When we talk about functional testing, many people assume it’s simply about finding and fixing bugs. While that’s true to an extent, the scope of functional testing goes far beyond bug detection, especially in a Citrix environment.
In traditional software development, functional testing focuses on identifying bugs in the application under test (AUT) and correcting them before the software is released. However, when an application is merely being migrated from a desktop environment (like Windows XP) to a thin client environment such as Citrix, the goal shifts. The assumption is that the application should have undergone thorough bug testing in its original desktop environment. Therefore, the need to look for bugs in an application during Citrix migration is less critical unless the application has been specifically developed for Citrix.
Custom Applications and Bug Testing
If the application has been written specifically for a thin client environment like Citrix, the stakes are higher. Bugs in a custom-developed Citrix application can cause significant disruptions to the overall environment and affect multiple users simultaneously. For such cases, the severity of the bugs is critical, and rigorous testing must be performed to minimize issues.
If you are working with custom applications designed for a Citrix environment, it is advisable to engage a professional functional tester. A tester with expertise in Citrix environments can ensure that the number of bugs is minimized before the application goes live. Additionally, any custom applications should be tested on a desktop environment first. This step helps differentiate whether issues stem from the application itself or from the Citrix environment.
In a Citrix deployment, functional testing should focus primarily on compatibility and co-existence with other applications, as these factors have a more direct impact on the application’s success in a shared environment.
Compatibility and Co-Existence: Core Functional Concerns
When performing functional tests in a Citrix environment, the focus shifts from traditional bug hunting to ensuring that the application is compatible with Citrix and can successfully co-exist with other applications on the same server.
1. Compatibility Testing
Citrix compatibility testing is about assessing whether an application is suitable to run in a Citrix environment. This includes verifying whether the application:
- Is licensed by the vendor for use in Citrix environments.
- Is supported by the vendor when deployed in Citrix.
- Functions properly within the Citrix environment.
Compatibility testing ensures that the application can operate in Citrix, that the vendor will support it in this context, and that the legal terms allow for its deployment on Citrix.
2. Co-Existence Testing
Co-existence testing takes compatibility a step further by checking whether the application can run alongside other applications. In a typical Citrix environment, many users are sharing the same server and potentially running multiple different applications simultaneously. For instance, one user might be working in a database application while another runs a word processor or spreadsheet on the same server.
Co-existence testing ensures that one application doesn’t interfere with another. If an application cannot operate while another is running, they are deemed incompatible for co-existence within the Citrix environment.
By conducting thorough compatibility and co-existence tests, organizations can rationalize which applications are suitable for deployment. This rationalization helps to eliminate applications that may cause issues, ensuring a more stable Citrix environment for all users.
Application Rationalization: The Key to Success
Application rationalization is a vital step in the migration process, ensuring that only applications that are truly suitable for Citrix are moved forward. By conducting a rationalization process early on, applications that may cause issues can be identified and removed from the migration scope, saving time and effort.
It would be unrealistic to assume that every application in an organization can be successfully deployed in a Citrix environment. Many organizations make the mistake of assuming that all applications will work smoothly when migrated to Citrix. This belief can lead to delays, increased costs, and frustration.
“We will migrate all 300 of our applications to Citrix!”
While this ambition might seem appealing, it’s rarely practical. Expecting to migrate every application without issues is likely to lead to disappointment and unnecessary burdens on the project.
“Moving to Citrix is just a platform change—there won’t be any issues.”
This assumption is another common pitfall. Migrating an application from a desktop environment (thick client) to Citrix (thin client) is not simply a platform change; it’s a complete environment change. When you move an application from Windows 2000 Professional to Windows XP Professional, it is indeed a platform change. However, migrating from a desktop operating system to Citrix is a much more significant transformation. Citrix is a shared environment, and this transition can affect how the application functions.
It’s essential to appreciate that Citrix introduces a completely new operational environment. Applications that work perfectly in desktop environments might fail or encounter issues in Citrix due to its multi-user, server-based nature. This is why rationalization—evaluating whether each application is suitable for migration—is so critical before any testing begins.
Rationalization Process: Compatibility First, Co-Existence Next
The rationalization process begins with assessing compatibility. Is the application licensed, supported, and functionally compatible with Citrix? If the answer is no, the application should not be migrated.
Next, co-existence testing is performed to ensure that the application can function alongside others in the Citrix environment. If an application fails this test, it’s also excluded from the migration.
The goal of rationalization is not just to ensure smooth functionality, but to avoid the frustration and wasted resources of attempting to migrate applications that are unsuitable for Citrix.
Conclusion: Functional Testing for Citrix Success
Functional testing in a Citrix environment involves more than simply looking for bugs. It’s about ensuring that applications are compatible with the Citrix environment and can coexist with other applications. Through proper compatibility and co-existence testing, along with a strong application rationalization process, organizations can avoid many of the pitfalls associated with migrating to Citrix.
By acknowledging that not all applications can be successfully deployed in Citrix and focusing on those that can, you can streamline the migration process, reduce risks, and create a more stable and efficient Citrix environment.