Frequently Asked Questions
Software Quality Services
What does software
testing accomplish?
Software testing will verify that the code written to perform the designed
function does indeed do what it was designed to within predetermined
parameters.
How is a module tested?
Given a set of requirements, the software module is exercised at all
points to determine whether failure will occur given certain scenarios.
Upon completion of the test, a determination is made of whether the
module performed as designed.
What is needed to
perform a module test?
Test requirements, such as those called out by RTCA/DO-178B, must be
established before testing can begin. Then the module and its defined
variables and constant values are tested by generating test cases to
exercise the functionality of the code on a simulator/emulator. An adequate
simulator/emulator or automated test tool must be selected. Code coverage
must be analyzed next, so a tool for that purpose is necessary. A software
configuration manager may be needed to track the module’s progress
through the development process. These are all important for the successful
testing of a module.
What is delivered
upon completion of a module test program?
Upon completion of the testing, the test plans (test cases), result files,
and coverage files are electronically archived and delivered as a completely
tested program.
Is the result owned
by my organization?
Yes. General Digital™ fully turns the electronically archived files
over to the possession of the customer. Thus the customer has received
completely tested software to meet the given requirements.
To what requirements
are the software modules tested?
The application and the purpose it will serve determine the requirements.
For commercial avionics software, the FAA requires that certain levels
of testing be done to meet RTCA/DO-178B based on the application’s
failure criticality. The requirements must be able to assess whether
the software will function under predetermined stress levels. The more
catastrophic the effects of failure are, the more rigorous the test requirements
must be.
How does an independent
group learn my software well enough to test it?
General Digital™ Software Quality Services is a software development
and testing provider. We have designed, written, tested, and integrated
software for a vast array of purposes. Our software testing staff has
logged over 300,000 hours of testing highly critical embedded software
in the last 10 years. We have experience with testing many sorts of software.
However, you may feel your software is different. We utilize proper test
philosophy to implement a test; thus, we don’t need to understand
the particular purpose of the software to be able to test it well. Also,
we work with your engineers to understand the functionality of the software
and thus become familiar with the purpose. Initially there is a learning
curve to be overcome, but efficiency is gained as the project progresses
and future similar projects are acquired.
Is it more sensible
to hire contracted test engineers or to utilize an independent test
group?
The challenges that contracted labor pose are in the form of continuity
of and accountability. Using a contractor can be difficult when there
are significant spans of time between projects. That presents the continued
retraining and learning curve issue and the availability of that same
contractor when your project needs work. A contractor is also not accountable
for the deliverables. Although you can terminate the contract, you are
still faced with being accountable for the deliverables.
Using an independent test group like General Digital™ addresses
both of these issues head-on. With our able staff of experienced professionals,
we overcome the learning curve once on similar projects and are available
again and again. With our total accountability for schedule, budget,
and deliverables, we can offer a net resource gain to your organization.
Is an independent
test lab better suited to testing my software over my in-house department?
If your in-house department is stable, organized and efficient, then
we probably will not prove to be more than an effective overflow group.
But, if your group does not have all of the previously mentioned attributes,
then we can provide an increase in efficiency - after overcoming the
associated learning curve - and accurate testing services.
Does test automation
make sense for my application?
That depends on the software application and its associated attributes
like language, environment, processor, and other variables. The cost
associated with attaining an automated test tool may not justify the
gains you may experience from its use.
What test tools are
best for my software testing?
We review the attributes of your software to determine which tools will
be best suited for testing your software.
Can General Digital™ test
software other than avionics software?
Absolutely. We offer our services to the entire software development
arena of industry. We have specific expertise with avionics software,
but are quite capable of testing software of any type.
What other software
development services does General Digital™ provide?
Our group provides complete software development services from the design
of the system to final integration of the tested code. We can offer portions
of the development process to you, such as code review, module testing,
and integration testing, or offer the entire system development. We also
offer hardware design and manufacturing services for flat panel digital
displays and systems. We truly provide a “one-stop shop.”
How do I get General
Digital™ to propose carrying out a project of mine?
You can contact our Software Consulting Manager with details about your
project including schedule of delivery, type of service needed, and the
associated attributes of the software.
How soon can General
Digital™ get started on my project?
We can start projects as soon as we are provided with the information
and software. The more advance notice you can provide works best for
us and can affect the price of the project. For larger projects, 1-3
weeks is usually ample time for us to prepare to meet your needs.
What is the cost
of a software test project?
We offer custom pricing for our services including unit and fixed prices
based on software complexity and other customer provided specifications.
Our pricing structure is based on several variables:
- Complexity for new code
- Hourly charges for regression testing
- Review of samples of code to be tested
- Quality of code and documentation
- Volume of testing services needed
- Learning curve associated with specific application
Costs are based on estimated number of persons and days
of effort, as well as equipment and other expenses.
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