Spending on discrete enterprise application testing services in Europe crossed $2bn in 2010 and is expected to increase by over $5bn by 2015, representing a CAGR of over 19%, according to a new study by IDC.
The research firm said European organisations are now aware and readily opting for more innovative types of delivery, beyond test resource staff augmentation to maximise the value derived from testing functions and practices.
The study highlighted the gradual shift from tactical to strategic QA, with managed testing services using a shared test centre of excellence (COE) or dedicated test COE gaining ground.
IDC European application services research director Jennifer Thomson said the approach to quality assurance (QA) across Europe is evolving from predominantly reactive application testing at the end of the software development life-cycle (SDLC) to driving validation into the front-end of the SDLC.
"This change in approach contributes to increased demand for discrete application testing services, as organisations seek to lower costs and optimise test efforts," Thomson said.
"The challenges of inadequate processes/methodologies, resources, and expertise and decreasing budgets push greater interest in considering a host of test delivery options."
The research firm said that the European organisations are still at the start of the journey towards QA transformation; many lack the right tools, methodologies/processes and consistency in approach.
However, organisations are looking at and evaluating ways to improve test tool ROI, consolidate tool licenses, and drive improvements in test process efficiencies.
"Application testing services are forecast to show strong growth across Europe and while the market is still fairly small, now is the right time to build brand strength to capitalise on opportunities for growth."
