Compare Solix Test Data Management vs. TestBench for IBM i

High-quality test data plays a crucial role in enhancing both application development and testing processes, which is why top-tier development teams often insist on regularly populating their test environments with data sourced from production databases. Typically, a robust Test Data Management (TDM) strategy involves maintaining several full clones—usually between six to eight—of the production database to serve as test and development platforms. However, without the right automation tools, the process of provisioning test data becomes not only inefficient and labor-intensive but also poses significant risks, such as the potential exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized users, which can lead to compliance violations. The resource drain and challenges associated with data governance during the cloning process often result in test and development databases not being refreshed frequently enough, which can lead to unreliable test outcomes or outright test failures. Consequently, as defects are identified later in the development cycle, the overall costs associated with application development tend to rise, further complicating project timelines and resource allocation. Ultimately, addressing these issues is essential for maintaining both the integrity of the testing process and the overall efficiency of application development.

Testing and managing test data for IBM i, IBM iSeries, and AS/400 systems requires thorough validation of complex applications, extending down to the underlying data. TestBench for IBM i offers a robust and reliable solution for test data management, verification, and unit testing, seamlessly integrating with other tools to ensure overall application quality. Instead of duplicating the entire live database, you can focus on the specific data that is essential for your testing needs. By selecting or sampling data while maintaining complete referential integrity, you can streamline the testing process. You can easily identify which fields require protection and employ various obfuscation techniques to safeguard your data effectively. Additionally, you can monitor every insert, update, and delete action, including the intermediate states of the data. Setting up automatic alerts for data failures through customizable rules can significantly reduce manual oversight. This approach eliminates the tedious save and restore processes and helps clarify any inconsistencies in test results that stem from inadequate initial data. While comparing outputs is a reliable way to validate test results, it often involves considerable effort and is susceptible to mistakes; however, this innovative solution can significantly reduce the time spent on testing, making the entire process more efficient. With TestBench, you can enhance your testing accuracy and save valuable resources.