What is TAGS?
Think Future Automation Generic System also known as TAGS in short is a generic framework which has been specifically designed to cater to needs of any TFT client who seeks a low cost end-to-end automation solution using open source tools. When we started our journey to create this framework, we were looking for the following primary characteristics in our solution:
- Should be able to integrate with multiple Test Management tools.
- Should be able to integrate with multiple Automation tools.
- Should support multiple system platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, mobile devices etc.
- Should support multiple web browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome etc.
- Should incorporate the 4Rs: repeatability, reliability, re-use and robustness.
- Should be a user-friendly solution
Integration with multiple Test Management tools & Automation Tools: Several open source test management and Automation tools were considered but the two that stood out because of their available feature set and allowed level of customization are XStudio for test management & Selenium for Automation. Though, focus was primarily on these tools but our generic framework was designed in such a manner that vast majority of test management tools as well as automation tools can be plugged in with our solution.
Multiple platform & Web browser support: TAGS is both platform & browser independent and offers multilingual support.
Incorporate 4Rs & user-friendly approach: TAGS is designed in such a manner that the testers do not need to possess any scripting background at all to automate complex testing scenarios. Everything is already built-in and can be configured easily.
How TAGS Works
TAGS is essentially a glue layer which sits in between the Test Management tool and Automation tool. It is composed of the following components:
- Test Engine component: is the brain of the framework which will handle all other components.
- Test Driver component: will drive automation tools like Selenium integrated with TAGS framework.
- Reporting component: will generate reports/log files for automation execution and email notifications.
- Test Manager component: will be responsible to retrieve data from different test management source systems.
Compatibility with Proprietary Tools
Though TAGS offers a complete end to end open source solution using Xstudio & Selenium but we also understand that not every Client’s situation is same. TAGS gives flexibility to the client to select their own Test Management tool and Automation tool since it is compatible with majority of the Test Management tools like Quality Center, Microsoft Test Manager etc. and Automation tools like Selenium, Quick Test Professional(QTP), Test Complete etc.
TAGS offer s value to all clients by providing:
- Unique mix and match approach to reduce cost by combining COTS and open source testing solution tools
- Developed own plug-ins over open testing tools
Tools currently supported by TAGS
Functional Automation
Test Management
Defect Management
Requirements Management
