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The IT industry is developing rapidly - and with it the testing world. But which technological developments will influence software testing in the coming years? This question was investigated by futurologist Dr. Bernd Flessner on behalf of imbus in 2015 and 2017 in the trend study The Future of Testing. The study offers scenarios for the years 2025, 2035 and 2050. Now in the year 2025, it is worth taking a look: which forecasts have come true, which developments have occurred and where will the revolution fail to materialize?
Globalization 2.0 and Industry 4.0 - networked production, but no nationwide Outernet
The study predicted increased automation and digital networking of the production landscape. This has come true: Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT and automation are widespread. China in particular has further consolidated its role as an economic pioneer. However, the comprehensively networked Outernet, which should enable a seamless global digital infrastructure, is not yet a reality. While the Internet relies on wired and wireless networks, the concept of the Outernet describes a global, independent digital infrastructure that should enable access to digital content anywhere and at any time - even in regions without traditional network coverage. Despite technical advances, such as satellite internet, this vision has yet to be fulfilled.
Cybersecurity - a critical success factor
The scenario foresaw a sharp rise in cyberattacks and a growing importance of IT security. In fact, the number of attacks on companies and critical infrastructures has risen dramatically in recent years. Security testing has become essential. However, cloud systems have prevailed despite security concerns and remain an integral part of many IT architectures.
Robotics and autonomous vehicles - progress with obstacles
The study predicted a widespread use of robotics and autonomous vehicles, particularly in care, households and road traffic. In reality, the picture is mixed: robots have arrived in industry and logistics, and care and service robots are also widespread internationally - if you look beyond Germany. In Germany, on the other hand, their use is still comparatively restrained.
Autonomous vehicles are still being tested in trial runs, and companies such as Waymo, Google and Tesla are already offering corresponding services in California. Autonomous cabs are also in use in Dubai. However, their operation has so far been limited to a few regions. Technical requirements, high safety standards, legal uncertainties and the necessary infrastructure are slowing down a widespread introduction. As a result, self-driving cars remain a future scenario in many places.
Artificial intelligence - revolution with unanswered questions
The study predicted a central role for AI and machine learning - and this has happened. AI is used in numerous industries, whether in automation, data analysis or chatbots. Nevertheless, testing learning systems is an ongoing challenge. There is still a lack of comprehensive standards, particularly with regard to ethical and safety-critical issues as well as data protection and information security.
AR and cyber glasses - not a mass market
Expectations for AR technologies and cyber glasses were high. While augmented reality is used in certain sectors such as training and industrial quality control, the predicted market breakthrough has failed to materialize. Cyber glasses are still too expensive for the mass market and do not offer enough added value for widespread use.
Growing importance of software testing
The increasing dependence on software and networked systems has increased the need for robust test strategies. Test-driven development (TDD) is well established, and security testing in particular has become massively more relevant. Specialized test methods for AI are an important topic, but have not yet reached standardized processes.
Conclusion: Where is software testing heading?
The Future of Testing study predicted many developments, but progress is not linear. While AI, automation and security testing play decisive roles today, other trends such as autonomous vehicles and AR have not yet been implemented across the board.
The increasing networking and complexity of systems are placing new demands on test methods and security. Testing AI and self-learning systems remains a particular challenge that continues to require new standards.
A look into the future shows: Technology is constantly evolving and the next few years will decide which innovations will prevail in the long term. The Future of Testing study provides a sound basis for future developments and helps companies to prepare for new challenges in software testing at an early stage.
Would you like to find out what forecasts the study provides for 2035 and 2050? Then download The Future of Testing now via the following link.