Methodology Independence

What methodology is appropriate for testing enterprise integration?  The answer is that with the proper tools, testing integration can fit into most any methodology. The challenge is that most project teams are trying to test integrated systems with GUI or code-based tools, which is not where the complicated aspects of integrated systems lie. Traditional GUI tools only scratch the surface and validate the contents of screens. In order to validate hundreds of thousands of alternative paths through an integrated system, the focus needs to be on the integration. Without tools that expose and automate the testing of integration, teams are forced to write stubs and harnesses, perform blind traces, form ad-hoc diagnostic teams, and coordinate extensive conferences.

With automated integration testing from Solstice, QA teams can take control of integration testing. They can capture the knowledge of business analysts and middleware specialists within test scripts. Using clear formatting of complex messages, QA staff can diagnose and repeatedly test integration with the same ease they test applications.  Solstice transforms complex message streams into easy to read, field-by-field reports. Errors can be drilled down to and displayed in color. Solstice also integrates with leading test management tools like Mercury TestDirector so that tests can be run and metrics consolidated in a familiar, standard environment.  

Most methodologies include early testing steps. Unavailable systems pose a unique challenge to integration testing. Testing early is often impossible without the availability of the system on the receiving end of the integration. Whether being used by developers in a unit test or QA staff in an end-to-end test, Solstice provides a Simulate module that emulates missing systems. Simulate allows integration testing to begin early in the development cycle when most methodologies recommend testing steps occur.  

With repeatable integration test automation, integration projects don’t need their own unique methodology. With the proper tools, virtually all development methodologies can be implemented on integration projects.