Are software errors turning into those post-launch headaches for your business? Or, are you struggling to figure out the success of your application software because you don’t really appreciate why QA is important in software development?
If yes, you can surely envision how these technical problems would affect your business’s performance and goodwill. All team efforts can go waste by just ignoring one crucial aspect of the software development cycle: Software Quality Assurance (SQA). SQA implementation is a necessity for any company, no matter its size or the industry it belongs to.
Software has become a part and parcel of our lives. It is there in the form of mobile applications, web platforms, executing tasks automatically, and optimizing processes to make the user experience better.
The enterprise application software market is forecasted to reach varying values depending on the market research firm, with some projecting figures around $527.40 billion by 2030 and others around $643.62 billion by 2032. In such a digitally transforming environment, you just cannot overlook the importance of Software Quality Assurance. So, why not have a closer look at the importance of QA in software development?
What is Software Quality Assurance (SQA)?
Software Quality Assurance is defined as a systematic process that ensures software meets prescribed standards by the systematic observation of development processes and enhancements thereof. It contains activities and exercises for testing everything within the software that will help the developer and organization to deliver high-quality software products. Internal and external aspects of the software are positively influenced by Software Quality Assurance.
SQA checks the complexity, does code reviews, testing, quality checks, responsiveness, and consistency in coding style by the developers. Externally, SQA checks the functionality as well as security and reliability, plus performance and compatibility, besides the maintenance cost.
SQA is not about finding and fixing problems. SQA is about continually improving the development process. SQA plays a vital role in scaling up your business by securing a good reputation for your brand anchored on quality, performance, security, and reliability.
Principles of Software Quality Assurance
So far, we have talked about what SQA is and why we want to implement software Quality Assurance. However, before you go about implementing SQA, there are a few principles you should adhere to. Let’s see what are these principles.
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Preventing Defects - The first of these SQA principles rests on the fact that it is much better that defects be prevented and avoided from occurring in the design and development of software as opposed to relying strictly upon their detection and ultimate resolution.
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Proactive Risk Management - The second principle is to identify and manage the most significant risks up front related to software development.
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Continuous Improvement - It is because SQA happens as a repetitive and continuous process of constantly reevaluating and improving software development processes and practices on the basis of data, feedback, and experiences gained from earlier projects.
This principle inevitably entails healthy interplay and a bond between the team members and the stakeholders concerned, allowing the flow of information, issues, and updates on progress. The next obvious thing one would want to know about is: what kind of Quality standards do Software development teams follow? After all, organizations usually follow one of these standards:
1) ISO 9000 - This is the most popular standard for Quality Management Systems across industries.
2) Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) - The CMMI standard emphasizes improvement. It is well-known among the standards required in contracts related to software development by the United States government.
3) Testing Maturity Model integration (TMMi) - This is essentially based on CMMI. It was launched in 2005 by the TMMi Foundation. This model outlines the software quality standards based on five maturity levels.
Now that we have fully understood what SQA is, its principles, and standards, let us look at the most essential matter. Why should businesses implement Software Quality Assurance as a component of their Software Development Cycle? The following section attempts to answer this burning question.
Helps in Early Bug Detection
SQA helps identify and fix software defects early in the development process. It prevents costly issues and saves time for the team in later stages.
- Increase Customer Satisfaction
High-quality and bug-free software leads to satisfied customers. Software functions as expected by the client and provides a positive user experience.
- Save the Cost of the Company
Detecting and rectifying defects during development is more cost-effective than addressing them after deployment. Detecting issues after deployment may require expertise, which can be heavy on your pockets.
- Compliance
SQA ensures that software adheres to industry standards and regulations, reducing legal and financial risks.
- Builds Trustworthiness
Software Quality assurance boosts the trustworthiness of software, reducing crashes and system hitches.
- Boosted Safety
It spots weak points and security threats to sensitive data. This keeps your software safe and works better.
- Higher Productivity
Software that gets good checks runs well, uses fewer resources, and gives better results.
- Edge Over Competitors
It is true. Software of great quality can put an organization ahead of its competitors by drawing more clients and keeping a good name.
- Maintainability
Software testing and quality control make software easier to maintain and update over time.
- Risk Mitigation
Through the systematic addressing of potential issues, SQA mitigates the risks of a project and ensures development as well as deployment processes that are much more harmonious.
How is Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Different from Software Quality Control (SQC)?
It is common to find people mixing up Software Quality Assurance with Software Quality Control. These are two different, though related activities within the software development process. The following table lists some differences between SQA and SQC, especially in relation to their objectives and methods. Let us see how SQA differs from SQC.
| Software Quality Assurance | Software Quality Control | |
|
Goal |
The primary goal of SQA is to ensure that high-quality software products are consistently delivered and meet the demands of the customers. |
The main objective of SQC is to ensure that it meets the standards and quality criteria pre-defined for it. |
|
Approach |
QA is proactive and preventive. The approach is to stop the occurrence of defects and errors. It’s a Validation process. |
QC is the reactive and corrective approach. It finds and fixes the defects after they have occurred. It’s a Verification process. |
|
Role |
SQA is process-focused. It encompasses activities like process design, process audits, and process training. |
SQC is testing-focused. It includes activities like testing, code reviews, and inspections. |
|
Who does it? |
SQA involves Project Managers, testers, developers, and other stakeholders. |
SQC involves Testers, Developers, and External reviewers. |
|
Timing |
SQA activities occur throughout the software development lifecycle, from project initiation to completion. |
SQC activities typically occur after the software’s development, during the testing and validation phases. |
Top Software Testing Service Providers in 2025
We have covered the importance of SQA and other information that will guide you in implementing software quality assurance. Yet still, if you are not confident as you don’t have enough in-house qualified resources. Don’t worry, you can hire the best QA engineers from the top software development companies offering the best software testing services.
#1. Clarion Technologies
Clarion Technologies is a top Software Development and IT services company offering revolutionary offshore software development solutions.
Being global and client-focused, Clarion technologies provides state-of-the-art software testing services to clientele spanning various categories and sizes through its client-centric and quality-centric philosophy.
#2. Infosys
Infosys has been known as an IT company, providing consulting and delivering services on a global scale. It is recognized as one of the biggest IT firms with specialization in fields like software development as well as testing services.
#3. TCS
Tata Consultancy Services delivers SQA services covering test strategy and planning, test design and execution, as well as automation and performance testing. TCS instills preventive quality in the lifecycle, thereby enabling clients to deliver software solutions meeting the high standard that sets satisfied customers.
#4. Tech Mahindra
Tech Mahindra SQA professionals use best practices in the industry and advanced state-of-the-art tools to assist clients in ensuring robust and reliable software solutions that meet high-quality standards. The company offers a wide range of testing services that will improve the quality of software products.
#5. HCL Technologies
A great driver toward innovation, a sustaining environment - HCL Technologies plays a major role in the changing needs of today's world of technology. HCL's SQA solutions are made to order specific project requirements with an adherence level that keeps the best practices of industries intact.
A Few Important Tips for Hiring Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineers
While on the path to hiring SQA Engineers, it is very important to engage a company or individual who will be able to guarantee the quality and reliability of your software products.
- Define Clear Requirements
List the major qualifications and skills that are being sought after. Let the description of methodologies and tools that would be used in testing be as specific as possible.
- Write Clear Job Descriptions
Craft detailed job descriptions that highlight the essential qualifications and skills you're looking for. Be specific about the testing methodologies and tools your project requires.
- Technical Competence
Test for technical competence in proficiency with software testing tools, test automation frameworks, and related programming languages. Adjust to fit your own tech stack.
- Experience Matters
Seek candidates with related QA experience, preferably in your domain or industry. The more experience QA engineers have, the better and faster they will be able to spot critical issues.
- Problem-Solving Skills
QA Engineers must be excellent problem solvers who can identify, document, and communicate issues. Inquire about their experience with bug tracking and reporting.
- Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital. QA Engineers need to collaborate with developers, product managers, and other team members. Assess their ability to articulate issues clearly.
- Test Automation Skills
If test automation is essential for your project, evaluate candidates for their expertise in test automation frameworks, such as Selenium or Appium.
Conclusion
In today’s technology-driven environment, putting your Software Quality Assurance (SQA) mandate at the top is not a matter of choice but rather a way to attain sustainable business growth, which should be considered imperative.
Yes, by investing in SQA, you guarantee that your product is efficient, secure, and trustworthy. When you make Software Quality Assurance (SQA) an integral part of your software development lifecycle, you position yourself very well to build a robust software solution as well as reduce operational inefficiencies and create a favorable brand reputation—all for business success to thrive!
Now that you have learned about the significance of SQA, hiring the best software testing engineers at the most reasonable cost leads to ultimate success. With Clarion Technologies, your needs are taken care of by our expert and professional Software Quality Assurance (SQA) engineers and developers. Connect with our experts to get started right away.
Author
Shalaka Gadgil - Content Writer
Explore expert insights, blogs, and technology trends shared by Shalaka Gadgil, a leading voice in digital transformation at Clarion Technologies.
