Software QA FYI - SQAFYI

The Mercury Interactive Maturity Model for Performance Testing - Pt. 1

By: Scott Moore

I have been studying the maturity model put forth by Mercury around performance testing. Here's a graphic representation of it.

I have some thoughts about it, but before I get off on a rant, I thought it was only fair to put some brief points and descriptions around each phase. Obviously, this is borrowed from the CMM model.

Take a look at some of the qualities below that describe the stages and think about where your own company fits into this model. If you are a consultant, think about the clients you have been at over the last 6 months. How do they rate?

Stage 1: Project Testing

Little or no testing infrastructure Ad-hoc testing No formal reporting and limited visibility No Scheduling. In-house resources pushed to get testing completed right before production roll-out. No standard test tool. Freeware from the web or whatever you can get Limited knowledge of performance testing methodology. Unclear objectives. "Just get the project done"

Stage 2: Product Utility

24x7 enterprise-wide testing infrastructure Management console and reports Resources scheduling Web-enabled, collaborative testing Best in class testing capabilities

Stage 3: Service Utility

Provides testing services across multiple lines of business Processes: known standards, collaborative workflows Project management Internal billing capabilities Dashboard: visibility into project status

Stage 4: Performance Authority

Standardized services and metrics based on best practices Real-time visibility and end-to-end traceability Knowledge / expertise sharing Centralized management and authority Testing community

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The Mercury Interactive Maturity Model for Performance Testing - Pt. 1