository, creating an accurate audit trail for analysis.
Facilitates Consistent and Repetitive Testing Process
By providing a central repository for all testing assets, TestDirector facilitates the adoption of a more consistent testing process, which can be repeated throughout the application lifecycle or shared across multiple applications or lines of business (LOB).
Testing Process
Test management is a method for organizing application test assets�such as test requirements, test plans, test documentation, test scripts or test results�to enable easy accessibility and reusability. Its aim is to deliver quality applications in less time.
The test management process is the main principle behind Mercury Interactive's TestDirector. It is the first tool to capture the entire test management process�requirements management, test planning, test execution and defect management�in one powerful, scalable and flexible solution.
Managing Requirements
Requirements are what the users or the system needs. Requirements management, however, is a structured process for gathering, organizing, documenting and managing the requirements throughout the project lifecycle. Too often, requirements are neglected during the testing effort, leading to a chaotic process of fixing what you can and accepting that certain functionality will not be verified. In many organizations, requirements are maintained in Excel or Word documents, which makes it difficult for team members to share information and to make frequent revisions and changes.
TestDirector supports requirements-based testing and provides the testing team with a clear, concise and functional blueprint for developing test cases. Requirements are linked to tests�that is, when the test passes or fails, this information is reflected in the requirement records. You can also generate a test based on a functional requirement and instantly create a link between the requirement, the relevant test and any defects that are uncovered during the test run.
Test Planning
Based on the requirements, testers can start building the test plan and designing the actual tests. Today, organizations no longer wait to start testing at the end of the development stage, before implementation. Instead, testing and development begin simultaneously. This parallel approach to test planning and application design ensures that testers build a complete set of tests that cover every function the system is designed to perform.
TestDirector provides a centralized approach to test design, which is invaluable for gathering input from different members of the testing team and providing a central reference point for all of your future testing efforts. In the Test Plan module, you can design tests�manual and automated�document the testing procedures and create quick graphs and reports to help measure the progress of the test planning effort.
Running Tests
After you have addressed the test design and development issues and built the test plan, your testing team is ready to start running tests.
TestDirector can help configure the test environment and determine which tests will run on which machines. Most applications must be tested on different operating systems , different browser versions or other configurations. In TestDirector's Test Lab, testers can set up groups of machines to most efficiently use their lab resources.
TestDirector can also schedule automated tests, which saves testers time by running multiple tests simultaneously across multiple machines on the network. Tests with TestDirector can be scheduled to run unattended, overnight or when the system is in least demand for other tasks. For both manual and automated tests, TestDirector can keep a complete history of all test runs. By using this audit trail, testers can easily trace changes to tests and test runs.
Managing Defects
The keys to creating a good defect management process are setting up the defect workflow and assigning permission rules. With TestDirector, you can clearly define how the lifecycle of a defect should progress, who has the authority to open a new defect, who can change a defect's status to "fixed" and under which conditions the defect can be officially closed. TestDirector will also help you maintain a complete history and audit trail throughout the defect lifecycle.
Managers often decide whether the application is ready to go live based on defect analysis. By analyzing the defect statistics in TestDirector, you can take a snapshot of the application under test and see exactly how many defects you currently have, their status, severity, priority, age, etc. Because TestDirector is completely Web-based, different members of the team can have instant access to defect information, greatly improving communication in your organization and ensuring everyone is up to date on the status of the application
