John;

Thank you for the insight as such things are of interest to me. When I have the opportunity to see one of Mike Stewart's testing sessions I will not miss it. Sounds very interesting!

Tom




>Tom,
>
>I'll describe in a bit more detail: Microsoft puts high importance on testing to the extent that if one of us testers; ie Mike Stewart, Tom Cooper, or myself, say "no ship", the product does not ship.
>
>We have automated testing: Literally thousands of tests that are run on just about every conceivable combination of OS platforms and compile types. We have test specifications that are signed off on every level; we have test plans that detail exactly how specification areas are to be tested.
>
>We do white box testing, black box testing, stress testing....etc etc.
>
>For further insight, I'd recommend you attend one of Mike Stewart's testing sessions. There will be one at DevCon; he also gives it at various user groups.
>
>
>
>>>>> Now for a question: Does Microsoft use a defined script used by testers for VFP during beta? That is are persons asked to test specific portions of the product? <<
>>>
>>>Absolutely.
>>
>>Ken;
>>
>>That is a professional approach. I have been involved with several Beta tests for products (VFP frameworks for example), which had no script or defined approach to testing. The testers were allowed to do what they wanted and report any problems. This is not the most productive approach.
>>
>>Tom