Tails - a 'very nice' bug tracking solution

Software testing trends

DrivenQA have found that many small/medium size projects either use open source issue tracking systems, or nothing at all. The problem with open source tools is that there is a certain amount of effort required in setting them up, where technical capability is required though not always available.

Another issue with open source test tools, or in fact any test tools, is that they are often over complicated for what they are actually used for. For example, whilst Bugzilla is a great tool, it is easy to understand that it can be over complicated to many users. Mantis, is a simpler version, though still has certain complexities and the technical requirements to set it up.

Subscription based bug tracking

Subcription models for online software services have become very popular over recent times. People no longer want to pay huge fees for something they are not entirely sure will be used efficiently. Subscription models give the flexibility that we all need.

Test tools are somewhat lacking in subscription based model services - perhaps more specifically services worth subscribing to.

Tails - a 'very nice' bug tracking solution

Bug tracking tools are an ideal candidate for subscription based models, and through our never ending hunting for QA and test information, we came across Tails.

What makes Tails different from other issue trackers is its focus on simplicity, with discussions being a core aspect of this. The Bulletin board is a typical example of this, as is the ability add comments to bugs.

Out is complexity. In is simplicity.

Tags: Out are set categories and options from drop boxes. In are Tags. This is a great move as it gives ultimate flexibility to users of the system.

Features: there is a seperate features section, that actually works quite well. It really allows users of the system to seperate out what needs to be done, from the nice to haves.

Account access: the way Tails is set up allows you to invite people to projects. This essentially means you don't have to set up seperate accounts for seperate clients and have to remember different logins for all the different projects. It can all be set up from one account - easy!

Design: it's simply got a lovely design.

Tails is currently in Beta - soon to be released.