The skills of the people using the tool also need to be taken into account if a test execution tool requires programming skills to write test scripts, it would not be appropriate for use by end-users only.
You also need to consider the environment where the testing tool will be used: a mainframe tool is no use if you only have PCs. Buying a capture/replay tool will not help you measure test coverage a static analysis tool will not help in repeating regression tests. There are a number of different types of testing tools on the market, and they serve different purposes. However, there is a wide variety of tools available which one(s) should you buy?
Overview of the selection process Where to start You are probably reading this report because you want to make your testing process more efficient through the use of a software testing tool. The following diagram is an overview of the whole process. There are a surprising number of steps in the tool selection process. Following the advice given in this paper should help you to avoid some of these problems. It is easy to make the mistake of considering only tool function, and not the other success factors related to the organisation where the tool will be used this is one reason that expensive tools end up being unused only a few months after purchase. Although it is not as detailed or specific as a tailored report prepared by a consultant, it should enable you to plan the basics of your own tool selection and evaluation process. It is intended to provide a starting point for tool assessment. This paper gives general guidance about selecting and evaluating commercial CAST tools. ProVote is professional presentation software designed specifically for the counting and presentation of sporting clubs.