White Paper –

Lines of Innovation in Software Testing

Software testing, and other high-tech areas, are driven forward by innovation – the useful and practical application of new ideas.

Innovation can be inspired both by individual creativity displayed on projects and by the results of work carried out by researchers.  It may be implemented by manufacturers, such as tools vendors, or by the end users, as is the case with open source initiatives, and can include methods, tools, processes and people/skill-based improvements.

Testing is also directly affected by innovations in the software development area, such as the adoption of agile methodologies and mobile technologies.

This paper considers the importance of innovation to the software testing industry, and looks at the factors that affect its achievement.  The major innovations of the last 50 years will be reviewed, and predictions made for the areas where major innovations and trends may appear in the next few years.

Lines of Innovation in Software testing