Operating system testing is a complex and challenging process that involves multiple teams working on different aspects of the OS, such as kernel, drivers, security, performance, and user interface. How can you collaborate effectively with other OS testing teams and ensure high-quality results? Here are some tips to help you work with other OS testing teams.
Communication is key to any successful collaboration, especially in OS testing, where you need to share information, feedback, issues, and solutions with other teams. You should communicate clearly and frequently with other OS testing teams using the tools and channels that suit your project, such as email, chat, video calls, or issue trackers. You should also establish a common language and terminology for your OS testing activities, and avoid using jargon or acronyms that may confuse others. Communication should be respectful, constructive, and timely, and you should always acknowledge and respond to messages from other teams.
I agree but would also consider use of daily scrums if following an Agile methodology or at least a weekly update to all key stakeholders.
We use Scrum as our go to method to implement changes in lots of small increments, this helps deliver what is actually required rather than what we think is required. Avoids costly features no one uses, with regular demos of the UAT system as changes are completed to show the stakeholders where we are. Allow for regular feedback opportunities, scrum also allows us to pivot quickly the direction of features making the system relevant to the users business.
Another important aspect of working with other OS testing teams is to align your goals and expectations for the OS testing project. You should have a clear understanding of the scope, objectives, timeline, and deliverables of your own testing team, as well as those of other teams. You should also agree on the roles and responsibilities of each team, and how you will coordinate and integrate your testing efforts. You should also set realistic and measurable expectations for the quality, reliability, and functionality of the OS, and how you will evaluate and report them.
Sync your learning and deliverables in a leap cadence. Prepare goals and road map for n+2. Prepare a learning plan, research and discovery for n+1 and work on iteration 'n'. When you tell a team to automate and drive efficiency there is always a concern about 'What is next?'. Leap planning gives a goal and a sense of security to the teams. It offers a clear learning path to the team members and reduces distractions during the execution phase.
OS testing is a highly technical and specialized field that requires following the best practices and standards for your OS testing activities. You should follow the guidelines and protocols for your OS testing tools, methods, processes, and documentation, and ensure that they are consistent and compatible with those of other teams. You should also adhere to the quality and security standards for your OS testing environment, data, and code, and protect them from unauthorized access or modification. You should also follow the ethical and legal standards for your OS testing project, and respect the privacy and rights of the users and stakeholders.
Review the testing strategy and plan regularly to ensure it is optimised. Know the testing standard your delivering against. Best practice last year may become less effective in the future. Be source by design and by default retro fitting security after the fact can difficult to do. It can mean you are not 100% compliant and have to introduce Compensative controls which could be costly for you and your customers.
Working with other OS testing teams also means sharing your resources and knowledge with them, and vice versa. You should share your OS testing resources, such as hardware, software, data, or documentation, with other teams, and make them accessible and usable for them. You should also share your OS testing knowledge, such as tips, tricks, insights, or lessons learned, with other teams, and learn from their experiences and expertise. Sharing your resources and knowledge can help you save time, money, and effort, and improve your OS testing outcomes.
Knowledge is power, share it with your teams. This could be though a wiki or build the knowledge into training programs if you can. Build lessons learned or retrospectives into everything you do and actually learn from the mistakes. A lesson learned is a future cost saved!
Finally, working with other OS testing teams also requires supporting and appreciating each other. You should support other OS testing teams by providing them with feedback, assistance, or solutions when they encounter problems or challenges in their OS testing activities. You should also appreciate other OS testing teams by recognizing and celebrating their achievements, contributions, or improvements in their OS testing activities. Supporting and appreciating each other can help you build trust, rapport, and morale among your OS testing teams, and foster a positive and collaborative culture.