For many years it has been a generally accepted rule that software testing and development report to different managers and have an autonomy that allows each to counter balance the other. The thought was the only way to have truly objective testing done was to have the testers report to someone other than the development manager. They would report to someone who has equal clout as the development manager and could thus duke it out with the development manager if there was is issue.

This model has worked well for many companies and most software testing ‘leaders’ still subscribe to this method. However is it really the best way to run things? Are separate development and testing departments needed or is a single software development group with different areas of focus more practical?

Over the last few years black box testers are rarely needed. Most companies do not want someone who has limited technical skills and can only run tests against a UI. Even grey/white box testers are being asked to expand their skill set to be more technically savvy. More and more companies want software testers with development skills. Microsoft is recognizing this with Visual Studio 2008. Their Team System architecture has a specific Test Edition. For years Visual Studio has only been used by developers. And in all fairness it was designed and implemented for developers. However, total lifecycle development is increasing in scope. Testing is being recognized as a part of the development process not a separate activity. The Agile software development life cycle recognizes this and testing is built in from the very beginning. Does it make sense to have a separate testing department when in reality they are working on development with development tools?

Is the future of software testing the future of development? Is testing as a separate department a thing of the past? Does it make more sense to have development teams (including those who are testing) using the same tools working on the same product reporting to the same manager?

What are your thoughts? Is anyone implementing Microsoft Team Foundation Server and integrating the Testing Edition?

~ Lawrence Nuanez