Additional Functionality

An effective test platform also carries out the following activities:

Configure the system under test to initially get it up and running.
Create code to reset / clean up a partially-configured / mis-configured system.
Discover the components of the system under test as it is started each time.
Let the user easily specify the test configuration and execution parameters.
Fail all system-level components (hosts, networks, databases, etc.).
Exceed all operating limits.
Always verify application and system operation (lost, corrupted data; invalid operations and states).
Verify operation during system upgrade and rollback as well as during site switchover / failback.
Grow in parallel with the implementation of the system being tested so that developers have feedback on their work.
Be useful to the development and the test staff. Give the two of them a UI / window into how the test platform and system under test are operating.