Testing validates that your new system is functioning as planned. Based on your system requirements and needs, your test can range from covering the basics to an in-depth analysis. Testing is an ongoing process where parts of your solution run in real time while others are still in the testing phase on secondary partitions.
Before you begin with the main planning tasks, you need to:
| Before you begin | |
|---|---|
| __ | Have the rest of your hardware planning done. |
| __ | Verify that you have taken into consideration physical planning and installation requirements. |
| __ | Have an understanding of how your solution is supposed to work. |
| Test planning tasks | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| __ | Determine acceptance criteria The acceptance criteria should establish requirements for bringing your system to the appropriate level of function, performance, availability, and risk. These criteria promote a quick and easy transition from the time the authorized service provider presents the system to you until you formally accept your new system. |
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| __ | Assess your business needs An adequate business assessment should place testing priority on mission-critical functions. Mission-critical functions may require multiple regression tests, in addition to the overall system testing that you plan to perform. |
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| __ | Identify resources that could
support this testing Testing can be resource-intensive. In
your test plan, make sure that you have sufficient resources in these areas:
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| __ | Assign personnel Make sure your plan includes human resources assigned to perform and monitor the testing. |
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| __ | Develop a test schedule Your plan must include the length of time for testing, a target date for activating your solution, and how long you will continue to test certain inactive features. |
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For more information about testing your solution see the System
and solution testing 
Web site.
| After you finish | |
|---|---|
| __ | Review your test plan thoroughly before implementing it. This review should focus on your time-line, requirements, and the steps that are necessary to complete your plan. |
| __ | Record a list of resources that you need, including human resources and the costs of those resources. |