Software Testing remotley
I'm a big fan of working remotely. I wrote a post a while back about freelance software testing and it has probably proven to be one of my popular posts.
I have been somewhat slack in my responses to request for information, but this is mostly because people don't put effort into forming a request or question. It mostly consists of 'I want to do freelance testing. Please tell me how.' A simple who, what, when, why, how...wouldn't go a miss.
The thing with freelance software testing, is the same with any kind of freelance career: you don't just get give work on your plate. Finding work is probably harder than doing the work. Building your network takes time. Getting people to trust you takes even longer. Keeping your skills top notch is an ongoing effort that doesn't stop - and that you should enjoy!
It's about building the community
Utest is an example of this. They recently launched a service providing 'ondemand testing'. It's not an easy task to take on, though it could be ideal for agile and exploratory development and testing environments.
(Now forgive my ignorance, as I have not tried out the platform or service. I do think it could be a good booster to the testing industry though.)
The technology is one challenge, no doubt a difficult task. However, the community building around their service and company is probably the most difficult and slow process. They have to keep their customers and testers happy.
I can see many challenges occurring here, for example:
- Finding customers that understand testing and the limits of the service.
- Finding talented, reliable and competent testers
- Maintaining and encouraging the community to support each other
- Implementing a process, getting everyone to understand and work to it
These are challenges that I predict and could equally apply to many startups, communities or businesses - they do not necesarily apply to uTest. Yes the technology works in the background and needs to work, but the people side needs to have that human factor.
It would be interesting to hear stories from uTest, their customers and testers.
Utest appear to have had lots of testers sign up to their service. Before you sign up ask yourself why should they get you involved in a project? What have you done to deserve it? Do they have a good reason to trust your work?
Think about it. With an ondemand testing service like uTest, all sides have to contribute. It's what will make any community succeed. It's the same with freelancing. You won't get unless you give a bit.
