Testing Environment
This should be mirror of actual environment where the software is going to be implemented, should be reliable. When setting up the testing environment, the organizational policies, testing processes, tools, management support, developing test labs with different environment settings (to mirror actual operating environment) and so on should be taken into account.
What to be confirmed when selecting test processes?
During the analysis of test processes, details of following have to be explored.
1.What are the objectives of testing?
2.How those objectives will have been met?
3.How the testing processes will have be carried out (testing environment, testers, testing tools – either manual or automated)?
4.What will be the final output of testing?
Then, it is must to confirm that the objectives of testing are reasonable & applicable in the actual operating environment. Also, it is important to make sure that the processes are efficient & effective, the most suitable test programs are found, the adequate test methodology will be applied and etc.
Most importantly, understanding the skills and tools required for the testing is key to determine the success of testing. The management should give sufficient training to testers which allow them to work with different testing environment with different set of testing tools. Also, when selecting tools for testing or test environment management, the usage of testing tools have to take into account (how the tools should be applied, example : how to do regression testing, what is best tools to use for load testing & performance testing, how to work on test case management, what about defect management tool and etc).
Source : http://enov8.jimdo.com/2013/12/11/things-to-consider-before-starting-software-testing-project/