Test Automation Vendors Demand Integrated Embedded Tool Chains

10/3/2003 - Embedded test automation tool end users surveyed by VDC report that they are looking for test solutions that will work well with their current development environments and tools, and do not disrupt existing work habits. Although "ability to test software on target" was cited by almost 60% of respondents as the top selection criteria, end users reported that integration with existing development tools ranked second and was only 4% behind. This, coupled with over a third of end users citing "familiar interface," indicates that embedded developers and test engineers are looking for tools that will not require major changes it the way they work.

Leading Test Automation Tools Selection Criteria (Rank Order)

  • Ability to test software on target
  • Integration with existing development tools
  • Ability to test software on host development platform
  • Familiar interface
  • Automatic test case generation
  • Defect tracking capabilities
  • Easy to learn test scripting language
  • Platform independence
  • Integration with existing configuration management software

"Test automation vendors need to provide seamless integration with the most popular software development tools," said Chris Lanfear, Director of VDC's Embedded Software Research Group. He adds, "Developers are not looking for test tools which will slow down their work or force them to change their existing tool chains. Test tools are rarely selected first for a project so the onus is on vendors to ensure compatibility with existing development environments."

About VDC
Founded in 1971, VDC is a technology market research and consulting firm that specializes in industrial and commercial electronics, computing, communications, software and power systems markets.

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