How do you find the problematic areas?

We use complex image processing algorithms (patent pending) to detect differences in snapshots captured through different browsers. This is superior to any other method used on the market. Actually eyeballing by a tester is the weakest link in the chain (research shows that an average tester detects about 30% of bugs that can be detected using the best alternative – tool + tester). Javascript is interpreted differently in different browsers and result in false negatives and positives. We’ve concluded that image processing is the way to go.

Why don’t you have Linux? Lynx? Internet Explorer 4.0?

We choose the configurations (Browser and OS combination) based on its marketshare. To reach about 90% of the share, you need about 20 different configurations to test on. This depends on the browser usage of your target group as well! If you have fact based evidence that we’re missing a majorly used configuration, then please drop us a mail!

 Can I script events, login to a protected page, open menus etc.?

The only authentication method we partially support is BASIC authentication. Please bear in mind that we only support BASIC authentication if the web resource asks for it only once.

To test interactions, we have Browserbite Recorder in private beta (see our blog for details).

What screen resolution do you use?

We currently use 1024 x 768 pixels desktop resolution as the “lowest common denominator”. The browser viewport depends on the browser itself, operating system and OS styling. Our goal is to provide the most realistic end-user scenario as possible. Default OS settings, default browser settings and so on.

Support for bigger resolutions and simultaneous comparison in various screen sizes is in process. Stay tuned!

Why don’t you have Android, iPhone?

We do now!

Do you actually run real machines with real browsers?

Yes, we do. Most machines are virtualized, but we want to give you as realistic view on things as possible. iPad runs in the official iOS Simulator by Apple. Android runs on the official Android emulator.

Do you support Flash, Silverlight, HTML5?

Flash – we have installed Flash plugins on all browsers.

Silverlight – not yet.

HTML 5 – that depends on the browser capability.

Can I test things in my intranet, local hard drive or behind firewalls?

Right now we support URL-s that are available in the public intranet. Alternatively you can set up a secure tunnel to a public server and direct our tool to that server. The tunnel will bypass the firewall to your local site.

For enterprise customers we support setting up secure VPN lines to access test services. Get in touch with us!