Testing SaaS

This form of SaaS software testing primarily concentrates on assessing business processes and the efficiency of applications. We ensure that all features function correctly from the end user's perspective. It’s similar to black-box testing based on predefined test scenarios. We perform checks after every deployment and any configuration changes. To simplify this process, we automate test scenarios.

During software as a service testing, the team verifies that correct entries produce expected results and that the service is properly integrated with other applications. Upon successfully logging into the cloud, the system should present the user account category. If a client chooses to switch to different services, the currently active service should be automatically terminated.

Functional SaaS testing includes the following types of checks and tests:

• cross-browser performance testing to verify compatibility;
• regression testing for each release, minor updates, integrations, or data migration;
• automated functional and regression testing.

Performance is a critical element for any SaaS solution. It can consist of individual modules or a combination of several programs. It's important to test each module and program for potential issues during SaaS performance testing. We simulate various performance states, such as low bandwidth, unstable working conditions, or offline operation.

Since SaaS solutions are used globally, load testing is extremely important. It’s necessary to ensure the system can handle maximum loads and, in case of server failures, seamlessly recover its functionality.

To guarantee effectiveness, the QA team develops a performance testing checklist that outlines all phases of the process to evaluate the stability, speed, and responsiveness of the SaaS platform.

Most SaaS applications are designed for scalability. When demand increases, the system should automatically adjust to the current load. Stress testing helps check whether the application can meet scalability requirements. We also test file transfer processes if your digital product involves upload and download functions.

We evaluate scalability at the software, hardware, and database levels to confirm the system's ability to adapt to changes. The application may face a sudden surge in users or load on CPU and memory, which requires attention.

Scalability testing for Software as a Service (SaaS) ensures that the system maintains stability when requirements evolve, thereby optimizing both development and operational expenses. By analyzing parameters such as network or CPU load based on the number of users or transactions, we identify the factors that hinder efficient scaling. Testing continues until the system fails during expansion.

Today, the internet is accessible on many devices, and users can connect to SaaS applications from any of them. A key challenge is maintaining compatibility across various platforms and browsers. It’s important to guarantee that all features work equally well, regardless of the environment. After establishing the list of supported devices and resolutions, a plan for testing interface adaptability must be developed.

Compatibility testing covers the following aspects:

• browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.);
• devices (laptops, 4K monitors, mobile devices);
• operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux).

Since SaaS solutions are typically used globally, we test performance from various geographic locations and for different internet speeds.

Thus, compatibility testing ensures that the SaaS product works with all the mentioned components. While it's impossible to cover every device and platform available, it’s crucial to guarantee proper functionality on the most current technologies and devices in the IT sphere.

SaaS applications typically communicate with external applications through APIs. Tech Assurance’s SaaS QA team tests APIs for security, integration, usability, and accuracy. Any changes at the microservices level also require API testing, which is often performed as part of integration testing. We also schedule automatic API tests.

Evaluating APIs for functionality, security, usability, performance, and adherence to documentation is essential for the successful operation of a SaaS application.

Infrastructure-level tests don’t always directly impact user functionality but can be crucial. As technology evolves, so do the risks of cyberattacks. Security testing is a mandatory element when developing a testing strategy.

Typical security testing scenarios include:

• DDOS attack testing;
• identifying vulnerabilities at the SQL and cross-site scripting levels;
• access rights verification in different environments;
• ensuring compliance with security standards, such as PCI/DSS for payment systems;
• configuring logging and alert systems.

Given that SaaS platforms handle large amounts of sensitive data, security tests are a top priority. This includes conducting penetration tests and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

In many countries, application accessibility is becoming a mandatory requirement. Accessibility testing ensures that SaaS applications are easy to use for people with disabilities. Applications must comply with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1).

Key aspects of accessibility testing include:

• for people with hearing impairments: the application should offer alternative sound options;
• for people with vision impairments: high-contrast themes and appropriate color and font choices must be provided;
• for people with physical limitations: the application should minimize the need for physical movements to access information;
• for users with cognitive impairments: the application should offer an accessible help section.

Since SaaS solutions are continuously updated, testing must be ongoing at every release stage through automated CI/CD pipelines — from unit tests for individual components to integration and end-to-end system testing.

Automated test tools and infrastructures must be integrated into the pipeline to timely detect issues and prevent them from reaching the production environment. Therefore, software as a service testing is critical for verifying the stability and smooth operation of a SaaS digital product.