Testing as a Service is an outsourcing model, in which testing activities are outsourced to a third party that specializes in simulating real world testing environments as per client requirements. It is also abbreviated as TaaS.

Types of TaaS

Functional Testing as a Service

TaaS Functional Testing may include UI/GUI Testing, regression, integration and automated User Acceptance Testing (UAT) but not necessary to be part of functional testing

Performance Testing as a Service

Multiple users are accessing the application at the same time. TaaS mimic as a real world users environment by creating virtual users and performing the load and stress test

Security Testing as a Service

TaaS scans the applications and websites for any vulnerability

Features of TaaS

Self-service portal for running application for function and load tests
Test library with full security controls that saves all te test assets available to end users
To maximiza the hardware utilization, sharing of Cloud hardware
On-demand availability for complete test labs that includes ability to deploy complex multi-tier applications, test scripts, and test tools
It ensures the detection of bottlenecks and solve the problems for the application under test by monitoring it
The metering capabilities allows tracking and charging for that the sevices used by customer

Software Testing as a Service over Cloud

Once user scenarios are created, and the test is designed, these service providers delivers servers to generate virtual traffic across the globe.

In Cloud, software testing occurs in following steps

Develop users scenarios
Design test cases
Select cloud service provider
Set up infrastructure
Leverage cloud service
Start testing
Monitor goals
Deliver

When to use TaaS

TaaS is useful when

Testing of applications that require extensive automation and with short test execution cycle.
Performing testing task that don’t ask for in-depth knowledge of the design or the system
For ad-hoc or irregular testing activities that require extensive resources.

Benefits of Cloud Testing

Flexible Test Execution and Test Assets
Some users claim 40-60% savings in the cloud testing vs. the traditional testing model
Achieve a fast return of investments by eliminating the investment made after hardware procurement, management, and maintenance, software licensing, etc.
Deliver product in quicker time through rapid procurement, project set-up, and execution
Ensure data integrity and anytime anywhere accessibility
Reduce operational costs, maintenance costs and investments
Pay as you use

Traditional vs. TaaS services

#	Approach	Traditional	TaaS
1	Test Environment	Manually Created	On demand
2	Test Assets	Manually Generated	Dynamic
3	Test Data	Manually Generated	Dynamic Sanitized
4	Test Tools	Manually Purchased	On demand
5	Test Documentation	Manually Generated	Dynamically generated
6	Business Domain Knowledge	Manually Extracted	Extracted Dynamically