Introduction

Welcome to the Test Environment Management Plan. Whether you’re tasked with developing a new plan, assessing your current non-production processes, outlining a future test environment strategy, or educating your team, this document will guide you through the essentials of effective Test Environment Management.

Definition: Test Environment Management Plan

A Test Environment Management Plan is designed to enhance visibility and control across your test environments and operations. It establishes proactive measures to ensure that test environments are managed, used, shared, serviced, and provisioned (or decommissioned) efficiently and effectively.

Key Considerations

When starting with Test Environment Management, two common questions arise:

(1) Where does one begin?

We often refer to two key resources:

• IEEE 828 Configuration Management Standards: The IEEE’s recommended standards for Configuration Management processes.
• EMMI Definition (v3): Guidelines for Test Environment Maturity.

Configuration Management is fundamental to effective Test Environment Management, involving identification, management, status accounting, and auditing. However, TEM extends beyond Configuration Management, integrating aspects of Agile, ITSM, and ITOM.

Can you provide a good example?

Finding high-quality examples of Test Environment Plans can be challenging, as well as locating good Configuration Management Plans. Given this gap, we have developed a template that incorporates elements from Configuration Management Plans and aligns with the IT & Test Environment Management Maturity Index. This template serves as a practical guideline for creating and refining your own Test Environment Management Plan.

By following this template, you will gain a structured approach to managing test environments, tailored to meet the needs of modern IT and testing practices.

Test Environment Management Plan (High Level)

1. Introduction

This section provides an overview of the Test Environment Management (TEM) plan, including its purpose, scope, and key references.

1.1 Purpose of the TEM Plan

Context: This subsection defines the goals and objectives of the TEM plan. It should clearly state why the plan is being created and what it aims to achieve. This may include improving test environment management processes, ensuring better visibility, or enhancing productivity. The purpose should align with overall business goals and IT strategies.

1.2 Scope of Document

Context: Outlines what is covered by this document. It should describe the boundaries of the TEM plan, including which test environments and processes are addressed. For example, it might specify that the plan applies to all non-production environments used for testing and development within the organization. Additionally, it can highlight any limitations or exclusions.

1.3 Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

Context: Provides explanations for specialized terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used throughout the TEM plan. This section ensures that all stakeholders have a common understanding of the terminology used in the document. It is especially important for technical documents to avoid confusion.

1.4 Document References

Context: Lists other documents, standards, or resources that are referenced in the TEM plan. This might include internal policies, industry standards, or related plans. Providing references helps readers find additional information and understand the context of the TEM plan.

1.5 Document Overview

Context: Provides a summary of the contents and structure of the TEM plan. This section helps readers navigate the document and understand what to expect in each section. It should briefly describe the main components of the plan and how they are organized.

2. The TEM Team Structure

This section describes the organizational setup for managing test environments, including team roles, responsibilities, and the tools used.

2.1 Organisation

Context: Offers a high-level overview of the TEM team structure. This might include an organizational chart or description of the different roles involved in TEM. It should define how the TEM team fits into the broader IT or business organization and how it interacts with other teams.

2.2 Responsibilities

Context: Details the specific responsibilities of each role within the TEM team. This could include tasks related to environment provisioning, maintenance, and support. Clearly defining responsibilities ensures that all team members understand their roles and helps prevent overlaps or gaps in coverage.

2.3 Tools & Infrastructure

Context: Describes the tools and infrastructure that support the TEM process. This might include software tools for environment management, monitoring systems, and hardware infrastructure. Understanding the tools and infrastructure is crucial for effective TEM and ensures that the team has the resources needed to manage environments efficiently.

3. The TEM Process

This section outlines the processes and procedures for managing test environments, detailing how each process will be implemented.

3.1 Knowledge Management

Context: Focuses on how knowledge related to test environments is captured, stored, and shared. This could include documentation practices, knowledge bases, and training materials. Effective knowledge management helps ensure that valuable information is accessible and usable by the TEM team.

3.2 Demand Management

Context: Describes how the demand for test environments is managed. This may involve processes for requesting, prioritizing, and allocating environments based on project needs. Effective demand management ensures that test environments are available when needed and helps balance resource utilization.

3.3 Planning & Coordination

Context: Outlines how planning and coordination activities are conducted to ensure that test environments are prepared and aligned with project timelines. This includes scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination with other teams to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operations.

3.4 Service Management

Context: Covers the management of services related to test environments, such as provisioning, maintenance, and support. This section should define how services are delivered, monitored, and improved to meet the needs of the testing process.

3.5 Data Operations

Context: Details how data is managed within test environments, including data provisioning, protection, and management practices. This section ensures that test data is handled securely and efficiently, supporting effective testing while protecting sensitive information.

3.6 Application Operations

Context: Focuses on the management of applications within test environments. This includes deployment, configuration, and monitoring of applications to ensure they function correctly and support testing objectives.

3.7 Infrastructure Operations

Context: Describes the management of the underlying infrastructure for test environments, such as servers, networks, and storage. This section ensures that infrastructure is maintained and operated to support the needs of test environments effectively.

3.8 Status Accounting & Reporting

Context: Outlines how the status of test environments is tracked and reported. This includes monitoring metrics, generating reports, and providing visibility into the performance and utilization of test environments.

4. Plan Outcomes

This section summarizes the anticipated benefits and outcomes of implementing the TEM plan.

Context: Provides an overview of the key benefits that the TEM plan aims to achieve. This could include:

• End-to-End Visibility of Test Environments: Ensures that all aspects of the test environments are visible and managed effectively.
• End-to-End Visibility of Activity: Provides transparency into activities and operations within test environments.
• Operational Standardization: Promotes consistent practices and processes across test environments.
• Increased DevTest Productivity: Enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of development and testing activities.
• Reduced Environment Incidents / Disruption: Minimizes disruptions and issues related to test environments.
• Accelerated IT Project Delivery: Speeds up the delivery of IT projects by improving test environment management.
• IT Cost Optimization / Controlled Spend: Optimizes IT costs and controls spending based on actual needs and usage.

5. Implementation Project Plan

This section describes the approach for implementing the TEM plan, including resources, milestones, and training.

5.0 Project Resources

Context: Identifies the resources required for implementing the TEM plan, including personnel, budget, and equipment. This section ensures that all necessary resources are allocated to support successful implementation.

5.1 Delivery Milestone Plan

Context: Outlines key milestones and timelines for the implementation of the TEM plan. This helps track progress and ensure that the plan is executed according to schedule.

5.2 Actor Training Plan

Context: Describes the training and development activities for team members involved in TEM. Ensures that all stakeholders are properly trained to execute their roles and responsibilities effectively.

5.3 Optimization Plan

Context: Focuses on ongoing optimization efforts to refine and improve TEM processes over time. This section outlines strategies for continuous improvement and adapting to changing needs.

6. Appendix

This section includes additional information and supplementary materials relevant to the TEM plan.

Context: Provides space for any extra details, such as detailed process diagrams, templates, or additional references that support the TEM plan.