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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Test Automation

Test Automation for Packaged Systems: Yes, You Can!

Today, most businesses are heavily dependent on packaged systems, sometimes called commercial off-the-shelf software, for large parts of their operation. Highly-customizable packages such as BMC’s Remedy, Oracle's Maxim, and many others run the show at many of the world’s largest companies. While offering many features and feature options, these packages provide rich software development environments and a “configuration” that is a highly complex programming exercise. Chris Bushell explores why packaged systems, which are just as vulnerable to defects as custom-developed software, have been missing out on the many benefits of early automated testing. Chris argues that it's time for a change. Drawing from hands-on experience working with customized packaged systems, Chris explains that these packages offer ease of customization over testability and offers information on overcoming their limitations. Take away tips to reduce defects, lower testing costs, and improve time to market with your company’s packaged systems.

Chris Bushell, ThoughtWorks

A lead consultant at ThoughtWorks, Chris Bushell has a wide variety of roles including software developer, architect, test automation specialist, agile coach, and trainer. Chris has more than ten years of industry experience working in finance, retail, telecoms, and mobile in the U.K., Australia, and the U.S. Passionate about software development process and technology, he is an advocate of using open source software for building simple solutions to complex problems. Chris is an active member of the local software development community wherever he's based.

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