We discuss the following topics in this blog:
- Need for Service Virtualisation to deliver high-quality glitch-free applications.
- Service virtualization bridging the gap CI/CD gap.
- Optimized development & testing cycles, and Reduction in costs
In addition to these topics, we shall also be answering the following FAQs:
- What is WiFi?
- What is an Optical Fibre Cable?
Is the Need for Parallel Testing on the Rise?
Contents
It’s a parallel universe! While quantum physics may still be over-the-top for most of us, the need for parallel processes when it comes to software/application development and testing is a widely acknowledged fact. Service Virtualisation is a set of tools that are used to deliver high-quality glitch-free applications while optimizing resources and time. This in turn helps gain optimum ROI. Service virtualization helps in improving the efficiency and functionality of applications, cutting down on the lifespan of the software development cycle. It also allows companies to increase the frequency of app releases/updates.
Visualize – Virtualize
Back in 1913, when Henry Ford introduced the first moving assembly line, it was an innovation that revolutionized production by allowing for the parts to be put together in record time. Despite this, the assembly line would only work if the components were ready. Software and application development is, oftentimes, still stuck in the Dark Ages where teams suffer from delays due to internal or external dependencies. Testing delays, waiting for components to be fully developed, and for third-party deliverables to come through can cause a bottleneck that your business can ill afford. This is where Service Virtualisation steps in to save the day.
Service virtualizations simulate the functionalities, data, and performance of the components of an application that are still not fully developed or are inaccessible. This means that the integration of the APIs, databases, networks, etc. need not hold up end-to-end testing of the application itself. If you can visualize the end product, you can virtualize the components and run extensive performance and functionality testing modules through service virtualization.
Need for Speed
Developing complex applications with features such as continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI / CD) could involve challenges for the testing team. Environmental components that are unavailable at the testing stage, dependent on third-party deliveries, constantly evolving, or even out of the scope of testing can cause a loss of time and productivity. Service virtualization bridges this gap by allowing integration as and when the components are made available but by keeping the end-to-end testing systems going.
Not only does this allow the testers to replicate the environment but it also helps in the component development process by flagging issues early on, improving overall quality. The Gartner survey of over 500 companies using service virtualization reveals that most of them saw a considerable boost in test rates and nearly a third managed to cut down on their test cycle spans by 50%.
What are the Clear Advantages of Service Virtualization?
Optimized development and testing cycles – Running development and testing parallelly removes bottlenecks and encourages multiple teams to work simultaneously.
Eliminates environmental constraints – By simulating third-party services and evolving components, service virtualization eliminates many of the constraints faced by the testing teams. It also helps eliminate the parallel demand for environments by endpoint testing processes.
Reduction in costs – The application of virtual testing affects a savings potential of about 50-60% on the project cost. Parallel deployment of teams and elimination of errors and redundancies at an early stage of app development makes for lower costs.
Quality is King
Elimination of errors and improvement in quality is possibly the best outcomes of implementing Service Virtualization. Diagnosing and eliminating errors at an early stage improves quality drastically. About 50 percent of the Gartner Survey respondents saw an error reduction by 40% due to the implementation of Service Virtualisation.
At STL, we understand the value addition made by Service Virtualisation to the application ideation to release cycle. We bring to the table pivotal insights and learnings from across the globe. With COVID-19, the service virtualization market is set to expand at an unprecedented rate and we at STL are at the forefront of application testing services.
FAQs
What is WiFi?
Put simply, WiFi is a technology that uses radio waves to create a wireless network through which devices like mobile phones, computers, printers, etc., connect to the internet. A wireless router is needed to establish a WiFi hotspot that people in its vicinity may use to access internet services. You’re sure to have encountered such a WiFi hotspot in houses, offices, restaurants, etc.
To get a little more technical, WiFi works by enabling a Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN that allows devices connected to it to exchange signals with the internet via a router. The frequencies of these signals are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidths. These frequencies are much higher than those transmitted to or by radios, mobile phones, and televisions since WiFi signals need to carry significantly higher amounts of data. The networking standards are variants of 802.11, of which there are several (802.11a, 802.11b, 801.11g, etc.).
What is an Optical Fibre Cable?
An optical fibre cable is a cable type that has a few to hundreds of optical fibres bundled together within a protective plastic coating. They help carry digital data in the form of light pulses across large distances at faster speeds. For this, they need to be installed or deployed either underground or aerially. Standalone fibres cannot be buried or hanged so fibres are bunched together as cables for the transmission of data. This is done to protect the fibre from stress, moisture, temperature changes and other externalities.
There are three main components of a optical fibre cable, core (It carries the light and is made of pure silicon dioxide (SiO2) with dopants such as germania, phosphorous pentoxide, or alumina to raise the refractive index; Typical glass cores range from as small as 3.7um up to 200um), Cladding (Cladding surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index than the core, it is also made from the same material as the core; 1% refractive index difference is maintained between the core and cladding; Two commonly used diameters are 125µm and 140µm) and Coating (Protective layer that absorbs shocks, physical damage and moisture; The outside diameter of the coating is typically either 250µm or 500µm; Commonly used material for coatings are acrylate,Silicone, carbon, and polyimide).
An optical fibre cable is made up of the following components: Optical fibres – ranging from one to many. Buffer tubes (with different settings), for protection and cushioning of the fibre. Water protection in the tubes – wet or dry. A central strength member (CSM) is the backbone of all cables. Armoured tapes for stranding to bunch the buffer tubes and strength members together. Sheathing or final covering to provide further protection.
The five main reasons that make this technology innovation disruptive are fast communication speed, infinite bandwidth & capacity, low interference, high tensile strength and secure communication. The major usescases of optical fibre cables include intenet connectivity, computer networking, surgery & dentistry, automotive industry, telephony, lighting & decorations, mechanical inspections, cable television, military applications and space.