The IT industry''s annual growth rate of ~40% has put immense pressure on the Software Quality Assurance function. Motivated by this challenge, we evaluated various options, before adopting virtual quality assurance facilitation at TCS. In the As-Is model, TCS has a traditional quality organization wherein a small number of full-time software quality analysts facilitate several projects each, with reporting independent of the delivery organization. In the To-Be model, we envisaged many part-time SQAs facilitating a smaller number of projects. Line reporting of the SQAs was to be left within the delivery organization. Evaluation of performance of this model has been very encouraging. Internalization of processes, building competency, and maintaining process stability with reduced cost were some key benefits. This paper describes the genesis, results, benefits, and challenges as experienced during the pilot and suggests the way ahead for deploying the virtual SQA function in large, mature IT organizations.
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