Rating: 
Summary: Packed with solid test planning knowledge
Review: I am not the world's most experienced test manager, but I've been doing it for some time now, and although I knew there was a lot more to learn, I thought I knew the basics. But I had read not even 5 pages of this book before I had my pad of paper out and was scribbling down all the things I needed to do to improve my department. Most of them don't even have to do with test automation! Just software quality management.The book presents a test automation methodology which is practical, useful, and complete, encompassing the state of the art of test automation as it stands right now (with the exception of some very recent developments in automated testing such as model-based testing, still in its infancy). One small thing I've learned: Our shop has already chosen a tool, so I skipped reading that part of the lifecycle, but wound up coming back to it when the authors discussed how to test the tool when it gets upgraded. I'm anticipating a tool upgrade soon, and there are lot of aspects of my testing that can be negatively affected if I don't plan for them. Now, I'm planning for them and expect to have a smooth transition, and to have confidence that my tool will continue to do the job with the scripts I've already written. The automation methodology, though, really serves as a focal point around which the authors place a tremendous amount of information about how to perform software quality inspection. Admittedly I would not take this book to read on the beach. First, the amount of work there is to do to run a test group well is staggering, and the authors are determined to jam it all in here. They make you concentrate. Second, they write using an extremely dry style, which doesn't obscure the points they make, but doesn't inject much life into them either. (I suppose if you want personality, you can always read Boris Beizer.) Elfriede Dustin and Jeffrey Rashka have packed this book with knowledge about how to run your testing and your defect-prevention efforts. They don't say it's easy, but they do map the territory very well. I will use and re-use this book for a long time.
Rating:
Summary: Packed with solid test planning knowledge
Review: I am not the world's most experienced test manager, but I've been doing it for some time now, and although I knew there was a lot more to learn, I thought I knew the basics. But I had read not even 5 pages of this book before I had my pad of paper out and was scribbling down all the things I needed to do to improve my department. Most of them don't even have to do with test automation! Just software quality management. The book presents a test automation methodology which is practical, useful, and complete, encompassing the state of the art of test automation as it stands right now (with the exception of some very recent developments in automated testing such as model-based testing, still in its infancy). One small thing I've learned: Our shop has already chosen a tool, so I skipped reading that part of the lifecycle, but wound up coming back to it when the authors discussed how to test the tool when it gets upgraded. I'm anticipating a tool upgrade soon, and there are lot of aspects of my testing that can be negatively affected if I don't plan for them. Now, I'm planning for them and expect to have a smooth transition, and to have confidence that my tool will continue to do the job with the scripts I've already written. The automation methodology, though, really serves as a focal point around which the authors place a tremendous amount of information about how to perform software quality inspection. Admittedly I would not take this book to read on the beach. First, the amount of work there is to do to run a test group well is staggering, and the authors are determined to jam it all in here. They make you concentrate. Second, they write using an extremely dry style, which doesn't obscure the points they make, but doesn't inject much life into them either. (I suppose if you want personality, you can always read Boris Beizer.) Elfriede Dustin and Jeffrey Rashka have packed this book with knowledge about how to run your testing and your defect-prevention efforts. They don't say it's easy, but they do map the territory very well. I will use and re-use this book for a long time.
Rating: 
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: I find this book to be a very thorough reference for the Software Test manager considering automation. I believe the most difficult part of software test automation is consideration of tools and the associated support of the tool makers. This decision can make or break the automation process for a company and can lock the company into following a process designated by the tool. This book is an invaluable guide through the tool selection process for a test manager or test lead. During the automation process, as well, I think this book will be well-thumbed because it gives great insight into how to manage an automation project successfully. The authors' combined experience clearly shows through in this book's organization and detail. The only things I can find missing from this text are perhaps a discussion of the creation of in-house testing tools using C, Visual Basic or the inexpensive Visual Test language. Enough companies use this alternative to make this a worthwhile topic for discussion. Maybe the next edition? Mary R. Sweeney
Rating:
Summary: I'd give this book at 10+.
Review: I found this book extremely helpful in testing my software. Where was this book two years ago? I dont know how I opperated without it.
Rating:
Summary: Must have book for test automation professionals
Review: I have been in the test automation business since 1992 when I started to use MS Test 1.0. My exposure to that area includes test automation itself, managing a QA team and teaching classes in Silk and Visual Test. The book covers practically all the aspects of establishing test automation practices within a company where folks are serios about it. No matter what level of expertise you have in the field - you find something to bring to your everyday life right away.
Rating:
Summary: You'll Need This Guide to Implement Automated Testing
Review: I recently joined a firm that simply wanted to purchase an automated test tool within two weeks; "it made little difference which tool". Using this book, they became convinced we should install at least three tools, on evaluation. Good thing we did: we found that only one could deal with "customized" Java applets used in their applications. Little did our test team know beforehand that new automated tools require evaluation: what technologies are your applications using? what levels of test planning and scripting skills will be required for each tool? what other tools may be necessary sooner or later? and, does your test tool vendor of choice market such complementary tools? And much, much more. "Automated Software Testing" guides readers through each step in the planning, selection, and implementation process to assure that automated software testing will be developed in a systematic manner. See the table of contents. You will find that for less than the cost of a testers time for two hours, your business will be investing in knowledge that will save perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of your applications.
Rating:
Summary: Automated Software Testing
Review: I've had this book for a few months already. It is fantastic! I already recommended it to all friends on mine and got very good reply. I would recommend it to anyone who already has or planning to automate their testing practices. Thank you for the great work!
Rating:
Summary: A helpful tool for automated software testing.
Review: If at all serious about software testing then buy this book. I found, at my fingertips, a book that not only addresses test engineering basics as well as test automation practices, but also helps me prepare (ahead of time) for the changes in test automation that can be expected just around the corner. What I see forthcoming are test tools that implement this structured methodology. Instead of performing the entire test life cycle haphazardly, software test managers will use an ATLM-compliant test tool that automatically supports (and possibly enforces) this sound building block approach to the test effort.
Rating:
Summary: Any automation person should have
Review: If you think "Automation" you should get this one - "Automated Software Testing" book. Being a professional automation engineer for last 8 years, I am glad to see that this type of books start making their way to customers. Different automation approaches, example criteria are very helpful!
Rating:
Summary: The standard for Quality Assurance groups
Review: If your organization is interested in having a mature automated testing process, you need this book. This book will guide you throughout the entire process from thinking about standards to implementing and maintaining them. After several years in QA, I did not have a complete appreciation for all the things that could and should be done until I read this book. I am using the information available in this book to implement the quality assurance process for my organization and I am making the book required reading for all testers. In addition to all the important information on testing in general, the book also contains many other useful resources including a wonderful sample test plan. Automated Software Testing: Introduction, Management and Performance is an invaluable resource for everyone involved in software quality assurance, from people thinking about entering the field to seasoned individuals who manage the testing process for their organization. If you are involved in QA or want to be involved, get this book.
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