Systems Management

Okay, I'm resurrecting this question as it is exactly the question for which I am looking for an answer: Is anyone automating package testing, and if so what tools are you using to do so?

Bob, are you talking package deployment testing or app conflict testing?

Not conflict testing, but functionality testing; running an application through its paces like: launch, create a document, save, or whatever basic functionality the application offers.

I know you could roll your own with AutoIt to some degree, but IBM's Rational suite is more the kind of feedback I'm hoping for.

HP Quick Test Pro should be able to do a fine job. We are planning to incorporate it, but haven't had time to implement yet.

I think the application support teams where I am at are looking at HP Quality Center but I'm not sure if that is being implemented accross the board.

i used rational robot and some windows installer API stuff to fully automate application testing.

It worked like a charm, we even had it at a point where we had automated the test creation suite.

this allowed for installation of core, installation of application.

test of core, remove of application retest of core.

then reversing the installation order rinse and repeat.

we found so much stuff that broke it wasn't funny. Was really good to highlight flaws in the packaging and packaging tools.

rational robot is expensive but we found it to be the exact tool for the job.

We just upgraded from Test Director to Quality Center and are seeing a lot of benefits.