Creating a Test Plan

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Early in the deployment planning phase, the testing team creates a test plan. The test plan defines the objectives and scope of the testing effort, and identifies the methodology that your team will use to conduct tests. It also identifies the hardware, software, and tools required for testing and the features and functions that will be tested. A well-rounded test plan notes any risk factors that jeopardize testing and includes a testing schedule.

If your testing team is divided into technology subteams, each subteam should develop a test plan for that team’s specific technology area. For example, the networking team would write a test plan for testing networking features. All members of each subteam should review and approve its team’s test plan before it is integrated into the general test plan.

Figure 2.3 illustrates the tasks you must perform to create the test plan.

Figure 2.3   Creating a Test Plan

You will use the test plan to design your test lab and to develop test cases. For information about test cases, see "Designing Test Cases" later in this chapter.