Review By: Marybeth Norton
05/07/2005Your mission, if you accept it, is to control the risks associated with the introduction of a new information system. If you choose to accept your mission, obtain a copy of this book. It is an excellent reference book for everyone involved in the quality assurance software process.

It seems the authors wrote this book on the premise that it would become the standard text on the subject. It effectively describes all aspects and combinations for implementation of TMap into all company information systems, both for high- and low-level structured testing. The style of the book is to describe the main topic first and drill down and down, guiding you meticulously through each step. The book comprises six parts. In places, it is difficult and heavy reading; other parts are easy reading, with checklists, forms, templates, and lots of guidance.

Part I (General Principles) gives anyone who does not have any experience in software testing a good background of the QA process and types of testing that exist. Part II (Lifecycle) provides an overview of the four cornerstones of a structured test approach, consisting of a lifecycle of test activities, good organizational embedding with the right infrastructure, and usable techniques. The Technique section is more difficult—geared to the more sophisticated tester interested in Test Point Analysis and structural path techniques. Part IV (Organization) looks at a lot of job descriptions and job requirements regularly posted in HR as well as justifications for why organizational charts are the way they are. Part V (Infrastructure Guidelines) is included for test environments. It lists pros and cons of test tools, and when and how to use them successfully. Part VI (Variations) goes into all the different flavors and combinations of TMap that can be incorporated into any corporation. This book is highly recommended.