Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan testing of new software releases
- Obtain manuals, specifications and instructions associated with new releases and identify areas of uncertainty for confirmation with the vendor
- Plan the testing environment of the software release and likely impact with network management centre
- Determine resources required to assist with the test, and negotiate their availability
- Determine and plan outage and notify network management centre as required
- Notify customers of impact on the network during the test
- Develop contingency plans to cater for likely problems during the test, including health and safety issues
- Test software and hardware units
- Load new software and conduct tests using appropriate test equipment according to vendor specifications
- Evaluate test results to assess functionality and features of software and hardware according to vendor documentation
- Test compatibility with existing network and take corrective action with vendor as required
- Implement contingency plans in conjunction with network management if integrity of the network is compromised by the new release
- Undertake administrative work
- Document test results and store according to enterprise policy
- Discuss ongoing or likely problems with the vendor and initiate follow-up arrangements to ensure a permanent solution
- Provide clearance for software and hardware release to be put in service in the system, according to enterprise procedures