Best Practices in Modern Software Development

July 5, 2023

Software development has become the driving force behind innovation and success in the digital era. Organizations must embrace best practices that optimize their development processes and deliver superior software products to thrive in this dynamic landscape. From planning to deployment, we'll explore techniques, features, and strategies that empower teams to build robust and scalable applications. Let’s uncover actionable insights to accelerate development cycles and ensure success in today's competitive environment.

AI/ML's Impact on Development & Test Automation

April 19, 2023

What are AI & ML?

AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) refer to the use of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing images, making predictions, and learning from experience. More specifically, “artificial intelligence” is an umbrella term that includes a variety of subcategories, such as machine learning, natural language processing, machine vision, and more (similar to our basic senses).

TestProject Discontinued - Need Alternatives?

January 9, 2023

Recently it was announced that the free test automation tool - TestProject - has been discontinued and will be end of life on March 31, 2023. Beginning November 16, 2022, the creation of new TestProject accounts will be disabled and on March 31, 2023, all previously existing TestProject accounts will be deactivated and access to the platform will be revoked. If you are looking for alternatives to TestProject, we've created a handy list of automated testing tools to make this decision easier.

Quality Assurance vs. Testing

December 13, 2022

One of the biggest misnomers in software projects is that quality and quality assurance is the same thing as testing, which is a big misconception. Quality encompasses a much larger responsibility, including the quality of an organization’s processes, people, training, systems and culture.

Risk Management and Software Quality: Expert Panel Webinar Recap

October 5, 2022

September 8, 2022: Inflectra and Tezza Business Solutions collaborated in a joint webinar aimed to raise awareness of the importance of the symbiotic relationship between Risk Management and Software Quality Assurance, particularly related to the financial industries in West Africa. The webinar brought together three eminent panelists, West Africa’s first EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester, Obadare Peter Adewale, Head of Enablement for FNB Mozambique, Gui Texeira, and the Chief Executive Officer of Tezza Solutions, Roland Omoresemi. The session was moderated by Inflectra’s Enterprise Agile Evangelist, Sriram Rajagopalan, who navigated the panelists through the challenges of adopting Agile framework in West Africa, the binding regulations in the financial industry, and the technology tools required to improve transparency, inspection, and adaptation. 

Reviewing the 10 Best API Testing Tools for 2022

March 17, 2022

API testing is a type of software testing that analyzes an application program interface (API) to ensure it meets expectations in terms of functionality, reliability, performance, and security. Since APIs play a major role in our digital lives, API testing ensures that the application is running in an efficient and seamless manner for the end user.

Why You Should Use SpiraPlan If You Care About Software Quality

October 28, 2021

Recently we were interviewed by TestBash for its 30 Days Of Testing Tools event on Oct 28, 2021. Below you will find the answers to many thoughtful questions about how we build, test, and sell our agile program management platform - SpiraPlan. I hope you will find the answers informative. 

Your Web App <> #TestBowl 2021 - Inflectra's Software Testing Challenge

September 4, 2021

Are you working on a beta version of an app, software, or website that is ready for testing? Are you looking to avoid turning your customers into testers? We hear you, and we have a fun solution for you - bring your app/software or website to #TestBowl Christmas 2021 Edition!

As part of the Inflectra-run software testing competition - #TestBowl Xmas Edition on December 9, 2021, we offer to crowd-test your web app or software for free! 

Apply before December 1, 2021!

#TestBowl 2.0 - It's A Wrap, Folks

June 28, 2021

On June 24, Inflectra hosted its second virtual software testing competition in 2021 - #TestBow 2.0. If you missed this fun event, here is a very quick recap!

#TestBowl 2021: Inflectra's Virtual Software Testing Competition

February 19, 2021

On February 11, 2021, Inflectra held its first virtual software testing competition - #TestBowl 2021! The event was a huge success, and everyone had a ton of fun! 

How did Inflectra manage to pull off a truly entertaining virtual event and what lessons were learned?

Find the answers inside.

How To Leverage #TestBowl 2021 To Crowd-Test Your App

November 16, 2020

If you have a new app, software, or website that is ready for testing, we have a free and fun way to help you out. As part of the Inflectra-run software testing competition - #TestBowl, we are offering to crowd-test your software for free! 

All you need to do is apply before February 1, 2021!

Transform Software Testing and Quality with NeoLoad and Inflectra | InflectraCon 2020 IRL

October 31, 2020

Today, we present an InflectraCon 2020 IRL talk by our Sponsor - Neotys called Transform Software Testing and Quality with NeoLoad and Inflectra. The session takes a deep dive into how to automate your performance test and start testing earlier, reminding the viewers of the value of the integration between NeoLoad, SpiraTeam, and Rapise.

Enjoy the presentation below!

Spira for Non-Software Applications: Covid-19 Mask Testing | InflectraCon 2020 IRL

October 30, 2020

Our annual user conference - InflectraCon 2020: Agile Software Testing & DevOps Conference is in the rearview mirror. Today, we are proud to present the Inflectra In Real Life (IRL) talk by our partner sponsor - NVP Software Solutions, called Spira for Non-Software Applications: Covid-19 Mask Testing.

The session focuses on how Spira supports the testing of Covid-19 masks under varying conditions and the transit application.

Enjoy the recording below!

It’s Automation Jim... But Not As We Know It! | InflectraCon 2020 IRL

October 26, 2020

Today, we present an InflectraCon 2020 IRL talk called: It’s Automation Jim... But Not As We Know It! by our dear friend, Aaron Athfield, the Technology Director at Ceefa Software. The session demos the WorX Manual Testing Accelerator for SpiraTest. Enjoy the presentation below!

Webinar Recap: NERC-CIP: Top Testing & Compliance Challenges & How To Address Them

June 4, 2020

On June 2, 2020, Inflectra's Adam Sandman and NVP Software Solutions' Neil Price-Jones hosted a joint webinar on NERC-CIP: Top Testing & Compliance Challenges & How To Address Them. 

The webinar covers the following:

• Key challenges in testing and developing software for the energy industry
• Key NERC-CIP requirements for operating North America's bulk electric system
• Best Practices in addressing NERC-CIP compliance
• Technology and tools: How SpiraPlan can transform your testing, verification, and compliance of NERC-CIP. 

If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording here 👇.

New Ways To Use Project Management Software for More Efficient Projects

April 1, 2020

Project management software has been around long enough that it’s fairly ubiquitous for businesses of all types. Teams from sales and marketing to manufacturing and software development use project management software to organize the myriad moving parts of business projects. But modern project management software doesn’t stop at tracking projects. Valuable features and reporting built right into today’s PM platforms make it easy for teams to use the software to help them build better processes, save time, and increase profitability across an organization.

Webinar Recap: How To Accelerate Software Testing, Validation & Compliance Of Your Medical Trials

March 30, 2020

On March 25 2020, Inflectra's Adam Sandman headlined a live webinar called: How To Accelerate Software Testing, Validation & Compliance Of Your Medical Trials. The webinar focuses on compliance with HIPAA and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and discusses how SpiraPlan makes that compliance front and center of your software development and testing initiatives. 

If you missed the webinar, please enjoy this recap, complete with a video recording.

Webinar Agenda:

The webinar covered the following areas: 

• The urgency around Software Validation & Testing
• Best practices in Software Validation & Testing
• SpiraPlan Compliance Features: Electronic Signatures, End-to-End Traceability, Audit Trails.

Webinar Recap: Agile Engineering Practices for Software Product Development

December 12, 2019

On December 5, 2019 Inflectra hosted a live webinar: Agile Engineering Practices for Software Product Development. If you missed the webinar, here is a recap of the most important take-aways:

Blog: Agile Engineering Practices for Software Product Development

December 6, 2019

In the following blog post, Sriram Rajagopalan - Inflectra's Enterprise Agile Champion, covers a number of key aspects of Agile Engineering practices. Among them are: technical excellence, general trends in agile engineering as well as practical recommendations for those how plan on undertaking a project like this.

This blog complements Inflectra's December 5th webinar on the same topic, with the webinar recording available inside. 

Webinar #Recap: Friends and Foes of Software Test Automation

June 26, 2019

We have recently hosted our 4th live webinar: Friends and Foes of Software Test Automation, from the series called: Test Automation, Demystified. The goal of series is to build the participants’ basic understanding, and a skill set to start using test automation in their work.

We are sharing the most important take-aways from the webinar.

Webinar #Recap: From Manual to Automated Software Testing

May 17, 2019

On May 15, Inflectra hosted a webinar: From Manual to Automated Software Testing, as part of webinar series called: Test Automation, Demystified. The goal of series is to build the participants’ basic understanding, and a skill set to start using test automation in their work.

If you missed the webinar, we understand - and are happy to share with you the most important take-aways.

Webinar Recap: Cutting the Costs And Improving The Software Quality with SpiraTeam®

March 15, 2019

On March 7th, 2019, Inflectra and #SriramRajagopalan hosted a webinar on Cutting the Costs And Improving The Software Quality with SpiraTeam®. This is the 4th webinar in the certificate series called: Journey Into Agile With Inflectra - A Free Webinar Course.

If you missed the webinar, please enjoy the recap in this blog.

Blog: Cutting Costs and Managing Software Quality

March 14, 2019

The concepts of quality have been talked for several decades. There are numerous quality gurus that have advanced simplistic frameworks that have stood the test of time and are applicable even today. 

Inflectra Supports Country-Level Software Testing Cups

January 30, 2019

Software testing enthusiast everywhere will be happy to learn about Inflectra's new initiative to sponsor country-level software testing competitions all over the globe. 

Free Crowd-Testing of Apps - #TestBowl by Inflectra

January 24, 2019

Do you have a new app, software or website that is ready for real-life testing by professional testers?

We have a FREE and FUN way to help you out!

As part of the Inflectra-run software testing competition - #TestBowl, we are offering to crowd-test your software for free!

All you need to do is apply before March 15th!

Software Testing Bowl 2018 - Highlights & Lessons Learned

October 29, 2018

Inflectra's inaugural Software Testing Bowl is now in the past and we are taking a moment to share the highlights and reflect on the lessons learned from the event.

Lessons Learned from Using Rapise to Develop/Test Rapise

September 10, 2018

If you remember our blog post - The Cobbler's Children Have No Shoes - then you'll remember that we lamented that it's often hard to practice what you preach when it comes to yourself, because you are so busy delivering first for customers! Well, as a prequel to that, we realized that it was worth mentioning how ended up using Rapise to debug issues in Rapise itself!

How to Wreck Your UI Test Automation Project - A Cheat Sheet

September 4, 2018

A while back we wrote about how to make a UI test automation project a nightmare, well in the second part of this blog series, we explore some ways you can wreck and derail an automation project. Hopefully, you will do the opposite and become a test automation hero!

The Cobbler's Children Have No Shoes

August 22, 2018

One of the most famous expressions is that the people who are in the business of a providing a particular service are so focused on delivering for their customers, that they don't practice what they preach for themselves. For example, the cobbler who repairs shoes, has no time to fix those of his family. However that analogy is unfortunately often the same when you look at software...

Join Us at STARCANADA | Oct 14

August 14, 2018

The STARCANADA (https://well.tc/wbb2) full conference program is now available online!

Explore what the premier conference for software testing professionals has in store. Start making plans to join the fun from October 14–19 in Toronto at the Hyatt Regency Toronto.

**Exclusive Offer** inside!

Becoming Agile In Software Testing: The Government Edition - Webinar Recording

June 15, 2018

Thank you for joining our June 12th webinar on Becoming Agile In Software Testing: The US Government Edition. The webinar recording and slides are offered below for those who had to miss it. 

The 2nd Social Testing Competition - Inflectra & AspireLabs

May 21, 2018

We did it again!

We hosted another #awesome Social Testing^TM Competition!  

We would like to start by thanking the dedicated group of software testers who braved the pouring rain and heavy traffic to get to Tyson’s Corner, VA. We hope that being greeted by smiling WeWork community managers, friendliness of #teamInflectra, delicious Vietnamese food and fun software testing competition made it all worthwhile!

Testers Don't Panic @ STPcon2018 Testing Conference in Newport Beach, CA

April 16, 2018

Team Inflectra were pleased to sponsor the 2018 Spring Software Testing Professionals Conference (STPcon) in Newport Beach, CA last week. We met a lot of inspirational speakers and had a chance to demonstrate the latest version of our award-winning SpiraTest - a software test management system to the attendees. We also got to give away lots of cool Inflectra swag and prizes for winners of the STPcon raffle.

Notes from Inflectra's Hackathon - Social Testing Competition

March 15, 2018

On March 14, 2018 Inflectra hosted its inaugural software testing event (hackathon) called Social Testing Competition at WeWork Manhattan Laundry in Washington, DC.  

The event drew enthusiasm from the local software tester community with around 25 guest-testers. The group used a simplified version of Inflectra’s award-wining test management software -  SpiraTest  and tested a mobile app called Sickweather. The group was tasked with logging “technical bugs” and “usability issues” as two separate categories of incidents. (Technical bugs were worth 2 points and identified (reproducible) errors in the functioning of the application, whereas usability issues were worth 1 point and noted strange or confusing app behaviors.)

After about two hours of testing the app, the group collectively logged close to 250 issues into Spiratest’s centralized databank. (The unified test report will be delivered to the app owner for review and follow up).

By the end of the night, three winners were selected based on the points scored for the issues uncovered in the app.

We would like to take a moment here to recognize all women technologists who showed up, tested hard and walked away with prizes! Pleased to have you participate.

Face-to-Face with Inflectra - Find Us Where Software Testing Happens

January 31, 2018

Over the years, we at Inflectra, developed a taste for all the fun that takes place at software testing and agile software development events. We have also become active members of national and international tester communities. We love to share our knowledge as software engineers and learn from your experience as testers, developers and managers. 

So, the new year brings new opportunities for Inflectra to get up close and personal with software testing peeps out there. 

Apart from continuing with our now-traditional weekly webinars (a good way to meet new people), we have made plans to meet software testing superheros and agile gurus during the following events in the first half of 2018:

1. Social Testing - Washington, DC
2. STPCon - Newport Beach, CA
3. ISTC & DevGeekWeek - Israel
4. Agile Testing Days USA - Boston, MA

So if you are planning on attending one of these events, stop by to say hi!

How to Make UI Test Automation a Nightmare - A Developer's Guide

December 19, 2017

We are trying to prove ourselves wrong as quickly as possible, because only in that way can we find progress.
― Richard Feynman

There are many ways in which you can make the lives of test automation teams harder. If you are a developer or system architect and one of testers is the kind of guy you dislike, this article is for you. Enlightened by the sacred knowledge contained in this short article you will learn how to make UI of any application nearly untestable.

Alternatively, if you are a kinder soul and respect others' hard work, you may consider topics presented herewith as anti-patterns.

So, let's go.

Supporting Agile Software Testing in DC - D-CAST

December 5, 2017

We had the pleasure of sponsoring the local D-CAST meetup this month, celebrating the end of 2017 and all things agile and software testing related. Inflectra is a proud sponsor of the group and is looking forward to helping support more events in the Washington, DC area in 2018. During the meetup, Peter Kim discussed his new cool Slackbot called Mr. Jenkins.

Testers Assemble @ STPcon2017 Testing Conference in Washington, DC

October 2, 2017

Team Inflectra were pleased to sponsor the 2017 Fall Software Testing Professionals Conference (STPcon) in Washington, DC last week. We met a lot of inspirational speakers and had a chance to demonstrate the new exploratory testing features of SpiraTest to the attendees. We also got to give away lots of cool Inflectra swag and prizes for winners of the STPcon raffle.

Why You Should Join Our Technology and Innovation Meet-up Group

July 14, 2017

If you are a software company, like us, building and releasing software is pretty much up there with coffee, chocolate, and Game of Thrones. But our digital fortress could no longer contain our desire to make new friends in our own neighborhood of Silver Spring, MD. And while there is no shortage of #awesome Meet-Up groups and Eventbrite get-togethers in DC/MD/VA area, we are using our resources to make software testing fun and accessible for everyone who is interested locally. 

We are weaving a web of community connections through our regular coder internship program, our webinar series, and through our meetup group - Technology and Innovation Meet-up Group in Silver Spring, MA.

Meeting the Software Testing Community in Israel During QAGeekWeek, DevGeekWeek and the ISTC

June 25, 2017

During the past week, Team Inflectra had the amazing opportunity to visit Israel for the inaugural Israeli Software Testing Cup (ISTC). The ISTC was organized by one of our customers Anna Lucovsky (Mentor Graphics) and Inflectra was proud to sponsor the ISTC and DevGeekWeek 2017 (a week long celebration of software development and testing). In addition, we were fortunate enough to meet a lot of our long-term customers and people interested in improving the software development and testing during an evening meetup organized by Inflectra.

All This Talk of Real-life TestOps Environment...

June 12, 2017

We’ve mentioned before that Inflectra is sponsoring DevGeekWeek2017 in Israel later this month. One of the perks of being a sponsor is an ability to engage with the conference attendees through seminars and talks. It is then only natural that we decided to also contribute our experience, technical knowledge and testing wisdom to this conference.

So, we are sending #TeamInflectra’s crème de la crème - Adam Sandman, Inflectra’s Technical Director, to talk about A Real-life TestOps Environment during a seminar called: Real Testing Scenario Strategy lead by Anna Lucovsky on June 21, 2017.

The Top 5 Software Testing Pitfalls

June 2, 2017

You're testing the latest release of your software. Time is tight as always. Your mission is to find serious bugs, so they can be reported and fixed before the product goes out to customers.

Unlock The Secrets of SpiraTeam v5.1!

December 12, 2016

Spira v5.1 is now out! This blog gives you some insight into the release and discusses our accelerated release strategy going forward.

How to Succeed with Software Tools – Part 6

January 14, 2015

In this series of blog articles we examine some of the essential factors required for the successful implementation and use of software tools. In today's article we look at the danger of actually using too many tools or using such tools inappropriately. Read More

How to Succeed with Software Tools – Part 5

January 7, 2015

In this series of blog articles we examine some of the essential factors required for the successful implementation and use of software tools. In today's article we look at the importance of process and how the success or failure of a new tool can depend greatly on the process that has been put in place.

How to Succeed with Software Tools – Part 4

December 29, 2014

In this series of blog articles we examine some of the essential factors required for the successful implementation and use of software tools. Read More

How to Succeed with Software Tools – Part 3

December 17, 2014

In this series of blog articles we examine some of the essential factors required for the successful implementation and use of software tools. Read More

How to Succeed with Software Tools – Part 2

December 10, 2014

In this series of blog articles we examine some of the essential factors required for the successful implementation and use of software tools. This week we look at the need for continual post-implementation adaptation and refinement. Read More

How to Succeed with Software Tools – Part 1

December 3, 2014

The introduction of a new tool to a project or organization can be a stressful time for all involved. Not only does a new tool bring with it a learning curve for users to get up to speed on the product, it almost certainly demands some kind of change to existing processes. One serious mistake often made during this time is focusing too much on that previous process. Read More

I Believe in Test Automation, Do You?

August 29, 2014

If you grew up in the 1990s you will remember the science fiction program 'The X-Files' where agent Mulder had to convince a skeptical agent Scully that aliens did exist. Well unlike aliens, test automation is not something you have to believe in or not believe in, automation exists and it works.
Read More

Agile Waterfalls (Part 2)

June 19, 2014

For companies making the transition from traditional linear / phased methodologies (often called waterfall methodologies because of how they look like a series of waterfalls with arrows between them), to agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban, there is often a question of how make their methodology "more agile" without completely changing everything all at once. This two-part entry describes how you can embrace agile in an iterative or agile manner. Read More

Agile Waterfalls (Part 1)

June 17, 2014

For companies making the transition from traditional linear / phased methodologies (often called waterfall methodologies because of how they look like a series of waterfalls with arrows between them), to agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban, there is often a question of how make their methodology "more agile" without completely changing everything all at once. This two-part entry describes how you can embrace agile in an iterative or agile manner. Read More

Software Tools Are Like Football (Soccer)

June 12, 2014

Growing up, I played football / soccer at school. We were all much, much younger when we first learned the game; so young that I think we could barely even count up to eleven, so it should have been no surprise to the coach that he had some difficulty in conveying the idea of team sports. He wanted us to stop thinking of ourselves as individuals, which was not easy as we were only just beginning to develop our own individuality. As a result of our youthful enthusiasm, we each spent most of the time running after the ball as if that were the only way to win. Read More

Agile is Nothing New

April 23, 2014

When we talk proudly of adopting Agile processes for our projects, why do we do so with a somewhat superior air over the old tried and trusted methods of software development? Read More

The Software Chicken and the Egg

April 16, 2014

For a considerable period of time, we did well organized testing, but not against requirements that were formally defined.
Why was it deemed necessary to automate the test management process before there were any decent tools for recording exactly what we were testing for? Read More

Beware the Over-Engineered Software Product

April 8, 2014

When evaluating software features to either build or buy there is a tendency to want to have every possible feature even if it will be rarely (or event never used) on the off-chance that it could be useful. This post describes some of the pitfalls with this approach. Read More