According to the latest mobile app usage statistics posted on go-globe.com, “Mobile apps now account for more than half (52%) of all time spent on digital media. Also, smartphone users spent 89% of their mobile media time using mobile apps”. The trend indicates that enterprises can no longer keep the customers interested and engaged simply by optimizing their websites for mobile devices. The modern businesses must invest in cross-platform mobile app development to achieve more sales, revenue and profit. But to beat competition and get higher returns, each business needs to ensure that the app is delivering flawless and rich user experience across multiple mobile devices, platforms and networks.

With mobile operating systems being updated regularly and new devices being launched frequently, mobile app testing has become complex and time-consuming. The testers require advanced tools to assess the app’s look, feel, functionality and performance across a variety of devices and platforms. Also, they must complete all testing activities within a short duration to reduce the time to market. The app testers should follow the Do’s and Dont’s of mobile app testing. Most mobile app development companies lack the expertise and resources required to test modern apps thoroughly and quickly. This explains the rise in mobile app testing outsourcing.

Why Many Companies Prefer Mobile App Testing Outsourcing?

Complexity

Enterprises nowadays need cross-platform mobile apps to reach wider audience. So each app must be tested on a large number of devices powered by popular mobile platforms like iOS, Android and Windows Phone. The screen size, features and storage capacity of individual devices differ. Here is a list of essential Guidelines for Effective Mobile Application Testing. As Android users do not have any option to upgrade their operating system without buying the latest devices, the app also needs to be tested on different versions of the mobile platform. Thus, mobile testing has become complex and complicated. Many companies outsource the testing efforts to competent testers to assess the apps based on different devices, operating systems, versions of operating system, hardware configuration and network.

Types of Tests to be performed

The testers have to perform a variety of tests to assess a mobile app thoroughly and efficiently. While testing the mobile apps, the QA professionals normally perform interface, compatibility, performance, security, and usability testing. Compatibility testing aims to check the application’s compatibility with many devices. Interface testing checks the functionality of the app layout. Likewise, performance testing evaluates the app’s performance across different networks, usability testing determines its user-friendliness, and security testing checks the app content and user information are safe. The dedicated mobile testing service providers can deploy skilled QA professionals to perform these tests effectively.

Time Constraint

The users have options to download millions of mobile app from App Store, Play Store or Windows Store. So the enterprises must launch the mobile app as early as possible to beat competition. So they need to explore ways to cover the journey from the app idea to the app store without any delay. But testers need time to assess the look, feel, functionality and performance of a mobile across a large number of devices and different versions of operating systems. The experienced testers know how to curtail the mobile testing time significantly by using the right tools. They further schedule and perform the required tests according to the timeline set by the client without sacrificing the test quality and coverage. Thus, many enterprises outsource their testing efforts to reduce time to market.

Combine both Manual and Automated Testing

The QA professional can assess the user experience by testing the mobile apps manually and using real devices. But they have to automate certain testing efforts to save both time and effort. The test automation tools can further generate more accurate and reliable test results. In mobile app testing tools, i am a big fan of both Robotium and Appium and have written a blog about Robotium Vs Appium. Thus, the testers have to decide what test cases to be automated and how to automate the test cases efficiently.

It is a common practice among testers to automate the most frequently tested cases. They should always follow the latest trends in automated mobile app testing. However, they must test manually test specific events like email alerts, SMS, incoming call, and low battery. Likewise, they have to manually test the location-based services and voice commands. When businesses hire dedicated mobile testing company, it becomes easier to combine manual and automated testing seamlessly.

Latest Testing Tools and Environment

It is not possible for the QA professionals to test a modern app thoroughly without using any tools. Experienced QA testers use right emulators to assess how the application performs on different versions of a mobile platform. At the same time, they also test the application in the cloud to check its performance across multiple systems and networks. When an enterprise outsources mobile app testing, it becomes easier for it to take advantage of the licensed mobile app testing tools and cloud testing environment without investing a lot of money. But they should always keep a note on app testing on real vs. virtual devices.

Enhanced Test Coverage

While making a mobile app testing strategy, enterprises have to explore ways to enhance test coverage. But often businesses find it a daunting challenge to perform all required tests due to time constraint. So many businesses opt for offshore mobile testing service providers to enhance the test coverage easily. Enterprise can ask providers to make and implement comprehensive testing strategy to assess all aspects of the application. It can even review the strategy made by the provider and suggest changes to enhance the test coverage.

Reduced Cost

Many businesses nowadays lack adequate expertise and resources to test their mobile apps in-house. Also, some enterprises prefer outsourcing software QA testing to in-house QA professionals to avoid additional expenses. The testing service provider deploys the manpower, tools and resources required to implement client’s mobile application testing strategy perfectly. Further, it can complete all testing by the predetermined timeline. It becomes easier for developers to focus on the core development activities by outsourcing testing efforts to a competent company. Thus, mobile testing outsourcing helps businesses to reduce the overall mobile app development cost.

However, enterprises often find it a daunting challenge to find a competent and reliable mobile testing partner. Before finalizing  mobile app testing outsourcing, Enterprises need to assess the QA tester’s skills, expertise and experience. They also have to complete all testing process within a predefined timeline. They also need to ensure that the tester is making and implementing a comprehensive testing strategy to test all aspects of the mobile app. The app testers should follow