PCTF: An Integrated, Extensible Cloud Test Framework for Testing Cloud Platforms and Applications

Due to the inherent advantages of Cloud Computing paradigms, application development, deployment and usage in Cloud environments has been increased exponentially in the recent past. This results in reduced time to market, reduced capital and operational expenses and increased productivity. The proliferation of Cloud platforms and applications also poses several challenges for the quality assessment. In this paper, we analyze various Cloud test approaches and frameworks. Then we present our research findings on major Cloud dimensions for testing Cloud platforms and applications. Then we propose an integrated, extensible Cloud test framework for testing various Cloud features, called Progress Cloud Test Framework (PCTF) and describe its components and characteristics.