Have been to Agra to see the greatest monument representing LOVE - Taj Mahal.
The indomitable love of Shajahaan towards Mumtaj will live on forever. My personal feeling is that this monument is only a drop of his love in the ocean.
The extensive and exquisite landscapes surrounding the Taj mahal reflects the heart of Shajahaan...simple yet wide, calm yet appeasing. The huge walls and gates on three sides tell the protection and caring he has given to his sweetheart - Mumtaj. The picturesque look Taj gives from the gate gives bliss and agony to anyone who understands love. Such a beautiful structure gives us bliss, and the grief of the Shajahaan looking at this beautiful mausoleum gives us agony. Though I have not seen Mumtaj, I can certainly tell that she was the most beautiful woman in the eyes of Shajahaan. Otherwise, Taj mahal will not look so beautiful. Truly Love is beautiful.
The more you see it, the more you love it. Has Shajahaan applied the formula m = E/c**2 to convert the moonlight (energy) into Taj mahal (mass)? The appealing marble added to its size, the Taj mahal is moonlight in the day. I am longing to see it in the night on a fullmoon day, in which it looks spectacular, which is the reason it is considered a world wonder. Ironically, it is not open to tourists in the nights. That's why I did not anywhere specify that I have visited the world wonder.
The intricate work done on the walls is really good. This is something odd we see, as such kind of embedding work is usually seen with Glass, not stones. I feel that Shajahaan has not shown much interest in sculpture, otherwise, the flowers and plants sculpted on the walls would have been more lively. Another reason could be to retain the simplicity of the mausoleum, that he did not touch up on the sculpture. The only recognizable sculpture one can see is the Jali pardah (veil) surrounding the cenotaphs.
The beautiful Yamuna, on the banks of which Taj mahal is built, has added more colours to the monument.
Over all, the place is a must visit for anyone who believes in Love. And whoever visits Taj mahal should say Wah!! Taj!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Dig gold in the farm
An entrepreneur is one who not only finds an opportunity in a problem or obstacle (remember FIPPO rule), but also in future needs and demands.
I can declare without dissent that food items will be the most demanded commodities in the near future (by the end of next decade).
Well, given this situation, a scientist would think of how to increase the productivity, how to produce maximum with less water etc.
A politician would think how to make the food available to all, affordable to all, who to implement ration and reservation of food to different sects etc (LoL).
An engineer would think how to improve the existing tools and machinery to help farmers to reduce the effort.
A business man thinks how to procure at less cost and sell at a higher cost, and how much would be the profit margins.
However, an entrepreneur thinks how to turn this opportunity into a business. (Please understand that there is a lot of different between business man and an entrepreneur.)
Here are a few points to ponder on:
1. What to produce
2. How to produce
3. How to market
These represent some form of direct Agriculture and Farming activities, which are nothing new.
Farmers are already aware of and to some extent following - Which crop to grow in which area in which season, crop changing from harvest to harvest, manure, machinery. Storing, procuring directly from farmers is something which is done by the retail market chains like FoodBazaar, Reliance, Heritage etc.
However, my blog is about a new kind of opportunities which I would like the term as Agri Enabled Services (AeS), similar to ITeS.
These kinds of services are something which are dependent on Agriculture, but not direct farming. These in turn affect the Agriculture either in increasing the productivity or accessibility to markets, or increase the rate benefit to farmers etc.
Wondering what they are, here are some examples. As I always say, these are some, and not limited to them.
Get the history of price fluctuations of different agricultural products in the market on a monthly basis for the past 5years. Make a trend and analyze when the prices are high and when they are low. Based on that analysis, find out when the price of a particular good would rise and accordingly advise the farmer to store their product till that time and sell it then.
Or, procure the produce from the farmers at the time when the price is low, and store them and sell when their prices rise. Though this process is being done already, no one is doing it using the statistical data. Thus, they either end up storing it for a longer time or don't store sufficient quantity.
Just think the reverse way. Say that the price of rice is going to be high in the month of May, and say growing paddy would take 3 to 4 months. Exactly....what you are thinking is right....cultivate paddy by sowing in the month of February or March. Your crop grows along with the price and your harvest will be ready when the price is at its peak.
Think of the Organic food items that are growing popularity. Well, producing organic food items is not what I am going to talk about. I am talking about the AeS, for this Organic food items sector. It needs organic manure. So, making organic manure and fertilizers is a good opportunity.
This is a double edge knife. To produce organic manure, you need organic wastes. Getting that organic waste itself is a profit making business. As an example, organic wastes from sugar factories, fruit pulp industries, disposing the leftover food in school canteens, cleaning the dried leaves inside university campuses etc. Doing these cleaning activities itself is a business. How about taking all that waste to convert into organic manure? Isn't it a double edged blade?
Well, as said earlier, these are only some examples. What more, any business related to Agriculture is going to be a sure success. Take if for granted.
That's why I always tell my friends that if we have a piece of cultivable land with enough water, then we are having gold mines. Sow seeds and harvest gold.
Time to say Jai Kissan!
Dig gold in the farm!!
I can declare without dissent that food items will be the most demanded commodities in the near future (by the end of next decade).
Well, given this situation, a scientist would think of how to increase the productivity, how to produce maximum with less water etc.
A politician would think how to make the food available to all, affordable to all, who to implement ration and reservation of food to different sects etc (LoL).
An engineer would think how to improve the existing tools and machinery to help farmers to reduce the effort.
A business man thinks how to procure at less cost and sell at a higher cost, and how much would be the profit margins.
However, an entrepreneur thinks how to turn this opportunity into a business. (Please understand that there is a lot of different between business man and an entrepreneur.)
Here are a few points to ponder on:
1. What to produce
2. How to produce
3. How to market
These represent some form of direct Agriculture and Farming activities, which are nothing new.
Farmers are already aware of and to some extent following - Which crop to grow in which area in which season, crop changing from harvest to harvest, manure, machinery. Storing, procuring directly from farmers is something which is done by the retail market chains like FoodBazaar, Reliance, Heritage etc.
However, my blog is about a new kind of opportunities which I would like the term as Agri Enabled Services (AeS), similar to ITeS.
These kinds of services are something which are dependent on Agriculture, but not direct farming. These in turn affect the Agriculture either in increasing the productivity or accessibility to markets, or increase the rate benefit to farmers etc.
Wondering what they are, here are some examples. As I always say, these are some, and not limited to them.
Get the history of price fluctuations of different agricultural products in the market on a monthly basis for the past 5years. Make a trend and analyze when the prices are high and when they are low. Based on that analysis, find out when the price of a particular good would rise and accordingly advise the farmer to store their product till that time and sell it then.
Or, procure the produce from the farmers at the time when the price is low, and store them and sell when their prices rise. Though this process is being done already, no one is doing it using the statistical data. Thus, they either end up storing it for a longer time or don't store sufficient quantity.
Just think the reverse way. Say that the price of rice is going to be high in the month of May, and say growing paddy would take 3 to 4 months. Exactly....what you are thinking is right....cultivate paddy by sowing in the month of February or March. Your crop grows along with the price and your harvest will be ready when the price is at its peak.
Think of the Organic food items that are growing popularity. Well, producing organic food items is not what I am going to talk about. I am talking about the AeS, for this Organic food items sector. It needs organic manure. So, making organic manure and fertilizers is a good opportunity.
This is a double edge knife. To produce organic manure, you need organic wastes. Getting that organic waste itself is a profit making business. As an example, organic wastes from sugar factories, fruit pulp industries, disposing the leftover food in school canteens, cleaning the dried leaves inside university campuses etc. Doing these cleaning activities itself is a business. How about taking all that waste to convert into organic manure? Isn't it a double edged blade?
Well, as said earlier, these are only some examples. What more, any business related to Agriculture is going to be a sure success. Take if for granted.
That's why I always tell my friends that if we have a piece of cultivable land with enough water, then we are having gold mines. Sow seeds and harvest gold.
Time to say Jai Kissan!
Dig gold in the farm!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Lift(Elevator) manners
Day in and day out everyone of us would be travelling up and down in lifts(elevators). From my observation, I feel that Lift Manners need to inculcated in everyone of us. Refer to the list, though it is not complete.
1. If you are going to the top most floor, then better get in first and try to stand back inside.
2. If you are going to getdown in the next immediate floors, then better wait outside till everyone gets in, and then at the end, you get it, so that it would be easy to get out. However, dont wait till the lift gets completely filled. Otherwise, you will be standing out forever :).
3. Don't press the "close" (><) button. Better to wait for people to join untill the Lift is at least 50% occupied. Remember, Lift consumes almost the same energy (electricity) to take 1 person or 10 persons. So, by waiting for a few more seconds (i really mean seconds, not minutes), we will not lose anything. Instead we will be saving the Environment.
4. Please get out side the lift in case you are obstructing someone's exit, and then get in.
5. Avoid farting inside the lift.
6. Don't forget to switch off the Fan if it is manually operated.
7. Never scratch/write on the walls of the lift.
8. Avoid using the "non-stop" button unless you are in some emergency.
9. Try to press the "open" button when the door closes while someone is entering the Lift.
10. Help the ignorant people on how to use the Lift. Correct if someone operates the Lift in a wrong way.
As I always say, this is not the end of the list.
I know these are not any difficult actions to follow. Following these simple rules lift your comfort in Lift travel :-)
1. If you are going to the top most floor, then better get in first and try to stand back inside.
2. If you are going to getdown in the next immediate floors, then better wait outside till everyone gets in, and then at the end, you get it, so that it would be easy to get out. However, dont wait till the lift gets completely filled. Otherwise, you will be standing out forever :).
3. Don't press the "close" (><) button. Better to wait for people to join untill the Lift is at least 50% occupied. Remember, Lift consumes almost the same energy (electricity) to take 1 person or 10 persons. So, by waiting for a few more seconds (i really mean seconds, not minutes), we will not lose anything. Instead we will be saving the Environment.
4. Please get out side the lift in case you are obstructing someone's exit, and then get in.
5. Avoid farting inside the lift.
6. Don't forget to switch off the Fan if it is manually operated.
7. Never scratch/write on the walls of the lift.
8. Avoid using the "non-stop" button unless you are in some emergency.
9. Try to press the "open" button when the door closes while someone is entering the Lift.
10. Help the ignorant people on how to use the Lift. Correct if someone operates the Lift in a wrong way.
As I always say, this is not the end of the list.
I know these are not any difficult actions to follow. Following these simple rules lift your comfort in Lift travel :-)
Incredible !ndia
Who does not want to go places.... ;)
Thanks to the Incredible !ndia campaign started in 2001, world is now gaga about visiting this country of diversities.
To the surprise of Tourism department, more than foreigners, Indian nationals started touring different places in India. I am not sure if this is because of the increased infrastructure like roads or the irresistible publicity through media or the increased spending culture, that has prompted the Indians to throng places.
Whatever be the reason, I am excited that places are getting more and more popular, and at the same time, apprehensive that the places are being polluted/mistreated/abused by the tourists (Non-Indians and Indians alike).
Anyways, coming to me, am always excited about listening to the strange and ancient fables. I believe every place in India has a mythology attached to it. What more, there will be unfound (till date) science in each mythology. If, around my native town, there are around 10 to 20 eye-brow raising scientific mythic constructions/phenomena present, then imagine how many such things will be there in this Karma Bhumi.
As an example, a big temple (of south Indian architecture built by Sri Krishnadevaraya) is built in such a way that the Ravi rays fall on the Feet, the Navel and the Face of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum respectively on each day for 3 continuous days around March 22nd every year. Doesn't it say how in depth we have studied the solar system and the movement of the Ravi, the earth and other planets.
There was another temple, in whose sanctum tank, water continuously flows from the mouth of a pachyderm’s statue. That tells our civil engineering maturity.
There is yet another sanctum tank of a temple whose holy water cures all the skin diseases. Of course, there are many such tanks/wells in India which have got medicinal properties.
...And the list goes endless.
My interest in visiting places is growing day-by-day. I wish now I worked in tourism department J. I want to see this entire Bharatha Khand from Sethu in the south to the Himalayam in the north.
There are miracles everywhere in India. In this incredible land, everything and everyone is incredible.
Looking for some food for your mind, then visit the thirunaallu where people walk on red-hot burning coal, without burning their heels J
Or Go to the Himalayas, you will find saints doing dhyan while floating on water.
Recently, Indian DRDO scientists did some tests on a saint who did not eat or drink anything in the past 70years.
If you are an enthusiastic pedagogue, visit and know the teaching models of the ancient universities like Nalanda, Varanasi, Kanchi which existed from thousands of years.
Learn about Avadhanam and types in it, which is a language lab to its most sophisticated level. Tell me if you don't go agape after knowing about it.
Want more science, then dig into the epics and puranas. You will come to know that a war took place only for 18days, in which millions of warriors died, not possible without the use of state-of-the-art arsenal, but did not an inch of harm to the Mother Nature Prakruthi.
Visit the Jantar Mantar from which our astronomical researchers are still learning so much of science.
Pathology, oncology, cardiology, nephrology......huh...just say Ayurveda. A no-side-effect solution to all your ailments. Want more? Come to Indhya.
Pages and Pages can be written about this holy nation. In short I would say Incredible India.
Thanks to the Incredible !ndia campaign started in 2001, world is now gaga about visiting this country of diversities.
To the surprise of Tourism department, more than foreigners, Indian nationals started touring different places in India. I am not sure if this is because of the increased infrastructure like roads or the irresistible publicity through media or the increased spending culture, that has prompted the Indians to throng places.
Whatever be the reason, I am excited that places are getting more and more popular, and at the same time, apprehensive that the places are being polluted/mistreated/abused by the tourists (Non-Indians and Indians alike).
Anyways, coming to me, am always excited about listening to the strange and ancient fables. I believe every place in India has a mythology attached to it. What more, there will be unfound (till date) science in each mythology. If, around my native town, there are around 10 to 20 eye-brow raising scientific mythic constructions/phenomena present, then imagine how many such things will be there in this Karma Bhumi.
As an example, a big temple (of south Indian architecture built by Sri Krishnadevaraya) is built in such a way that the Ravi rays fall on the Feet, the Navel and the Face of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum respectively on each day for 3 continuous days around March 22nd every year. Doesn't it say how in depth we have studied the solar system and the movement of the Ravi, the earth and other planets.
There was another temple, in whose sanctum tank, water continuously flows from the mouth of a pachyderm’s statue. That tells our civil engineering maturity.
There is yet another sanctum tank of a temple whose holy water cures all the skin diseases. Of course, there are many such tanks/wells in India which have got medicinal properties.
...And the list goes endless.
My interest in visiting places is growing day-by-day. I wish now I worked in tourism department J. I want to see this entire Bharatha Khand from Sethu in the south to the Himalayam in the north.
There are miracles everywhere in India. In this incredible land, everything and everyone is incredible.
Looking for some food for your mind, then visit the thirunaallu where people walk on red-hot burning coal, without burning their heels J
Or Go to the Himalayas, you will find saints doing dhyan while floating on water.
Recently, Indian DRDO scientists did some tests on a saint who did not eat or drink anything in the past 70years.
If you are an enthusiastic pedagogue, visit and know the teaching models of the ancient universities like Nalanda, Varanasi, Kanchi which existed from thousands of years.
Learn about Avadhanam and types in it, which is a language lab to its most sophisticated level. Tell me if you don't go agape after knowing about it.
Want more science, then dig into the epics and puranas. You will come to know that a war took place only for 18days, in which millions of warriors died, not possible without the use of state-of-the-art arsenal, but did not an inch of harm to the Mother Nature Prakruthi.
Visit the Jantar Mantar from which our astronomical researchers are still learning so much of science.
Pathology, oncology, cardiology, nephrology......huh...just say Ayurveda. A no-side-effect solution to all your ailments. Want more? Come to Indhya.
Pages and Pages can be written about this holy nation. In short I would say Incredible India.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Bond with the best
Bond is such a good thing to feel. One day, this topic jumped in suddenly during my discussion with my American friend (and colleague).
I have compiled and edited the chat, and made it a complete text. Read through…..
In USA, the culture is to be "Independent". In India, the culture is to be "Dependent". When I say "dependent"...not financially, but emotionally and physically….tight bond between the family members and relatives....so, no one feels that "solitude".
However, that was the case till yesterday (I would say till last night). Today’s parents are feeling that they are "left over" ...with the children "migrating" to cities in search of their livelihood.
After our parents retire, they find no one at home to accompany them. They experience solitude at that time. I don’t think they will come and stay with us in the city nor do I think that we go and stay in the Town/village with our parents. We only keep "visiting" each other.
Unlike us, who have done matriculation in one area, graduation in another place, and PG in yet another place, and working in a couple cities for a couple of years, our parents have spent most of their lives in one place. Their secondary education, job…all in one locality. They certainly have got bonds with their native place, native people, friends and relatives. That bond is true, and unbreakable. This makes them hard to leave their place, and enter our (migration/virtual land(s). I think no one can disagree with that. Just think of our relations….when was the last time we visited our relatives or friends? We have only temporary friends….depending on the organization and city we live in. Once we move out of that organization, we will not bother about each other till we come back to the same place. So, for us, it is all virtual and temporary, just like our jobs :)
However, given the number of years we spent together, and culture in which we are grown, we still attach the (emotional) bond to our parents. Going forward to the next generation, I think this emotional bondage gets weakened. For them, might be, these virtual and temporary bonds are the only bonds, because they will be grown up with them. May be generations later, this ‘bond’ would be called as an extinct genome in human DNA.
Well, that is the problem. What about the solution?
It is arguably harder to maintain close relationships at a distance (with parents in towns and villages, and children in cities)... but it can be done if everyone works at it.
How?
This is what one of my retired client manager (an American) has to speak about, when we were chatting about this topic….”For family it would be on a larger scale, but I think what you (me) and I(client manger) are doing are some of the things people do who care about each other and don't want to 'lose' the other person.
Family would write, call, chat, visit, may be even take some joint holiday together.”
Well, being an Indian, I would like to have more. Just take my case, who visit my native place (which is around 6hrs journey from my work place) every weekend, only to cherish that bond. If not every weekend, one should visit at least once in 2 weeks. Rest as said above…call, chat, and go on vacations all together.
Here is yet another question that came into my mind at this time –
“I agree....but over a few generations, will that still happen? My worry is not about the current time, but future.”
Well, here is what my 65year young client manager has told me – “We only have control over the present...we must do what we can and want to do to maintain important relationships... but we can't guarantee what our children or grandchildren will do...”
Hmm...true. Isn’t it?
“We must hope and believe that our example will not be lost on them.”
True again.....we should inspire them and see that the inspiration continues.
What else is there...? I think I have summed it up perfectly.
I have compiled and edited the chat, and made it a complete text. Read through…..
In USA, the culture is to be "Independent". In India, the culture is to be "Dependent". When I say "dependent"...not financially, but emotionally and physically….tight bond between the family members and relatives....so, no one feels that "solitude".
However, that was the case till yesterday (I would say till last night). Today’s parents are feeling that they are "left over" ...with the children "migrating" to cities in search of their livelihood.
After our parents retire, they find no one at home to accompany them. They experience solitude at that time. I don’t think they will come and stay with us in the city nor do I think that we go and stay in the Town/village with our parents. We only keep "visiting" each other.
Unlike us, who have done matriculation in one area, graduation in another place, and PG in yet another place, and working in a couple cities for a couple of years, our parents have spent most of their lives in one place. Their secondary education, job…all in one locality. They certainly have got bonds with their native place, native people, friends and relatives. That bond is true, and unbreakable. This makes them hard to leave their place, and enter our (migration/virtual land(s). I think no one can disagree with that. Just think of our relations….when was the last time we visited our relatives or friends? We have only temporary friends….depending on the organization and city we live in. Once we move out of that organization, we will not bother about each other till we come back to the same place. So, for us, it is all virtual and temporary, just like our jobs :)
However, given the number of years we spent together, and culture in which we are grown, we still attach the (emotional) bond to our parents. Going forward to the next generation, I think this emotional bondage gets weakened. For them, might be, these virtual and temporary bonds are the only bonds, because they will be grown up with them. May be generations later, this ‘bond’ would be called as an extinct genome in human DNA.
Well, that is the problem. What about the solution?
It is arguably harder to maintain close relationships at a distance (with parents in towns and villages, and children in cities)... but it can be done if everyone works at it.
How?
This is what one of my retired client manager (an American) has to speak about, when we were chatting about this topic….”For family it would be on a larger scale, but I think what you (me) and I(client manger) are doing are some of the things people do who care about each other and don't want to 'lose' the other person.
Family would write, call, chat, visit, may be even take some joint holiday together.”
Well, being an Indian, I would like to have more. Just take my case, who visit my native place (which is around 6hrs journey from my work place) every weekend, only to cherish that bond. If not every weekend, one should visit at least once in 2 weeks. Rest as said above…call, chat, and go on vacations all together.
Here is yet another question that came into my mind at this time –
“I agree....but over a few generations, will that still happen? My worry is not about the current time, but future.”
Well, here is what my 65year young client manager has told me – “We only have control over the present...we must do what we can and want to do to maintain important relationships... but we can't guarantee what our children or grandchildren will do...”
Hmm...true. Isn’t it?
“We must hope and believe that our example will not be lost on them.”
True again.....we should inspire them and see that the inspiration continues.
What else is there...? I think I have summed it up perfectly.
Friday, February 5, 2010
How to identify an opportunity?
Well, one who wants to be an entrepreneur, needs to identify in which field he should start his enterprse. Usually, depending on thier education and/or interests, one arrives at a specific branch...like IT, medical, financial, agricultural, educational etc. However, opportunities are plenty in each branch, so do wows when one tries to select one of those opportunities
First of all, one has to identify the opportunities. The following steps help in identifying an opportunity. These steps can be considered as - FIve Point Path for Opportunity (FIPPO)
1. Look into the problems faced by end users (also called as customers).
2. Find out what the market is currently providing to resolve the problems faced by customers.
3. Analyze why those market supplements are failing in completely resolving the problems faced by customers. This helps in identifying the gap between the "need" and "supply".
4. Think what needs to be done to fill the gap.
5. Formulate the solution to fill the gap in resolving the customers' problem.
If you start counting customers' problems, then you will find it easier to count the grains of sand along the Indian coastal line. My intention is tell you that opportunities are abundant in this world. I certainly did not mean that opportunities in a country can be estimated by measuring it's coastal line.
Anyways, going by above FIPPO, whenever you face a problem, then its time for celebration, because, you just landed up hitting an opportunity...Hurray!!
First of all, one has to identify the opportunities. The following steps help in identifying an opportunity. These steps can be considered as - FIve Point Path for Opportunity (FIPPO)
1. Look into the problems faced by end users (also called as customers).
2. Find out what the market is currently providing to resolve the problems faced by customers.
3. Analyze why those market supplements are failing in completely resolving the problems faced by customers. This helps in identifying the gap between the "need" and "supply".
4. Think what needs to be done to fill the gap.
5. Formulate the solution to fill the gap in resolving the customers' problem.
If you start counting customers' problems, then you will find it easier to count the grains of sand along the Indian coastal line. My intention is tell you that opportunities are abundant in this world. I certainly did not mean that opportunities in a country can be estimated by measuring it's coastal line.
Anyways, going by above FIPPO, whenever you face a problem, then its time for celebration, because, you just landed up hitting an opportunity...Hurray!!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Product vs. Project Testing
Hi, being in the field of software testing, I want to share some of my experiences and knowledge in this domain.
I have the experience of working on software products, and on custom software projects. I have seen some shrewd testers thinking on the differences between a project testing and product testing.
Before we delve into the differences, for a better clarity, I would like to explain what is a software product and a software project.
Software product: A software application that is developed by a company with its own budget. The requirements are driven by market surveys. The developed product is then sold to different customers with licenses.
Example for software products: Tally (by TCS), Acrobad reader/writer (Adobe), Internet Explorer (MS), Finnacle (Infosys), Windows (MS), QTP (HP) etc.
Software project: A software application that is developed by a company with the budget from a customer. In fact, the customer gives order to develop some software that helps him in his business. Here, the requirements come from the customer.
Exampl for software projects: A separate application ordered by a manufacturing company to maintain its office inventory etc. This application is used only by this company and no one else.
With the above insights, we will now discuss the differences.
As an end tester, there will not be much difference in testing either a product or a project. It is test scenarios and test cases, and requirements everywhere.However, here below are some differences between a product and a project, and differences from a testing perspective:
1.For a project, test plan is a must. All the documents related to that are to be prepared. For a product, test plan would have been made long time back. It is at max updated.
2.In project, client has to approve the test plan and test cases, and sign them off. In product it is not necessary.
3.In project, tester directly interacts with the client. In a product, tester interacts with the FD team or business analysts.
4.In project, the dead lines are not flexible. In product testing, dead lines are flexible.
5.In project client hold the authority on the developed code. In product, client doesn't hold the ultimate authority on the code.
6. The budget for development of the project is given by the customer in case of project development. In case of product, the budget is given by the own company.
7.The features in a project are always new. However, in Product, the basic features remain same, and only a few new features will be added, or few existing features will be modified.
8.Because of point #6, more regression testing needs to be done in case of a product, and less in case of a project.
9.Since a product runs for years, test automation saves lot of effort, where as in case of projects, it depends on the duration of the project.
10.Usually, a project complies to a small environment, as specified by the client. So, testing only on the specified environment is sufficient. A product can be installed on a number of OS and other environment parameters, depending on the end user. So, usually, more compatibility testing needs to be done in case of product.
11.A project is used by the specific client for the specific purpose only. Hence tester needs to test only in that end user’s perspective. In case of a product, the same product can be used by a variety of clients. (For example, the same Enterprise Incentive Management application can be used by Pharma clients, Insurance clients etc). So, tester needs to consider all types of potential users and their usage and needs to test accordingly.
12. Licensing comes into picture in case of a product. Thus scenarios related types of license, their registration and expiry etc needs to be tested for a product. Licensing does not exist for a project.
13.Test planning depends on the software development life cycle. Usually, it will be different for a project and a product.
14.Chances are very high to get onsite opportunities for the tester working in a project. Changes are very less in case of a tester working on a product.
15.Economic recession badly hits a software project. The customer may halt or stop the project, in which case, the test engineer may lose the job sometimes. In case of a product, a short term (0-1year) recession may not hit the engineer, as the company keeps adding the new requirements. In fact, the test engineer may get more work, if the company tries to add some innovative requirements to lure the customers into buying their product.
16.In case of a project, competitors do not come into picture, except at the senior level management. In case of a product, the tester also should consider the competitive products while testing. Sometimes, the tester needs to evaluate the performance against competitors' products. Behaviour of the product with the competitors' products coexisting on the same machine needs to be considered. Also, tester needs to check any violation the copyrights.
With the above points, I feel I have given ample information for one to get an idea the differences, though the list is not limited to the above points.
Ravi Landu
I have the experience of working on software products, and on custom software projects. I have seen some shrewd testers thinking on the differences between a project testing and product testing.
Before we delve into the differences, for a better clarity, I would like to explain what is a software product and a software project.
Software product: A software application that is developed by a company with its own budget. The requirements are driven by market surveys. The developed product is then sold to different customers with licenses.
Example for software products: Tally (by TCS), Acrobad reader/writer (Adobe), Internet Explorer (MS), Finnacle (Infosys), Windows (MS), QTP (HP) etc.
Software project: A software application that is developed by a company with the budget from a customer. In fact, the customer gives order to develop some software that helps him in his business. Here, the requirements come from the customer.
Exampl for software projects: A separate application ordered by a manufacturing company to maintain its office inventory etc. This application is used only by this company and no one else.
With the above insights, we will now discuss the differences.
As an end tester, there will not be much difference in testing either a product or a project. It is test scenarios and test cases, and requirements everywhere.However, here below are some differences between a product and a project, and differences from a testing perspective:
1.For a project, test plan is a must. All the documents related to that are to be prepared. For a product, test plan would have been made long time back. It is at max updated.
2.In project, client has to approve the test plan and test cases, and sign them off. In product it is not necessary.
3.In project, tester directly interacts with the client. In a product, tester interacts with the FD team or business analysts.
4.In project, the dead lines are not flexible. In product testing, dead lines are flexible.
5.In project client hold the authority on the developed code. In product, client doesn't hold the ultimate authority on the code.
6. The budget for development of the project is given by the customer in case of project development. In case of product, the budget is given by the own company.
7.The features in a project are always new. However, in Product, the basic features remain same, and only a few new features will be added, or few existing features will be modified.
8.Because of point #6, more regression testing needs to be done in case of a product, and less in case of a project.
9.Since a product runs for years, test automation saves lot of effort, where as in case of projects, it depends on the duration of the project.
10.Usually, a project complies to a small environment, as specified by the client. So, testing only on the specified environment is sufficient. A product can be installed on a number of OS and other environment parameters, depending on the end user. So, usually, more compatibility testing needs to be done in case of product.
11.A project is used by the specific client for the specific purpose only. Hence tester needs to test only in that end user’s perspective. In case of a product, the same product can be used by a variety of clients. (For example, the same Enterprise Incentive Management application can be used by Pharma clients, Insurance clients etc). So, tester needs to consider all types of potential users and their usage and needs to test accordingly.
12. Licensing comes into picture in case of a product. Thus scenarios related types of license, their registration and expiry etc needs to be tested for a product. Licensing does not exist for a project.
13.Test planning depends on the software development life cycle. Usually, it will be different for a project and a product.
14.Chances are very high to get onsite opportunities for the tester working in a project. Changes are very less in case of a tester working on a product.
15.Economic recession badly hits a software project. The customer may halt or stop the project, in which case, the test engineer may lose the job sometimes. In case of a product, a short term (0-1year) recession may not hit the engineer, as the company keeps adding the new requirements. In fact, the test engineer may get more work, if the company tries to add some innovative requirements to lure the customers into buying their product.
16.In case of a project, competitors do not come into picture, except at the senior level management. In case of a product, the tester also should consider the competitive products while testing. Sometimes, the tester needs to evaluate the performance against competitors' products. Behaviour of the product with the competitors' products coexisting on the same machine needs to be considered. Also, tester needs to check any violation the copyrights.
With the above points, I feel I have given ample information for one to get an idea the differences, though the list is not limited to the above points.
Ravi Landu
Monday, January 25, 2010
Now...nay...later...nay...now....huh! When?
Now...nay...later...nay...now....huh! This would be there in everyone's mind on a variety of tasks....especially more on their life goal. In my case, it is all about entrepreneurship.
When to start walking on my own....in my own way....into my own destination.
Lot many factors determinted...determining and will determine the decision.
NOTE: Though I use the word "I" here, everyone can read it as their own "I", because this is applicable to everyone.
EARLIER I used to think that - I was too young and naive......I should gain some experience, and know the industry....should prove ourselves in this competitive job market....should have some job to get married (otherwise difficult to ge a bride) - were the factors that made me postpone the decision.
In this EARLIER phase, there was no tantalizing activity (now or later) in the brain. I was sure "it is later...not now".
After a few years of work experience - NOW - Well, this is time to move to management position. Why to quit now? Let me learn gain management experience also......I am married now. Have got more responsibilities. Let my wife also get job, so that we will have at least one standard income.....I should buy a home. If i take a loan and quit my job, then how to repay?.... First let me learn and analyse the market......what kind of enterprise? Services or products? Technical or non-technical?....Let me go abroad and gain some forex so that I will have some financial security (no one knows how much of such security is needed?).....Will I succeed or not? What if not?.....Damn this bureaucracy.....What work should I do to establish and improve my enterprise? Oh Man! Why to take such risk when we are comfortable in this position? Can we work hard at this stage of life?....Let me learn more about entrepreneurship.....That requires lots of guts. Do I have that? - were SOME of the factors that make me keep postponing the decision.
However, if carefully observed, in the NOW phase, there is some thinking about taking the decision. Some planning is also being evaluated to lay the path. However, the decision is not made.
LATER phase - I am yet to experience this phase. In fact, I do not want to end up in a situation to list some of the factors for delaying the decision. In many cases I know, when they think at this stage, then they feel it should have been "THEN". This is the worst case...because THEN never comes back.
The above factors are be there in most of the minds. So, Now...nay...Later....finally When? My answer for this is - NOW. It is easier said than done. Why it is not easy? I will keep blogging on this topic in the coming weeks, giving more insight into the factors, decisions, and probably some feasible ways to decide on to arrive at the decision to start up an enterprise.
With so many inspiring souls looking at me, I am sure to march ahead in life, fulfilling my dreams......and realizing priya vadanam.
Ravi Landu
Note: Your feedback is welcome
When to start walking on my own....in my own way....into my own destination.
Lot many factors determinted...determining and will determine the decision.
NOTE: Though I use the word "I" here, everyone can read it as their own "I", because this is applicable to everyone.
EARLIER I used to think that - I was too young and naive......I should gain some experience, and know the industry....should prove ourselves in this competitive job market....should have some job to get married (otherwise difficult to ge a bride) - were the factors that made me postpone the decision.
In this EARLIER phase, there was no tantalizing activity (now or later) in the brain. I was sure "it is later...not now".
After a few years of work experience - NOW - Well, this is time to move to management position. Why to quit now? Let me learn gain management experience also......I am married now. Have got more responsibilities. Let my wife also get job, so that we will have at least one standard income.....I should buy a home. If i take a loan and quit my job, then how to repay?.... First let me learn and analyse the market......what kind of enterprise? Services or products? Technical or non-technical?....Let me go abroad and gain some forex so that I will have some financial security (no one knows how much of such security is needed?).....Will I succeed or not? What if not?.....Damn this bureaucracy.....What work should I do to establish and improve my enterprise? Oh Man! Why to take such risk when we are comfortable in this position? Can we work hard at this stage of life?....Let me learn more about entrepreneurship.....That requires lots of guts. Do I have that? - were SOME of the factors that make me keep postponing the decision.
However, if carefully observed, in the NOW phase, there is some thinking about taking the decision. Some planning is also being evaluated to lay the path. However, the decision is not made.
LATER phase - I am yet to experience this phase. In fact, I do not want to end up in a situation to list some of the factors for delaying the decision. In many cases I know, when they think at this stage, then they feel it should have been "THEN". This is the worst case...because THEN never comes back.
The above factors are be there in most of the minds. So, Now...nay...Later....finally When? My answer for this is - NOW. It is easier said than done. Why it is not easy? I will keep blogging on this topic in the coming weeks, giving more insight into the factors, decisions, and probably some feasible ways to decide on to arrive at the decision to start up an enterprise.
With so many inspiring souls looking at me, I am sure to march ahead in life, fulfilling my dreams......and realizing priya vadanam.
Ravi Landu
Note: Your feedback is welcome
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Introduction
Man is yet another animal on this mighty Earth. This man becomes a Human with this character and attitute. I am the one who is on the way to become a Human. Though the literal definition between man and Human is subtle, the path to become Human is tough. Very few could reach this destination. I am the one who is determined to reach this destination....with all the help from you all.
I will try to post here about my journey, the events during this journey and many more.
Keep visiting this blog to keep updated about my whereabouts in life.
This blog is posted especially for those who could not reach me, yet want to reach me.
Dil Se
Ravi Landu
I will try to post here about my journey, the events during this journey and many more.
Keep visiting this blog to keep updated about my whereabouts in life.
This blog is posted especially for those who could not reach me, yet want to reach me.
Dil Se
Ravi Landu
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