Compatibility comes from the word compatible I.e., the capability of existing or living together. Compatibility testing is testing in software development cycle that ensures that a product (website or app) works/ functions well on different operating systems and devices.
With the surge in digitalization, users are using a wide range of devices. Not overlook that businesses these days are doing everything possible to achieve a hassle-free bond with their customers. Therefore, companies lay emphasis on the dissemination of different apps that are accessible to users using diff browsers and devices. This is where compatibility testing steps in!
Compatibility testing ensures compatibility of the software/app/ website in terms of browsers, operating systems, hardware, devices, databases or other things. It makes sure that the performance of a service doesn’t gets affected by different networks, bandwidths, and configurations. These days mobile compatibility testing is also becoming even more important. According to Statista, “The number of Mobile devices is projected to touch 16.8 billion in 2023.”
Also, we are aware that mobile devices are of different brands, designs, screen size, features, configurations, network operators to name a few. This is where, to avoid the hindrance caused in compatibility, organisations prefer doing mobile compatibility testing.
Importance of Compatibility Testing in Digital Landscape
It's not possible to overlook the fact how businesses these days are doing best to achieve best in terms of sales, profit and ROI. In case of software development, it’s important to create such a service (App, website, or software) that caters the needs of customers. In this case, compatibility testing services ensures and maintain the responsiveness of the app or website.
It helps developers and entrepreneurs to achieve seamless and easy-going communication with their users. Compatibility testing is relevant as it helps in ensuring that app or website works as expected across all the key browsers and devices.
Today various businesses and organisations tend to develop separate apps for desktop and other downloadable apps for mobile devices. In this era of digital transformation compatibility testing brings better experience for users. In simple words while leveraging or sticking to compatibility testing, businesses can deliver what they promised to deliver with a smooth flow.
How Compatibility Testing Enhances ROI In Digital Era?
When we talk about digital transformation, we simply imply the changing demands of customers. With compatibility testing, businesses are able to get good Return on investment when the newly developed app or software meet the demands set by target audience.
In simple words ROI or Return on Investment is a popularly used metric to evaluate how well an investment has performed. Compatibility testing if leveraged aptly can be advantageous in augmenting digital transformation.
When the businesses implement compatibility testing, it is ensured that the app or software fulfills the fundamental demands placed by the customers. The demands of consumers are increasing with the increase in technology. This further fosters a satisfactory experience in users and thereby ultimately leading to increase in profits and ROI (Return on Investment)
There are numerous predictable errors that an app or software can develop, such as:
- Navigation problems
- Alignment issues
- Problems with UI interface
- CSS color and style or problems with overall presentation of app or software
These defects if left untreated can cause huge dissatisfaction to users, which further would hinder profits. In this scenario if leveraged properly, effective check on quality assurance services helps in easy solving of these issues.
Compatibility testing improves the overall process of software development. It is done in a way so as the issues are fixed during the initial process of development. In this way the early detection of bugs can prevent future loss or occurrences. Further, this facilitates the delivery of a smooth and flawless product to consumers which automatically increases ROI.
User satisfaction and compatibility testing go hand in hand. Compatibility testing ensure that the application performs smoothly or without failure to meet the user expectations across diverse browsers/operating systems or devices. It helps in detecting irregularities that could otherwise hinder the business and reputation of the organisation. High end user satisfaction will lead to profits and enhancement in ROI.
Forms of Compatibility Testing
Hardware Compatibility testing: It completely focuses on compatibility of a software with various other hardware set-ups.
Operating system Compatibility testing: It is designed to check the compatibility of a software with different operating systems.
Network compatibility testing: This type of testing checks the compatibility of the software related to network-related issues like speed, bandwidth, and capacity.
Browser compatibility testing: It is designed to focus on compatibility of software with different browsers such as google chrome, Mozilla Firefox etc.
Devices Compatibility Testing: It checks the compatibility of the software with devices like scanners, USB devices, printers, Bluetooth and others.
Mobile Compatibility Testing: It is designed to assess the compatibility of software with operating systems of different mobile devices like Android, iOS, blackberry etc.
Versions of the software: It verifies that whether your software application is compatible with different versions of the software. For example, one can check your Microsoft word to be compatible with Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 7 SP3.
Conclusion
Today, we can consider compatibility testing as key and crucial factor that acts as a catalyst in the current technological advanced landscape. By boosting the recommendations and referrals of your business, compatibility testing ensures positive business outcomes while enhancing Return on Investment (ROI).
Nowadays what mostly matters for the brands is their reputation and brand value and in order to maintain that adopting compatibility testing service providers is important. So, companies should adhere to proper adoption of compatibility testing, which is the core of digital transformation.
