Cloud testing is one of the most prominent types of software testing that utilizes the cloud to imitate realistic user traffic. The tests are performed in the cloud computing test environment and are meant to validate the software’s performance, scalability, security, and reliability. What makes cloud-based testing so popular is the virtually unlimited infrastructure that allows testers to scale up and down based on the load.
But what is cloud computing? Cloud computing is a platform based on the internet and remotely delivers hardware, software, and other computing services. There are three models of cloud computing: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Unlike traditional on-premise types of testing, cloud testing solves the problems of a limited budget, tight schedules, test reusability, as well as geographical issues. Cloud testing has the great benefit of quickly and cost-effectively spinning up on-demand load generators for Load Testing. Running tests in the cloud environment allows companies to take advantage of bottomless storage, cut testing time, and provide cost-effective products. What kinds of tests can you run in the cloud, and what are the benefits?
What is Cloud Testing?
Specialists distinguish between four main types of cloud testing.
- Testing of the cloud
Software as a Service (SaaS) application vendors and cloud providers are especially interested in testing the cloud itself to make sure it works well as a whole entity.
- Testing within the cloud
Similar to testing the cloud, this type of testing is carried out to evaluate each feature separately.
- Testing across the cloud
Testing across different types of cloud, private, public, and hybrid.
- SaaS testing in the cloud
SaaS testing checks the performance of software applications based on functional and non-functional requirements. The application undergoes various cloud non-functional and functional testing scenarios to ensure high performance, ultimate security, and great scalability.
Each type of SaaS cloud testing consists of the following parts:
- First of all, you proceed with testing cloud apps, including functions, end-to-end workflows, and data privacy, along with browser compatibility.
- Second, testing moves on to the network and evaluates the performance of bandwidths, protocols, and data transfers.
- Additionally, cloud testing involves testing infrastructure and checking the disaster recovery plan, backups, and other storage-related requirements.
Other testing types include security testing, multi-tenancy testing, performance testing, integration testing, stress testing, etc.
Benefits of Cloud Testing
As we have already mentioned, there are numerous advantages to using the cloud for testing. Let’s dive into the most important benefits.
- Real-life conditions allow for precision.
Executing tests in the cloud facilitates the closer to real-world conditions you can get. Using cloud computing resources, testers can simulate real-life user behavior from different geographical locations and network conditions and receive the most accurate results. If you stick to conventional testing options, you will not be able to test in the context of third-party traffic, disconnection, spikes in user load, etc. These almost ideal conditions do not objectively reflect the real world and leave you with unrealistic outcomes.
- On-demand scalability to increase speed and reduce cost
Cloud computing has solved the scalability issues for many platforms. Instead of trying to gauge the precise number of servers you need, you can go on an on-demand basis and select the services you need right now. Your cloud service provider will accommodate and help you to quickly adjust to increasing or decreasing user traffic. This is especially important for Load Testing, where the ability to quickly and cost-effectively spin up on-demand load generators on different geographical locations is key.
- Freedom of remoteness
Without the burden of monitoring the physical servers and mitigating power outages, system failures, and technical obsolescence of old machines, you can focus on the product itself and be more efficient. Besides, you can even delegate the real-time performance tracking to specialists from other countries, as sharing the testing environment will be no problem.