When choosing a test automation strategy, there are always some common challenges to consider. For example, what framework are you using for test implementation? What should be automated and how will you ensure the testing process is stable and fast. This article will provide guidance on how to build a test automation infrastructure that will allow you to create a fast, secure automation process, and answer the Shakespeare-like question, “to build or not to build?” — a question every developer must answer before embarking on a new project.
Depending on your project size and the budget available to invest into infrastructure, you have two different options in shaping your infrastructure for QA automation: 1. paid cloud services such as Browserstack, Sauce Labs or Zebrunner, or 2. building in-house mobile device farms.
If you are a small startup and are interested in covering the full matrix of mobile devices for testing, you may be interested in cloud solutions with an average price of $150 per device monthly. However, when you reach the point of increased business growth and increasing automation coverage, you will need more dedicated devices to support your CI/CD pipeline needs. It is at this point that you should consider investing in your own mobile farm infrastructure, fully dedicated to your team and isolated into your VPN space.
Based on our experience with continuous engagement with QA infrastructures, we combined our knowledge with outside expert opinions, which resulted in the following conclusions on the advantages of building in-house mobile farms:
- Enables high capacity tests. A larger number of tests will run faster compared to those executed with cloud providers.
- No waiting in a queue and no limits for sessions.
- Fast farm infrastructure deployment (within a few hours).
- Enables integration with IoT devices.
- Secure solution for companies whose SecOPS restricts cloud usage.
- In the long term, cheaper than cloud providers.
- Open source documentation.
- Active community and support channels.
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