Functional Testing--Minus The Complexity--With TestPartner

With pricing starting at $5,800 per concurrent user, TestPartner is a functional-testing automation tool that allows users and developers to create automated regression tests, smoke tests and even tests during the build cycle. Version 5.4 integrates with Microsoft's Visual Studio Team System (VSTS). With VSTS, TestPartner can test .Net WinForms, Web forms, HTML, DHTML and Java. However, Flash is not supported.

TestPartner's Outlook-styled explorer pane provides easy navigation to assets such as modules, user forms and object maps. For quicker navigation, TestPartner also has customizable views to separate assets by projects. By right-clicking in the explorer pane, testers can create assets.

Through a built-in macro recorder, testers can record scenarios without having to look at any generated script code. The code generated is written in Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Compuware is licensing Microsoft's VBA environment and as a result, TestPartner provides all of the libraries that are available in VBA.

TestPartner also makes available all the internal libraries that are necessary to capture test scenarios. In addition, testers can make references to external libraries. The tool uses VBA's mechanism to add external libraries so that developers can add their custom ActiveX and .Net controls. By simply adding references for these control files, all the classes and methods become available inside TestPartner. The same can be done for third-party tools.

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To validate data, developers can add checkpoints at any point of a test execution. These checkpoints are essentially breakpoints with conditional checks. The check-creation process is simple and TestPartner makes it straightforward, especially when sharing checks already created by other team members.

TestPartner's bitmap check allows testers to identify bitmaps on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Testers also can set thresholds on a bitmap check so that tests can operate independent of resolutions. To validate various text fields, including HTML controls such as drop-down or list boxes, testers can use field and content checks, respectively. TestPartner also provides granular validation filtering of table structures, allowing testers to pick and choose which cells they want to test.

The clock check is perhaps one of the most useful validations when testing basic system response. During automated test executions, the clock check can be used to test specific I/O responses from back-end components and databases. TestPartner's new ActiveData feature is a dream come true for testers. ActiveData can make data run dynamically so that applications will automatically execute with different data entries. ActiveData's various wizards allow novice testers, as well as experts, to upload test data and build test cases. TestPartner includes an Import/Export feature to archive and share test assets. This feature is useful when working with offshore development teams because it allows testers and end users to communicate using test assets. This feature is also useful when developers from different projects need to share data because TestPartner's data sharing is one of the best methods of managing and synchronizing multiple projects, thereby allowing project managers to engage in codependent systems and make better use of resources.


In addition to VSTS, TestPartner supports other distributed client environments such as Java, .Net, SAP and Compuware's Uniface business-process automation tool. Compuware offers a broader set of tools under its QACenter suite; the suite also provides defect management and requirements management, which enables customers to build better applications by providing visibility throughout a development life cycle.

Compuware's partner program is geared toward systems integrators, consulting firms, ISVs, distribution firms and technology organizations in order to create high-value solution offerings. The company focuses on extending a partner's solution and delivery capabilities to ensure successful development, deployment and distribution of end-to-end solutions that exceed customer expectations.

The Compuware Partner Program provides three levels: Business Partner, Strategic Partner and 360 Solutions Partner, each of which denotes an increasing level of commitment and involvement with Compuware. Partners receive support from the Compuware sales team, product demos, training and evaluation software, co-marketing opportunities including success stories, press releases, seminars, Webcasts and other prospecting support, technical support and a referral and reseller revenue-sharing program.

The three tiers are broken down as follows: Business Partners are VARs that resell, influence or add value to one or all of Compuware's solution offerings at a tactical opportunity level. Subsets of the Business Partner level are Distribution Partners, which aim to provide a convenient alternative source to acquire Compuware products; and the Development ISV Partner level, which pursues developing vertical industry application packages using Compuware technology.

The Strategic Partner level consists of leading global organizations that deliver solutions that combine their consulting and delivery expertise with Compuware's IT governance, application development, quality assurance, application service management and/or Covisint solutions. Compuware Strategic Partners also receive additional marketing and business development benefits that increase the value of the partnership with Compuware. Some of these benefits include joint marketing and public relations opportunities.

360 Solution Partners deliver value through solutions targeting a common customer need by combining their consulting and delivery expertise with Compuware's IT governance, application development, quality assurance and/or application service management solutions. These high-value solutions provide a competitive advantage in meeting customer requirements and are supported by a joint partner and a Compuware business plan. Compuware 360 Solution Partners receive additional marketing and business development benefits to continue to strengthen their partnerships with Compuware.

Although the company's partner program proves to be somewhat complex, the program does contain something for everyone, and the flexibility to move between levels.