An information sharing system for crowd-sourced software testers
Date
2016
Authors
Otolo, Richard Assanga
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Consumer demand for mobile applications is on an upward trend. This demand has resulted in increasing pressure on software developers to develop and deliver these applications within tight deadlines. Moreover, these applications still need to be tested to ensure they are secure. This need to deliver well-tested applications within the shortest timeframe possible has led developers to consider using crowd-sourced software testing platforms.
These platforms offer access to a large pool of testers who can test software faster and more effectively than traditional in-house testing. However, these systems come with their own challenges particularly in how test-related information is shared. They generally do not provide real-time communication between testers and developers, they also do not send real-time alerts to users in the system. These challenges reduce their effectiveness as a possible avenue of testing software.
As the cost of hardware and cell phone usage continues to decrease, mobile phones present a unique opportunity to provide a channel that addresses the communication channels on crowd-sourced software testing platforms.
In this study, a prototype system is developed that improves the delivery of communication between software developers and testers on crowd-sourced software testing platforms. The system improves communication between testers and developers by providing modules that allow for sharing of test-related data in real-time.
A select sample of software developers in Nairobi County was chosen to test the application. The respondents indicated the features they found most useful were the ability to receive real-time alerts of new projects as well as the ability to chat in real-time with other testers on the platform.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Mobile Telecommunications and Innovation
Keywords
Information sharing, Software, Crowd-sourced Software Testers, crowdsourcing, Mobile application