What is Cloud-Based Testing?

The use of cloud services in order to build high-end test infrastructure that is scalable is called Cloud-Based Mobile Testing. And this cloud-based test infrastructure will be in charge of hosting the actual mobile devices (Android, IOS) or even emulators. Here in the blog, we shall discuss more the benefits as well as the liabilities or limitations of Cloud-Based Mobile Testing. So, you can have a proper understanding of whether you have to go for it or not.

Before we move into the blogs here is a note for the readers. Whether you require Cloud-Based Mobile Testing or not truly depends on your requirements rather than the benefits. This is to just guide you on a path where you know what’s next. In order to move further just check on your requirements closely and you’ll get your answer.

How do you know if you really need the Cloud-Based Mobile Application? Here’s our signature blog. Give it a read.

Benefits of Cloud Testing for Mobile Applications

The below pointers throw light on the various benefits that you can derive from Cloud-Based Mobile Testing.

24×7 availability:

Let’s get the basics right, a cloud is a place where a centralized server is connected to a bunch of machines that are located anywhere, and therefore you can avail all its services at any time. And so, you can test your app at any time from anywhere via the internet.

Additionally, you can also run your automated test scripts on geo-located machines at different time zones. Therefore making it a 24×7 service for running the tests.

Saves more Time:

You can execute thousands of tests or scenarios against 20 OS versions, on hundreds of device models all at once. You still save a ton of time. It actually covers around 20,00,000 test cases, scenarios at the same time.

Ideal for Agile Methodology

Agile works on cross-functional teams that work together in parallel, differently from the orthodox waterfall team that works on a step-by-step basis.

Using Cloud-Based Testing, every tester can get empowered with the same resources. It doesn’t matter where you live and what time zone you live in; all resources are provided in a centralized space and they are allotted in parallel, not on a step-by-step basis.

Less Expensive:

Let’s take for example the cost for a company for testing that requires 10 OS Vs 50 phone model testbeds. If you compare this to using an open-source or fully paid cloud-based testing tool it’s much less expensive. Therefore, Cloud-Based Mobile Testing is much less expensive than a mobile testbed.

Continuous Integration:

If your app is involved with continuous integration and in cases, it’s becoming difficult to verify the whole app then you can definitely look into Cloud-Based Mobile Testing. This can help in verifying the app’s stability and functionality and ultimately saves a lot of time. Just by giving a glance at the results, you can understand if the verification is passed or failed. Therefore Cloud-Based Testing is an ideal solution for Continuous Integration.

Improved Efficiency:

If there’s an emergency for a release you can quickly rely on the tool to prioritize the testbed and immediately execute the scripts. This way you can attain the results in less time when compared to performing a manual test. All this will add to the effectiveness and efficiency of the app and the team.

Liabilities/Limitations of Cloud-Based Mobile Application Testing

Although there are so many benefits of using Cloud-Based Mobile Testing there are also downsides to it. It’s not for everyone, every app, and every team.

Large Bandwidth:

Well, if you are using Cloud-Based Mobile Testing which is shared and made available to everyone to actually improve the effectiveness of the app, you need to have large bandwidth.

Unnecessary Tests and No backup system:

Well, to a greater extent all the Cloud-Based tools don’t have a backup facility to store your test plans or things like that. The aftermath of this effect can cause re-execution and it will cost a lot for the team.

Lack of Security:

Just imagine, you are submitting your app to an unknown Cloud-Based Testing tool and with that, you are giving away your data, your whole app information, and code at times. They might as well guarantee you that it’s 100% safe and secure there is still no assurance that they won’t get hacked.

Frequent Feature Changes:

In case your app is not stable then it is advised not to invest in Cloud-Based Testing for your good.
Separation of Testers and Lack of Communication:

One of the major concepts of this Cloud-Based Testing is to submit and access from anywhere and at any time. But, let’s not forget that at times it really becomes important for the testers to be physically present and look into things.
Now, why is that suddenly important? Because the team can pair up well and fix and verify if any big challenges arise. And it gets really difficult for the developers to get information on these major bugs if any person anonymously tested it and again another major bug gets reported.

Those are our final thoughts on the benefits and liabilities of having a Cloud-based Testing system and will leave you here. More interesting blogs are coming your way every Tuesday! And further, if you like the type of content you are reading, be sure to subscribe to our QA Touch blog posts for more interesting content. We create and send so much Testing joy to your inbox without making a noise. Also, give us a thumbs-up on social media, where we do all the fun and exciting content on Testing and Tech.