Businesses fear lost revenues after poor software testing

The vast majority of IT development and project directors worry that poor software testing is costing their businesses money, according to a survey.

Some 82 percent are concerned about the losses, and nearly four in 10 already have first-hand experience of such a problem.

And 55 percent said they had software problems during the first few months after testing, indicating inadequate checks had been made.

There was also confusion over how important an image software testing had within firms, according to the survey by research firm PAC which interviewed 198 large U.K. enterprises. A disturbing 81 percent of businesses have no idea what budget is being allocated to software testing.

David Cotterell, chief executive at software testing and quality management consultancy SQS, which commissioned the survey, said companies should consider outsourcing non-mission critical testing, as in-house checks were the norm at six in 10 firms.

"In the same way that an outside auditor is employed to oversee a company's financial affairs, organizations should be looking to outsource testing projects to realize the maximum return on IT investment and fully achieve business goals," he said.

Just over half, or 52 percent, of businesses were considering growing their outsourcing budget for software testing, and 45 percent planned to further invest in test automation tools within the next few years.

Computerworld UK is an InfoWorld affiliate.