It's definitely something Microsoft needs to do and as one of the world's largest, and certainly most visible, software vendors, they should lead the way in the testing area. The software Microsoft uses is so widely deployed, we all have so much experience with the various platforms they provide, and we can quickly and easily see bugs and fixed in monthly patches.
Microsoft really has an opportunity, and to some extent an obligation, to provide some disclosure on how they test and what techniques they use to build better software. With specific examples based on KB articles and Connect reports, I'm sure many software developers could learn a lot.
I realize there could be trade secrets here, software they've written, and possibly a competitive advantage, but I'm not sure how much there is. It really comes down to the people you hire to both code and test.
There was an interesting blog post from James Whittaker on measuring the testers, talking about how to rate the people that test your code in employee performance reviews. It's interesting in that many of the traditional methods of rating people aren't stressed, but rather this quote given in support of an interesting measurement concept:
“The real value of tests is not that they detect bugs in the code, but that they detect inadequacies in the methods, concentration and skill of those who design and produce the code.” – Tony Hoare 1996
I'm not sure how to measure developer improvement and trace that back to software testers, but it's a very powerful and forward looking idea. It speaks to the value of going beyond the simple description of your job and adding value to your co-workers, and thus, the company.
Imagine if everyone looking beyond their job to see how they can help others improve their work. Rather than just completing the tasks you have, seek to make that hours you spend at work even more valuable by doing your job in a way that helps others.
An Exceptional DBA, someone that really excels at their job, will not hand down decrees, rules, or even code to developers, but rather show them how to grow their own skills. Spending a bit more effort to complete the work, but also reduce the need to do the same type of work again and empower others to do the same.
In other, more ancient, words, "teach someone to fish."
Steve Jones
The Voice of the DBA Podcasts
The podcast feeds are now available at sqlservercentral.mevio.com to get better bandwidth and maybe a little more exposure :). Comments are definitely appreciated and wanted, and you can get feeds from there.
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Today's podcast features music by Everyday Jones. No relation, but I stumbled on to them and really like the music. Support this great duo at www.everydayjones.com.
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