In theory, Automation of a Globalized Application (or Product) intended for multi-country release is beneficial. Simple reason being: there would be one or more Application releases for each country/region leading to more regression cycles. If Automation Scripts created for base version of the application can be customized to all the versions with less effort, then we would realize significant effort savings and ROI can be seen from the first few versions itself.

In practice, Automation of a Multi-country App is challenging. Primary Challenges being:
• High Customization Effort in customizing automation scripts created for base    version of application for subsequent version.
• Challenges in automating language related test cases.

Intent of this article is to provide insight into globalized application characteristics and suggest tips to write better automation scripts. Well written automation scripts for the base version of a multi-country application: a) Can be easily customized for another country/regional release b) Results in better ROI.

Vedachalam is a Senior Test Manager with Infosys Technologies Limited, Chennai, India. He is an Engineering Graduate (Electrical and Electronics) from CIT Coimbatore. He has diversified experience in Software Development, Testing and Quality Assurance. He has 12 years of IT experience and has worked with marquee clients across multiple domains – Telecom and Retail. He is a certified CSQA and PMP.

Pranai Chandran is an Automation Test Engineer with Infosys Technologies Limited, Chennai. He holds a B.Tech degree in Information Technology from SSN College, Anna University. He has experience in Software testing Automation and Quality Assurance and has two years of IT experience. He has also worked with Retail clients at Infosys.