Since the mobile application field is lucrative yet more competitive than ever, especially in the testing arena, with 2.1 billion smartphone users and 10,000+ mobile apps released every day to meet these expectations, cloud mobile testing was created: transparency and mobility enable enterprises and development teams to improve their mobile app testing pipeline while maintaining application quality.

But, if you don’t have much knowledge about mobile cloud testing and want to learn about the same in-depth, then you are at the right place!

In this article, let’s discuss “Mobile Cloud Testing” to absolute depths.

What Is Cloud?

Have you ever wondered why, no matter which device you use to log in to Instagram, all of your photos appear on your account? That’s the allure of the “cloud” — internet-accessible servers with the capacity to store an infinite quantity of data and software.
As a result, users would simply need a solid internet connection to access the data at any time and from any location. As a result, all computing and storage occur in the cloud, with no reliance on local hardware.

What Is Mobile Cloud Testing?

Mobile Cloud Testing uses cloud services to create a highly scalable test infrastructure. Actual mobile devices (Android, iOS) or emulators are hosted on this cloud-based test infrastructure.
So basically, mobile cloud testing is when teams test mobile applications utilizing an online cloud platform rather than on-premises. Many alternatives are available with cloud testing, giving testers more flexibility in their mobile testing.
These devices and emulators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for teams and individuals worldwide to test web and mobile applications on the browsers, platforms, and handsets of their choice.

Since building and maintaining an on-premise mobile device lab is expensive, it is no longer necessary when using a Mobile Testing Cloud.

This means that teams won’t have to spend much money setting up, maintaining, and upgrading the lab with genuine Android and iOS devices. Mobile testing on the cloud is a more cost-effective approach, particularly for developing businesses.

Importance Of Mobile Cloud Testing Platform For Your Enterprise
Your enterprises must ensure that any software bearing their brand name provides an exceptional user experience to every user.
In addition, any company’s reputation and revenue stream are dependent on its brand recognition, which is tightly linked to the quality and service given by its software in this day and age.
A bank, for example, will struggle in the digital age if its app keeps malfunctioning whenever there is a rise in logins if different devices may not be tested at once!

Furthermore, giant-level and popular apps are complicated, necessitating ongoing testing to deliver high-quality output. This can only be accomplished if teams have access to a dedicated test infrastructure that allows them to do complete testing at any time.
Adopting a Mobile Cloud Testing platform like TestGrid.io’s TestOS for businesses is, of course, an intelligent answer to these problems. It will enable your team of any size to test software on various devices using a single test plan.

Teams may undertake rigorous functional testing, stress testing, phone model testing, OS version testing, load testing, UI testing, bandwidth, latency testing, and other tasks using cloud technologies.

In terms of testing environments, cloud technology provides a large number and variety of device cloud (or mobile testing environments). For example, testers can use virtual machines such as simulators and emulators in addition to real mobile devices.
Simulators only resemble the software variables and configurations, not the actual hardware that will host the production program. In contrast, emulators imitate most of the production environment’s hardware and software capabilities.

Why Mobile Cloud Testing?

The advantages of cloud technology in everyday life are undeniable. Most of the benefits apply to mobile testing, even if they aren’t extended:

Testers can access a vast number of environments, devices, OS platforms, and versions via cloud technologies, regardless of the local equipment they’re using. Because the AUT and testing platform are available for testing anywhere and anytime, this availability also extends to test schedules.

High scalability: The quantity of data that a server can hold is limitless. Moreover, testers can test their app on different devices simultaneously without harming its quality.

Unlimited test automation integration: the cloud allows you to increase platform coverage and platform flexibility with automation technologies, improving team efficiency without losing app quality.
Expense savings: Using the cloud to test mobile apps reduces the cost of setting up test laboratories or internal equipment. Because your service provider handles the “cloud,” it also reduces maintenance costs dramatically.

Cross-time collaboration: the capacity to access files from any location and on any device frees teams from the physical component of data, allowing them to collaborate more effectively. It also gives superior project management transparency.

Types Of Testing That You Can Do Using The Cloud

Almost all sorts of testing, from feature verification to load and performance testing may be done on the cloud.

There are also some specific tests that practically all cloud-based automation solutions can do. For example, when you choose a cloud-based tool for testing, your efforts are cut in half because all of the primary and significant tests are completed on the tool, and the test reports are very dynamic and informative.

• OS Version Testing
• Load Testing
• UI Testing
• Performance Testing
• Functional Testing
• Stress Testing And many more…

Types of Mobile Cloud Testing

01 Mobile Public Cloud Testing

This is the most basic kind of cloud testing, which comes with just the standard security to ensure that your project and data remain safe. Moreover, almost all the resources in the public cloud will be free or very affordable, and even a freelance tester can get his hands on it just for single projects.

02 Mobile Private Cloud Testing

As part of their DevOps integration, most companies require dedicated mobile devices for automation testing. Because the devices are dedicated and have access to the servers that govern them, you as an enterprise customer can have high availability of machines and increased security of your apps. A wiser decision for a smarter group!
Also Read The Importance of Mobile Testing to know more about Mobile Testing

03 Mobile In-House Cloud testing

There can be a case that your company is working on a project that requires high-end security, dedicated resources, and as much technical support as possible. In that case, the in-house cloud will be the best suit for you.

Here are the benefits of In-House Cloud testing:

01 Security Policy
Many businesses work on confidential apps and are protected by a firewall. However, your app’s security and secrecy may be jeopardized if you use a public cloud.

02 Availability Of Devices And Usage

Many businesses have many development and testing teams. For example, QA teams may be required to execute many regression test cases at times. Having an in-house test cloud saves time and money because they don’t have to worry about device usage meters.

03 Accessibility To The Premarket Devices

Some businesses have access to premarket devices that aren’t available on the public cloud, allowing them to do prelaunch testing. You may speed up the development and testing process by adding these devices to your in-house test cloud.

04 Custome-Made Setups

Some programs may require unique hardware or software that isn’t available on the public cloud. Some businesses, for example, may require access to specific carriers that the public cloud may not be able to provide.

05 Device Pool Facility

The majority of businesses have several developments and testing teams. Each team may have previously purchased many devices for testing. In addition, an in-house cloud will allow all these devices to be pooled for company-wide use.

Execution Of Mobile Cloud Testing

Integrating cloud mobile testing into your project is simple. The following information should be included in your implementation plan:

Cloud-testing parameter of your AUT: Apps with enormous target audiences that require extensive performance tests, intricate UI or imaging elements, and native mobile apps are some of the prerequisites for cloud testing.

Supported testing frameworks, mobile environments, automation tools, and other requirements for your cloud testing platform.

Candidate for cloud computing platforms: Cloud-based mobile testing services with limited testing features are available from major public clouds (AWS, Azure). Teams can also use Kobiton, a specialist cloud-based software testing service. Automation testing solutions that integrate with cloud-based software testing are another alternative.

Teams can try TestGrid for an all-in-one solution, as this automation tool is designed for testers of all levels of experience and is scalable for teams or projects of any size.

Considerations For Private Mobile Cloud Computing

01 Security

Many app developers who construct safety-critical apps, such as banks, insurance companies, and others that handle money transfers, personal information (critical at any level), and other necessary data, are concerned about security.

Whether the app is intended to be data, user, or safety-critical, it is always crucial to rely on trustworthy services, give certifications, and take security seriously.

When comparing public and private cloud implementations, it’s safe to claim that the private cloud is the most secure option. Although being exacting on security issues is always a good idea, security issues have been perceived as a roadblock to cloud adoption in far too many circumstances.

On-premise solutions are naturally the most secure, but they don’t run on their own; they require ongoing care, including the maintenance of infrastructure, devices, tools, integrations, and various other items.

The difference between an on-premise system and a private cloud is relatively small these days. There are several ways to construct a highly secure private cloud environment; with many fantastic security solutions and strategies to access the private cloud and the local development environment.

For example; specific data and user protection measures and other approaches and practices can be used in service providers’ data centers.

Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, SSL and app security approaches, round-the-clock security measurements and monitoring, and third-party security certifications can all be deployed on a private cloud.

02 Support and Self-Service

According to the adage, a good product without good technical support is like a perfume without fragrance. Alternatively, some people believe that everything works perfectly when you don’t require assistance.
In the private cloud context; support means that such instances are available to their users, and all infrastructure and devices are operational. Support is, of course, much more than DevOps-style infrastructure upkeep.
Both cloud options are typically built around automation, providing a variety of different monitoring capabilities, and the provider is responsible for monitoring the infrastructure, devices, and databases.
This form of ‘assistance’ also includes self-service. Good documentation, how-tos, tutorials, and plenty of tips and tricks and best practices content are all essential for service users.
It’s essential to have all of these help materials available when talking about mobile test automation, which can be tricky and relevantly a new topic for many app developers: excellent manuals, help pages for self-service, and manual options via online live chat systems with operations, social media, and other online channels, as well as online channels to provide instant feedback on service.

03 Data Ownership, Maintenance, and Retention

When comparing public and private cloud systems, the ownership and physical location of data, tests, app details, run, and many other things appear to be the same. On the other hand, a private cloud instance implies being wholly isolated from the public setup, servers, databases, and networks.

The term “private cloud setup” refers to a separate entity that includes all of these functions, but is exclusively dedicated to and reserved for one user (customer).

One of the essential reasons for so many firms to adopt on-premise solutions is to back up hard discs and ensure that no files, data, or other (e.g. user) information is left on anyplace. However, this does not alter much with the private cloud if implemented correctly.
You still don’t give anyone outside your company access to your data, and you’re in charge of owning it and backing it up.
Locally, this isn’t always an easy undertaking, and it can result in high operational costs. These kinds of jobs are available as a service in both cloud alternatives.
A private cloud presents a very compelling service in this case because all data aspects, database upkeep, logs, and user information are all taken care of.

04 Enhancements and Update Policies

Both public and private cloud models are SaaS services, and with private cloud deployments, a ‘service roadmap’ is often prepared when the service is brought up.
This covers everything from how mobile devices are updated to what new features are implemented in the infrastructure and service, how users can access the infrastructure, and what update policies are implemented.
Because this is not the same as a local on-premise arrangement where users define their updates, both cloud choices upgrade devices to consider all those or devoted users. The most significant distinction in upgrading policy is who is assigned to which devices.
In the event of a public cloud, all users will be considered, and devices will normally be upgraded to the newest OS versions and OEM upgrades as soon as they become available, however in the case of a private cloud, devices will be upgraded preferences.
Nonetheless, both public and private cloud setups require constant upgrades for hosted devices, bug patches, and infrastructure enhancements. Cloud models are the most efficient because everything is handled automatically, and users do not have to do anything.
There will be no service slowdown or outage, no impact on daily activities, and no need to install anything to get the latest and best.

05 Scalability Of The Infrastructure

On-premise solutions necessitate your own devices and complete in-house hardware infrastructure.
This is quite simple to set up but running and monitoring the entire system takes a significant amount of effort. It must be done 24 hours a day, seven days a week; to provide an efficient environment for developers to work in.
Also, if you don’t have appropriate solutions that can handle a large number of devices in use, interface with the rest of the infrastructure, and produce results, scalability isn’t always straightforward.
Internal development environments/labs with real devices often range in size from 20 to several hundreds of devices.
We have learned (based on our experience) a thing or two about how to develop, operate, and maintain an enterprise-grade test lab while setting up and even operating some of these.
If you’re thinking about setting up an in-house test environment, check out our four-part video series for more information.

06 Performance and Availability

In practically all cases, performance is determined by the infrastructure and how things are constructed.
They tend to provide the best performance in terms of computing power, fastest access to devices, test runs, results, and all other assets because private clouds are designed to be used by only one company. They do not receive any traffic from outsiders, the infrastructure hardware is reserved and dedicated to only one company, and the infrastructure hardware is committed and dedicated to only one company.
In terms of availability, a private cloud refers to those reserved and dedicated equipment that one customer only uses. These can be shared geographically among multiple development teams and used at different times of the day.
For example, when evaluating device access and cloud service efficiency; it’s necessary to assess whether the service and environment are critical, important, or medium-level vital to you.
Any good and trustworthy cloud service should have high uptime and availability metrics. There should be redundant operations in place in an unexpected event so that users can get back up and running (for example, using mobile devices from various data center locations).
Backup services are similar in that they allow users to access files, results, and data if something goes wrong.
Furthermore, a dependable private cloud service monitors performance, availability, and accessibility; for all assets required by developers and testers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

07 Usability

Cloud providers’ primary priorities are good usability and a positive user experience. And, because usability is one of the most important factors in ensuring effective and productive product development; the cloud platform must offer enticing features as well as support for several (open source) frameworks.
The open-source element is crucial because it means that both; public and private cloud customers must have constant access to all sources. This gives you the necessary freedom in terms of vendors, frameworks, and, in most cases, even cross-platform support.
The service must be simple to set up, utilize, and scale. When it comes to usability, continuous updates via source code commits, webinars, guidance sessions, and; other online events, blogs, help systems, and self-service manuals are always a good sign.
When you have a free trial to service to experiment with it further; one known factor in developing confidence and delivering a much much better user experience of the service is when you have a free trial to service to play with it further.
This implies openness and transparency, which often gives a solid platform for users to get started with the service.

Conclusion

Regardless of industry, cloud technology delivers significant convenience and transparency when used effectively.
The cloud’s online storage and computing structure allow for a lot of flexibility; all of your data is in one place, and all you need is a wifi connection to access it.
As a result, firms and developers should incorporate cloud mobile testing into their development pipelines to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Believe it or not, could testing can make it significantly easier to get complete test coverage when testers want to access many cross-platform devices. Furthermore, you and your team will be able to scale up testing with parallel tests to shorten release cycles.
This blog is originally published at TestGrid