How do you define and measure quality for cloud computing services?

1 Testing quality model

A testing quality model is a framework that defines the attributes and characteristics of quality for a product or service. It helps you to identify the relevant quality factors and sub-factors, and how to measure them. For cloud computing services, you can use a testing quality model that is based on the ISO/IEC 25010 standard, which covers software product quality and quality in use. This model consists of eight quality characteristics: functional suitability, reliability, performance efficiency, usability, security, compatibility, maintainability, and portability. Each characteristic has sub-characteristics that describe more specific aspects of quality.

2 Testing quality criteria

To measure the quality characteristics and sub-characteristics of cloud computing services, you need to define testing quality criteria. These are the conditions or requirements that the service must meet to achieve a certain level of quality. For example, for reliability, you can define criteria such as availability, fault tolerance, recoverability, and maturity. For performance efficiency, you can define criteria such as time behavior, resource utilization, and capacity. For security, you can define criteria such as confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, and accountability. You can use different methods and tools to assess the testing quality criteria, such as testing techniques, metrics, benchmarks, and audits.

3 Testing quality plan

A testing quality plan is a document that describes how you will conduct the testing activities to evaluate the quality of cloud computing services. It outlines the objectives, scope, approach, methods, tools, roles, responsibilities, and deliverables of the testing process. It also defines the testing quality criteria and how they will be measured and reported. A testing quality plan helps you to organize, coordinate, and communicate the testing efforts and results. It also helps you to monitor and control the testing progress and quality.

4 Testing quality levels

Testing quality levels are the stages or phases of testing that cover different aspects and perspectives of quality for cloud computing services. They help you to ensure that the service meets the expectations and requirements of different stakeholders and users. For cloud computing services, you can use four testing quality levels: unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. Unit testing verifies the functionality and quality of individual components or modules of the service. Integration testing verifies the functionality and quality of the interactions and interfaces between components or modules. System testing verifies the functionality and quality of the service as a whole, including non-functional requirements. Acceptance testing verifies the functionality and quality of the service in relation to the user needs and expectations.

5 Testing quality assurance

Testing quality assurance is the process of ensuring that the testing activities are performed according to the testing quality plan and standards. It involves checking, reviewing, and auditing the testing process, methods, tools, and results. It also involves providing feedback, guidance, and improvement suggestions to the testing team and stakeholders. Testing quality assurance helps you to verify and validate the quality of cloud computing services and to identify and resolve any issues or defects. It also helps you to improve the testing efficiency and effectiveness.

6 Testing quality control

Testing quality control is the process of measuring and evaluating the quality of cloud computing services based on the testing quality criteria and levels. It involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting the testing data and metrics. It also involves comparing the actual quality with the expected quality and identifying any gaps or deviations. Testing quality control helps you to assess and demonstrate the quality of cloud computing services and to provide evidence and feedback to the stakeholders and users. It also helps you to make informed decisions and actions to enhance or maintain the quality of cloud computing services.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?