What is an Environment?

An environment is a set of hardware and software configured to run a specific task.

Typical and well known Environments are:

• Development Environment - where a developer can develop application which will normally comprise of a server, database, a client PC with compiler, linker and debugger.

• Test Environment - where a tester can test the application for functional correctness. This will normally comprise of a server, database, a client PC with a unit tested version of the application.

• Production (Live) Environment - where the application is finally provided to the end user.

• Disaster Recovery Environment - where the production system is moved in case the live system is not able to function.
  

• Business Integration Test Environment - where all or selected components are tested together to prove a particular business scenario or functionality.

• System Integration Test Environment - where all the components are integrated with other inter-related system and the application is tested from the technical perspective.

• User Acceptance Test Environment - where the final functional tests are conducted by the users before a sign off procedure.

• Corporate Acceptance Test Environment - where the complete corporate environment is replicated and any release is tested in this environment before moving to production.

• Performance and Scalability Testing Environment - A replica of the production system where the production system is moved to in case the Live system is not able to function.
  

• Support and Maintenance Environment - where the application is supported and production problems are replicated and resolved.
  

These are all valid and useful environments within the business however, the existence of each of them needs to be justified with a business case.

At one extreme you have applications being developed, tested and used for production in one single environment, at the other extreme you have mature organisations having all the environments in isolation with formal change management in place. However, the majority is in the middle of the above two.

Understanding the Return On Investment (ROI) is key in positioning your business within the right level of investment for your organisation's operating environment. This ROI calculation should include the level of management needed to control all these environments whilst keeping pace with business changes. Testhouse can help in explaining these environments and understanding the correct level of investment in environments needed for operational efficiency.