Developing your test plan

Before you develop a test plan, determine your acceptance criteria. These criteria must establish the requirements and steps to bring the new server to the appropriate level of function, performance, availability and risk following the upgrade. These criteria can help promote a quick and easy transition from the time the authorized service provider presents the server to you until you formally accept your new server.

When developing your test plan, assess your business situation to determine the level of testing that you need. Examine the risk involved by not testing and whether that risk justifies the time, expense, and resources required to complete the test.

Determine the preliminary tasks for your test plan, and then develop the actual test plan, which should be partially based on your criteria and risk assessment. Complete the following tasks to develop your test plan:

• Identify focus areas to be covered by testing
• Identify resources that can be used during this testing
• Assign appropriate personnel to develop a test strategy and test schedule

After you have completed those tasks, complete the next set of steps:

• Develop a test strategy, plan, and timeline
• Ensure that you have enough resources to complete the test. Some of the resources you might need are:
  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Labor
  • Tools
  • Licenses
  • Location
• Verify that you have taken into consideration physical planning and installation requirements

Review the plan thoroughly before implementing it. Use this review to focus on your timeline, requirements, cost, and steps necessary to complete your plan.