The Ghosts in the Machine
This software distribution model replaces traditional installation by shifting the burden of security and availability to a third-party partner.
What is SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)?
This changeover method might seem safe because you run both systems simultaneously, but it forces staff to enter data twice and is costly in terms of time and money.
What is parallel running?
This migration problem occurs when a source system stores data in a table or array, but the destination system requires a flat file or linked list.
What are data structure differences?
This explicit type of testing includes reviews, walkthroughs, or simply having an IDE check the source code syntax without executing the program.
What is static testing?
This condition is intentionally created when the exact same piece of data is held in two separate places within a database or multiple software environments to prevent data loss.
What is data redundancy?
A merger between companies across borders can be tricky due to language differences and this factor, which could result in a 3 PM meeting in one country happening in the middle of the night in another.
What are time zone differences?
This process introduces the new system in stages as parts of the old system are gradually replaced, allowing training to be done in stages.
What is phased conversion?
These rules are applied to inputs; if they are different at the destination than at the source, data will be rejected and lost during migration.
What are validation rules?
This structural testing method looks inside the software being tested and uses that knowledge of the code as part of the testing process.
What is white-box testing?
This constant capability automatically and seamlessly switches to a highly reliable standby system upon the failure of a primary server or application.
What is a failover system?
This is an old method, technology, computer system, or application program that may or may not be supported or available for purchase anymore.
What is a legacy system?
This installation method limits the risk of failure to a small subset of the organization, allowing those users to later train the rest of the staff.
What is pilot running?
During a cross-border merger, migrating data containing the symbol "€" or the Saudi Riyal can lead to corruption if the destination Russian computer doesn't support the same one of these.
What is a character set?
Unlike static testing which involves verification, dynamic testing takes place when the program is run and involves this process to improve software quality.
What is validation?
These are software updates comprised of code inserted into an executable program, often serving as temporary fixes between full releases.
What are patches?
SaaS providers use the cloud to host applications, allowing clients to simply adjust this type of payment on a monthly basis rather than buying their own servers.
What is a subscription?
The biggest advantage of this installation method is that it requires minimal time and effort, and the new system is available immediately.
What is direct changeover?
A date formatted as 3/5/18 could mean May 3rd or March 5th during migration because of differences in these.
What are international conventions?
Automated testing relies on special software tools to execute tests with little human intervention, and then compares the actual results against these.
What are predicted (or expected) results?
This software engineering approach produces software in short cycles, allowing for more incremental updates to applications in production, aiming for greater speed and frequency.
What is continuous delivery?
A major drawback of adopting multiple SaaS applications is encountering these specific "headaches" when attempting to connect the hosted software with existing on-premise apps.
What are software integration headaches?
According to the syllabus, an exam question asking you to "evaluate" alternative installation processes specifically requires you to discuss these three elements to arrive at a conclusion.
What are advantages, disadvantages, and comparing them against one another?
If a data transfer process is interrupted before finishing, it leads to this specific problem, meaning only part of the data will be at the destination.
What is an incomplete data transfer?
This specific type of testing is performed with the ultimate end users to ensure the software meets their expectations, because happy users are more productive.
What is user acceptance testing?
This specific movement aims to unify software development and software operations, strongly advocating automation and monitoring at all steps of software construction.
What is DevOps?