Automation Environment
The test automation infrastructure described herein is illustrated in Figure 1.2 in Chapter 1.
Test Development Workstations
The test automation engineers will require a test development and execution workstation with TestStudio deployed on it. This workstation is in addition to their normal NT desktop machines. This is because automated test takes control of the desktop, and running tests on the engineers' primary workstations would interfere with other work activities. One of the benefits of test automation is that the test can be executed unattended, leaving the testers free to do other work.
The script development workstation should be an NT/Windows 2000 machine with a minimum 60-GB hard drive and 396 KB of RAM. It should have MS Office installed.
Test Data Store Server
All projects in Rational Suite TestStudio are implemented as test project data stores. Each project data store contains the project repository files and the requirements repository files. Additionally, ClearQuest repository files can be associated with each TestStudio project. In this manner, tests, requirements, and defects are all coupled and traceable.
A separate project data store server is required. It should be used to permanently house all linked project files and repositories. The server should be added to the nightly backup schedule.
Test Execution Workstations
One or more test execution workstations will be required to run the tests. Each test execution workstation either can run a test suite modally or can be one of several workstations for distributed test execution.
Test Application Servers
These should be dedicated servers that emulate all of the target production server environments in which the application will reside. They should be used exclusively for automated test runs; they should not be used for integration testing or manual system testing, which should be done on their own servers. Any activities on the automation servers other than the specified tests will invalidate those tests.
Test Environment Requirements
The following information should be used to configure the test application servers and the test execution workstations (clients).
Servers
Hardware
Info for All Target Platforms
[Network]: Network configuration
[Server Type]: Server model and manufacturer
[Server Configuration]: Server configuration parameters
Software
Info for All Target Platforms
[OS]: Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, etc.
[Server Applications]: Any and all software that runs at the server layer of the system
Clients
Hardware
Info for All Target Client Platforms
[Network]: Network configuration
[Workstation Type]: Workstation model and manufacturer
[Workstation Configuration]: Workstation software configuration description including OS
Software
Info for All Target Client Platforms
[OS]: Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0
[Client Applications]: Purchased or in-house-developed application programs that execute in the client layer of the system