Testing telecom software
Telecoms testing is complex and multifaceted in an industry sector that is under great pressure to deliver reliable, secure and innovative services and products that constantly improve performance and provide a reliable and effective solution for the end users.
Thirty years ago the main challenge for telecom providers was to the delivery of basic fixed wire telecoms services. Since the 1980’s deregulation of the telecom sector in the UK the challenges have increased. The telecoms sector has moved relentlessly towards the goal of convergence of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
One of the main drivers in the telecomms industry is the need for increased speed and bandwidth. The recently published government interim report into ‘Digital Britain’ by Lord Carter, includes a 22 point action plan which outlines the government’s strategy for the UK’s digital transformation, along with the upgrading and modernising of all wired, wireless and broadband infrastructure and making broadband available to every house in Britain by 2012. It also highlights the strategic importance that the telecommunications industry plays in the future of UK PLC and the need for ‘Superfast’ connectivity in order to keep the UK in the forefront of the telecoms revolution and to gain competitive advantage by doing so.
In order to understand the specific challenges for the software testing market, we first need to understand the complexity and diversity within the Operational Support Systems (OSS) Architecture and the associated commercial and financial pressures that exist to ensure first to market products, which perform and function in the desired manner.
Telecoms providers are moving towards a standardised Service Orientated Architecture (SOA) that has an emphasis on reusability and common capabilities in order to deliver consistent customer experience. These architectures will support the full range of business activities including