Tech Bytes

Friday, March 30, 2007

The Software Testing Spot

Come across this cool website today on software testing here.

This spot has some ramblings about software testing (and software design, development and other information technology related stuff too), some useful tips, an exercise in design, usability and testing and a lot of web places to investigate.
If you've got no idea how you ended up here, don't panic. For light amusement, visit MagPortal. For a slightly stronger diversion, try a googlewhack or two. For heavier entertainment, try teaching yourself a little about software design, quality and testing with this.

Explore more here http://www.testingspot.net/

Best Regards,

Venkat Reddy Chintalapudi,

http://venkatreddyc.wordpress.com

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Self-Testing Defibrillator Software Flatlines

Come across this cool stuff from StickyMinds eLetter.

Defibtech LLC recalled its Lifeline AED and ReviveR AED external defibrillators earlier this month because it found that faulty software failed to warn users that the 9-volt battery charging the defibrillator actually might be too drained to work properly.

"This doesn't become apparent until the battery gets low for some reason," company president Gintaras Vaisnys said. "Given every battery will get low someday, this is an issue."

The faulty units are loaded with version 2.002 software and earlier versions and can be found in schools, hotels, fitness centers, and fire stations worldwide. Defibtech estimated that 42,000 units required a software upgrade.

Customers using the affected models received notification of the software error in a letter. Subsequent letters instructed customers how to update the software without having to send the unit back to Defibtech. Defibtech is offering upgrades at no cost until about mid-May.

There are three known cases of Defibtech's defibrillators failing to work. According to CBS News, the company has provided no further information regarding these incidents.

Prevent your next quality disaster - Whitepaper from Rational

Development. Testing. Disconnected. Divided. Quality issues surface late. Schedules are missed. Fingers are pointed. Sound familiar?

Most developers and testers lack the tools that would enable them to collaborate on these inherently connected processes. This lack of integration can adversely affect the quality and reliability of the software products being designed, as well as significantly increase the time and effort required to bring these products to market.

Bridge the gap! Learn how IBM Rational® ClearQuest can integrate critical project information in real-time and keep distributed teams in sync without the headaches..

[Download this White Paper from IBM Rational Now]

Best Regards,

Venkat Reddy Chintalapudi,

http://venkatreddyc.wordpress.com

Trends in Testing: Theory, Techniques and Tools

There are a number of trends in testing research and technology that indicate a renaissance in testing theory, techniques and tools. These trends include:

increased use of executable specifications;
application of automated technology for detecting defects in programs and proving simple properties of complex programs;
inference of program behavior from run-time observations;
test-driven development methodologies;
feedback from applications running in the field;
modular testing of components;
cross-fertilization of hardware and software testing technology.

Get more on this initiative from Microsoft at http://research.microsoft.com/projects/T5/

Best Regards,

Venkat Reddy Chintalapudi,

http://venkatreddyc.wordpress.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Foundations of Software Engineering at Microsoft

The goal of the Foundations of Software Engineering (FSE) group at Microsoft Research in Redmond, Wash., is to improve software development productivity by software modeling, design verification, and automated testing.

Get more info here - http://research.microsoft.com/foundations/

Best Regards,

Venkat Reddy Chintalapudi,

http://venkatreddyc.wordpress.com