Original's New TestPLAN Offers Centralized Test Management

by Alex Woodie

Original Software has launched a new test management solution called TestPLAN that allows users to collaborate on the test process, post related documents, and even execute test scripts. The company says TestPLAN helps users by closely tracking the progress of the testing process and by enabling them to make better use of their testing resources through a tight integration with Original's array of tools for OS/400 and other environments.

TestPLAN is a Windows application that lets development teams communicate with each other directly. By enabling testers to post document files, image files (such as screenshots), and data files, Original says teams of testers are better equipped to understand and recreate bugs and defects. But beyond its role as a planning utility for project management and defect tracking, TestPLAN provides direct integration to other Original tools, which is really what separates TestPLAN from other planning utilities, the company says.

This integration allows testers to store test scripts within TestPLAN, as they would post other documents or data files. What's more, testers can also launch those test scripts from within the TestPLAN program, with a couple clicks of the mouse. This capability enables defects to be recreated, worked upon, and then retested much more quickly and efficiently than before, Original says.

TestPLAN works with test scripts created by other Original testing products, including TestDRIVE (for 5250 applications), TestGUI (for testing Windows clients), and TestWEB (for testing HTML). TestPLAN can use several database management systems to store test documents and scripts, including DB2/400, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.

TestPLAN works with Original's fleet of test programs, but the company, which started out developing OS/400 test tools, says TestPLAN's "strongest configuration" is testing iSeries applications. With direct integration most of the major components of its TestBench for iSeries, which supports testing of database, application, screen, and data queue components (among others), users can now launch test data cases, action plans, file compare processes, and other testing processes, from within TestPLAN, and automatically build an audit trail for any defects that are raised by the tests, Original says.

"The ability to plan and manage the test process from a module like this was a natural development for our product range," says Stuart Bishop, development manager for Original Software. "Even without the integration with our other products, TestPLAN can outperform many other test planning utilities. But the ability to access other test modules and scripts of any kind is what makes this product really stand out from the crowd. As far as we know, no other planning solution can integrate with test elements in the way that TestPLAN does."

Pricing for TestPLAN is user based, and starts at $4,500. The software is available now. For more information, visit Original Software's Web site at www.origsoft.com.

Sponsored By TRAILBLAZER SYSTEMS

ZMOD Exchange EDI-INT connects you to all your trading partners. Wal-Mart, UCCnet, Meijer, Lowe's, Food Lion, Dollar General, Ace Hardware, Target, The Home Depot, Linens 'n Things, Michael's Arts & Crafts, Do It Best, Menard's, Aafes, and more. They all have learned how easy and secure it is to make EDI connections directly on the AS/400. ZMOD Exchange EDI-INT was written in C and C++, specifically for the AS/400, to provide the highest efficiency, speed and easiest implementation. It fits right into your environment. Unlike other EDI-INT solutions, ZMOD allows you to run secure EDI-INT transacting in your existing network infrastructure without putting private keys and unencrypted data in your DMZ. You save money and configuration time by reducing the need to rework your network or write bridging processes. With ZMOD Exchange, your EDI-INT transacting can take place securely in your LAN right next to the EDI translator. Security is ensured since no data or keys are accessible by intruders. TrailBlazer Systems went the extra distance by writing its own clients and servers for EDI-INT transacting. What does that mean for you? It means our EDI-INT server can run wherever you want, like behind your firewall. However, for those who wish to stop incoming transactions in their DMZ, ZMOD comes with an AS2 server for your DMZ that only stores encrypted AS2 transactions. Those transactions can either be retrieved by or redirected to your EDI-INT software in your LAN. ZMOD Exchange EDI-INT comes with a suite of AS/400 based E-Commerce tools. ZMOD Exchange EDI-INT: · Run your EDI-INT directly on the AS/400 · Secure transactions behind the firewall for ultimate security · Eliminate network changes by using firewall navigation tools · Integrate transactions directly with any EDI translator · Support AS1, AS2 and UCCnet requirements For more information, visit us at www.trailblazersystems.com/ms