Cloud computing is an on-demand or pay-as-per-use availability of hardware and software resources. Cloud computing can be considered as a small shared pool that is made up of two words. Cloud: is a vast space to store data, and computing: is the use of computers.
Cloud Computing Models
SaaS(Software-as-a-Service)
These are on-demand applications. We do not own these services but can use them as per our needs against some amount. Example: Google mail and Google Drive.
PaaS(Platform-as-a-Service)
It provides a working environment for users to develop applications. With PaaS, users have the flexibility to take advantage of development and deployment tools without installing them on the premises. Example: force.com.
IaaS(Infrastructure-as-a-Service)
This includes PaaS and SaaS services and some additional cloud services. With an add-on, the user is provided with the underlying operating system, servers, security, and networking for developing applications under this service. Examples: Microsoft Azure and Amazon web services.
Types of Clouds
There are mainly 4 types of clouds
Public
This Cloud is given by third parties cloud service providers and is available to everyone. Example: Microsoft Azure
Private
In the Private Cloud, the cloud service providers are enterprise-specific. Data held in the private Cloud can only be shared among specific departments within the organization. Example: Oracle’s Private Cloud Appliance.
Hybrid
These combine public and private clouds, also known as heterogeneous clouds. Example: Ensono and DataCore Software.
Community
Cloud service providers can provide services to similar types of companies. Example: Media industry and Healthcare industry.
Software Testing as a Service over Cloud
Cloud testing is a process of testing resources using third-party service providers. Generally, software testing over clouds is carried out through the following steps:
- Creating different scenarios for the user
- Design the test case as per the requirement
- Select the cloud services provider
- Create Infrastructure
- Apply testing to the application
- Tracking goals and observations
- Delivery of the module
Types of Software Testing as a Service over Cloud
Functional
In this SaaS testing, features of the applications are tested concerning software requirements and the end users’ expectations. This testing includes integration testing, acceptance, and system testing.
Security
This testing is performed by third-party auditors, which protects cloud infrastructure from loopholes and vulnerabilities that might arise from data breaches.
Performance
This testing ensures the entire system’s stability in terms of workload and traffic. Performance tests incorporate speed checks, robustness, and application size.
Native
This testing helps create and amplify and optimize existing cloud applications and gives ways to develop new ones. Cloud-native SaaS testing helps reduce cost, faster release, enhance scalability, and make it easy to manage.
Endurance
As the name implies, endurance testing tests the application’s robustness and strength with loads. This Testing helps find memory leaks and sustainability regarding application response time.
Latency
Latency is simply the delay between the requests and responses. This delay should be as less as possible. Latency testing helps the user find the points responsible for increasing uncertainty.
Tools for Cloud Testing as a Service
Blazemaster
This tool is Apache JMeter compatible and offers various testing methods to perform performance testing, API (Application Programming Interface), and GUI (Graphical User Interface) functional tests.
CloudTest
It is a cloud-based SaaS testing tool that promotes automation testing primarily for mobile and web-based applications.
Nessus
This tool helps point out the application loopholes vulnerable to security and data breaches. This tool is famous in the healthcare and banking sectors.
LoadStorm
This is a load-testing tool that primarily tests the overall performance of any application when it is subjected to continuous load.
Environments within Cloud SaaS Testing
SaaS or Cloud-oriented Testing Environment: The SaaS cloud providers are taking care of this type of Testing. This testing ensures the application’s overall performance, security, and scalability. Functional, system, unit, and regression are some testing methods in this testing environment. Online-based Testing on Cloud: This is an internet-based test environment in cloud computing. The main objective is similar to that of a SaaS-oriented testing environment. This SaaS testing can be performed at the time of data migration to the cloud environment.
Benefits of Cloud Testing
Extensibility: Cloud-based testing provides various ways to test an application. This testing method has the capability to scale up and down as per the need. Fast Process: Cloud-based testing methods can help increase coordination among developers and testers and hence assist in completing the test process quickly compared to the on-premises testing methods. Cost Efficient: Since cloud computing promotes a pay-as-per-use methodology, it is cost-effective. You need to pay only as per your usage.
Challenges in Software Testing as a Service
Infrastructure Issues: Some challenges may occur during the creation of infrastructure to test applications. It is one of the major tasks under cloud computing and hence requires enough time to develop. Security Issues: Since more and more people are inclining their businesses towards Cloud, data needs to be secure at every level. Cloud systems need to be up-to-date with data privacy ways. Integration and Performance Testing Issues: Application modules might need to connect with other on-premises applications during integration and performance testing. These applications must also have frequent health checks as they may generate other loopholes in the existing system.
Conventional System VS Cloud-based system
Wrapping UP!
Compared to conventional systems, Cloud-based Testing is much more connected to the latest technologies. Hence, the process becomes seamless with fewer challenges.
