Why Outsource Your Device Compatibility Testing?

Table of Contents

1. Cost Savings
2. Code Confidentiality
3. Faster Delivery
4. Objectivity and Unbiased Testing

Running an in-house lab can be expensive, and testing on every device takes a lot of time. 

By outsourcing, you get access to a team that already has the tools, devices, and expertise needed for thorough testing. 

This saves you from dealing with constant OS updates, testing across various devices and screen sizes, and tracking down those hard-to-replicate bugs. 

It’s a simple way to ensure consistent app performance without stretching your internal resources thin. 

But wait, there’s more you need to hear before you go sharing this thought with your team.

Outsourcing Compatibility Testing 101

1. Cost Savings          

Let’s consider an example of a photo editing application that needs to be tested on various devices and operating systems. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for it:

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Many QA service providers charge on a project basis or hourly rates. Assume a mid-range provider charges $50/hour for testing services. For comprehensive compatibility software testing across multiple devices and operating systems, let's estimate 160 hours (about a month of full-time work) for testing, reporting, and follow-ups.

Also Read - Outsourced Software Testing: The Complete Guide & Benefits

That turns out to be $50 x 160 hours = around $8,000, essentially what we’re saying is that outsourcing your testing needs saves you massive money and time. Here’s the final breakdown comparison:

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The silver lining—outsourcing allows you to scale up or down based on project needs without the long-term commitments associated with hiring full-time staff.

2. Code Confidentiality

You're right—compatibility software testing typically focuses on how your application functions across different devices, operating systems, and browsers, and your QA provider may not need to access your source code directly. However, here are some reasons why they might need access:

Test Environment Setup
Your QA provider may need your code to set up a testing environment that closely replicates your production environment

Building Test Cases
Sometimes, having access to the code can help your extended QA team understand how those features work and build relevant test cases.

Also Read - Tips and Tricks to Write the Better Test Cases

Debugging Issues

If any of the tests reveal issues, your QA-arm can diagnose and report problems more quickly

Now, once you shake hands with a QA team, how do you ensure that your interests are safeguarded in such a transaction? Here are few ways you can hold a third party service provider accountable:

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)—ensure a comprehensive NDA is in place outlining confidentiality obligations
• Access Controls—limit access to only necessary team members using role-based controls
• Secure Code Repositories—use secure repositories with proper authentication to manage code access
• Regular Audits and Reviews—conduct audits to ensure compliance with your standards
• Data Encryption—encrypt data shared with your QA provider both in transit and at rest
• Compliance Training—provide training on your compliance standards to your outsourced QA team
• Intellectual Property Protection—clearly define ownership of code and IP in your contract
• Exit Strategy—outline how your code and data will be handled upon termination of the relationship

Hear us out: If you follow the above checklist by-heart, your codebase would stay more secure with us than with any of your in-house employees

3. Faster Delivery

Your in-house QA team is limited in size and expertise. They can only test a few devices, which leads to potential compatibility issues being discovered late in the development process.

Your outsourcing partner has a large array of devices and emulators available for testing. They can simultaneously test the game on hundreds of devices and operating systems.

While your developers focus on programming the logic and building new features, the outsourced team can test in parallel. This means that while one group is developing, the other is finding and reporting bugs.

The result? Your app or software is ready for launch in 6 weeks instead of 10 weeks.

4. Objectivity and Unbiased Testing

Blind spots can develop quite easily when a project keeps you fully occupied. The internal team may overlook problems just because it is too close to the product. Outsourcing brings a fresh perspective and one that does not have internal biases.

Why QAble?

New devices are launched every week and software is updating at light speed. The risk of incompatibility can frustrate your users and bring in poor reviews. QAble is your strategic partner in this.

We own the best compatibility testing tools and the entire lab to test every possible screen space. And we have worked with a number of key clients who can recommend us back and again. Bet on us once and we’ll deliver beyond expectations.