Tricentis Tosca

Basic Information

Tricentis Tosca is an enterprise-grade, AI-powered, codeless test automation platform designed for continuous testing across various applications and technologies. It supports end-to-end testing, model-based test automation, and integrates with DevOps pipelines.

• Model: Tricentis Tosca
• Latest Stable Version: Tricentis Tosca 2024.2.
• Release Date (2024.2): The 2024.2 version was released around December 5, 2024.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022 (64-bit recommended for client, 64-bit required for server).
• End of Support Date: Tricentis offers Long-Term Support (LTS) and Short-Term Support (STS) releases. Specific end-of-support dates depend on the version and are detailed in Tricentis's knowledge base.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated as a general date, but tied to specific version support lifecycles.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly stated, but updates are cumulative, meaning the latest patch contains features and fixes from previous ones.
• License Type: Subscription-based, with options for Cloud Licensing (floating via cloud-hosted server) and On-Premise Licensing (floating via on-premise server). Licenses can be per user or concurrent.
• Deployment Model: On-premises and Cloud (SaaS-based). The cloud deployment offers enhanced test execution services like Elastic Execution Grid.

Technical Requirements

Tricentis Tosca has varying technical requirements depending on the component (Tosca Commander, Tosca Server, Tosca OSV Host).

• Processor:
  • Tosca Commander: i5 Dual-Core 2.4Ghz (minimum), i5 Quad-Core 3.0 GHz (recommended for OSV Host).
  • Tosca Server: i5 Dual-Core 2.4Ghz.
• RAM:
  • Tosca Commander: 8 GB (minimum), 16 GB (recommended).
  • Tosca Server: 16 GB.
  • Tosca OSV Host: 8 GB (minimum), 16 GB (recommended).
• Storage:
  • Tosca Commander: 10 GB for installation, local workspaces, and temporary files, plus 1.5 GB on the system drive for installer caching. SSD is recommended for best performance.
  • Tosca Server: 200 GB.
  • Tosca OSV Host: 10 GB (for installation), 5 GB for database (50 GB recommended).
• Display: Not explicitly detailed, but standard display resolutions compatible with supported Windows operating systems are expected.
• Ports: Requires available ports for communication, especially for Tosca Server and distributed execution components. Specific port requirements are typically detailed in installation guides.
• Operating System:
  • Client (Tosca Commander): Windows 10, Windows 11 (64-bit recommended).
  • Server (Tosca Server, OSV Host): Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022 (64-bit required).
• Software Dependencies: Microsoft .NET Framework (version 4.8 or 8.0 depending on Tosca version), Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.

Analysis of Technical Requirements:

Tricentis Tosca's technical requirements are typical for an enterprise-level application, emphasizing 64-bit Windows operating systems and recommending higher RAM and SSD storage for optimal performance. The requirements are scalable, with separate specifications for client (Commander) and server components, allowing for distributed deployments. The need for specific .NET and Visual C++ runtimes indicates a reliance on Microsoft ecosystem components. Network speed is also a consideration, particularly for multi-user environments and cloud deployments, with a recommended 100 Mbit/s symmetrical connection.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Tricentis Tosca 2024.2.
• OS Support: Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 (64-bit). Tosca Cloud agents also support macOS versions compatible with .NET 8.
• End of Support Date: Varies by specific LTS and STS releases. Users should consult the Tricentis Support Hub for detailed lifecycle information.
• Localization: Not explicitly detailed in general documentation, but enterprise software typically offers multi-language support.
• Available Drivers/Integrations: Supports a wide range of technologies including SAP (S/4 HANA, Fiori, SuccessFactors), Oracle, Salesforce, ServiceNow, mobile (iOS 16-19, Android 11-16), web (Chromium, Safari, Firefox, Edge), APIs (SOAP, XML, REST, JSON), databases (SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite), and various messaging queues (Kafka, Active MQ, IBM MQ, Rabbit MQ, TIBCO EMS). It also integrates with CI/CD tools and test management platforms.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status:

Tricentis Tosca demonstrates strong compatibility across a broad spectrum of enterprise applications and technologies, including packaged apps like SAP and Salesforce, as well as modern web, mobile, and API interfaces. The platform is designed for continuous testing in Agile and DevOps environments, offering integrations with various tools. Support is structured around LTS and STS releases, with cumulative patches providing ongoing fixes and new features. The availability of cloud deployment options further enhances its adaptability to modern IT infrastructures.

Security Status

• Security Features: Tricentis Tosca is designed for enterprise use, implying adherence to security best practices. It supports encrypted mainframe sessions depending on emulator capabilities. The Tricentis License Server has been updated to use newer versions of Elasticsearch to mitigate potential security issues.
• Known Vulnerabilities: General information on known vulnerabilities is not publicly detailed but would typically be addressed through patches and updates.
• Blacklist Status: No information found indicating a blacklist status.
• Certifications: Tricentis offers various certifications for users (e.g., Automation Specialist, Test Design Specialist, Test Architect), validating proficiency in the tool.
• Encryption Support: Supports encrypted mainframe sessions. Data in transit and at rest would typically be secured in enterprise deployments, especially with cloud options.
• Authentication Methods: Integrates with LDAP for user authentication in multi-user mode. Cloud deployment involves user management and access control.
• General Recommendations: Users are advised to keep the software updated with the latest patches to benefit from security fixes and performance improvements. For cloud deployments, best practices for VPN and cloud environments are recommended.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating:

Tricentis Tosca, as an enterprise solution, incorporates security measures such as LDAP integration for authentication and support for encrypted communication. Regular updates and patches are provided to address potential vulnerabilities, and the company actively updates underlying components like Elasticsearch to maintain security. While specific security certifications for the product itself are not highlighted, the focus on enterprise environments suggests a commitment to data protection and secure operations. Users are encouraged to follow best practices for secure deployment and to stay current with updates.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific public benchmark scores are not readily available.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Faster startup times for Tosca Commander.
  • Improved performance and stability with new upgrade approaches.
  • Efficient workspace compacting reduces disk usage and improves performance.
  • Mobile Web automation shows improved performance.
  • Tosca OSV Host can achieve approximately 2500-3000 transactions per second (TPS) for HTTP with recommended high-performance requirements.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed, as it depends heavily on the underlying hardware and workload.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed, as it depends heavily on the underlying hardware and deployment model (on-premises vs. cloud).
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Often compared to tools like Katalon Studio, OpenText UFT One, TestComplete, Perfecto, ACCELQ, and Selenium.
  • Excels in complex enterprise automation, particularly with SAP and Oracle, and offers comprehensive automation capabilities.
  • Users rate Tricentis Tosca higher than OpenText UFT One and Worksoft Connective Automation Platform in service, support, integration, and deployment.
  • Praised for its model-based testing approach, which allows for comprehensive test scenarios and reduces maintenance.
  • Perceived as having higher setup costs compared to some alternatives like Katalon Studio or Postman Enterprise.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status:

Tricentis Tosca focuses on optimizing performance through features like faster startup, efficient workspace management, and enhanced stability with upgrades. Its model-based approach aims to reduce test maintenance and improve reusability, contributing to overall efficiency. For service virtualization, Tosca OSV demonstrates high transaction processing capabilities. While initial setup costs can be higher than some competitors, its comprehensive features and robust automation capabilities, especially for complex enterprise applications, are often cited as advantages. The cloud deployment option further aims to provide scalable and faster test execution.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews highlight several strengths and weaknesses of Tricentis Tosca.

• Strengths:
  • **Ease of Automation and Codeless Approach:** Many users praise Tosca for making automation feasible and accessible, even for those with less technical knowledge or coding expertise. Its codeless, model-based approach simplifies test creation and maintenance.
  • **Comprehensive Testing Capabilities:** It provides an all-in-one solution for API, UI, Mainframe, Salesforce, SAP, and other application test automation, supporting end-to-end functional testing.
  • **Efficiency and Scalability:** Users report enhanced overall testing productivity, faster test creation, and efficient maintenance, especially for large-scale enterprise applications.
  • **Robustness and Reusability:** The model-based approach leads to resilient test assets and high reusability, reducing maintenance effort.
  • **Integration with Ecosystem:** Strong integration capabilities with CI/CD tools, test management platforms (like qTest), and service virtualization (OSV) are valued.
• Weaknesses:
  • **Learning Curve:** Some users note a learning curve associated with the tool.
  • **Cost:** Both full and executable licenses are perceived as expensive, with higher initial setup costs compared to some alternatives.
  • **Platform Independence:** A desire for greater platform independence is sometimes expressed.
  • **Integration Challenges:** Integrating with certain third-party tools can sometimes be difficult.
  • **Limited Support for Emerging Technologies:** Some feedback suggests limited support for certain emerging technologies.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • End-to-end functional testing across complex IT landscapes.
  • Automation of web, desktop, mobile, API, and packaged applications (SAP, Salesforce, Oracle).
  • Organizations seeking to reduce manual testing efforts and streamline QA processes.
  • Agile and DevOps environments requiring continuous testing and faster release cycles.
  • Teams looking for a codeless solution that allows non-technical users to participate in automation.

Summary

Tricentis Tosca is a leading enterprise-grade test automation platform, distinguished by its codeless, AI-powered, and model-based approach to continuous testing. It excels in providing end-to-end automation across a vast array of technologies, including web, mobile, API, and critical packaged applications like SAP and Salesforce. The platform's strengths lie in its ability to enable rapid test creation, significantly reduce maintenance efforts through reusable modules, and enhance overall testing productivity, making it accessible even to users without extensive coding knowledge.

Technically, Tosca requires robust Windows-based systems, with recommendations for 64-bit operating systems, ample RAM (8-16 GB), and SSD storage to ensure optimal performance. It offers flexible deployment models, supporting both traditional on-premises installations and modern cloud-based SaaS solutions, which provide enhanced scalability and execution capabilities. Compatibility is a major advantage, with extensive support for various operating systems, browsers, databases, and application types, alongside integrations with popular CI/CD and test management tools.

While specific public security audits are not detailed, Tosca incorporates enterprise-level security features such as LDAP integration and support for encrypted communication, with ongoing updates to underlying components to address vulnerabilities. Performance is continually improved through software optimizations, leading to faster startup times and efficient workspace management. In comparison to competitors, Tosca is often lauded for its comprehensive feature set and robust support for complex enterprise scenarios, though it may involve higher initial investment costs.

User feedback generally praises Tosca for its ease of use in automation, broad testing capabilities, and positive impact on testing efficiency. Common criticisms include a learning curve and the cost of licensing. Recommended use cases span from automating complex business processes to facilitating continuous testing in Agile and DevOps environments, particularly for organizations seeking to reduce manual testing and improve release quality.

In conclusion, Tricentis Tosca stands as a powerful and versatile solution for enterprise test automation, offering significant benefits in terms of efficiency, scalability, and broad technology support. Its model-based, codeless approach democratizes test automation, allowing diverse teams to contribute to quality assurance. While the investment might be substantial, the long-term gains in reduced maintenance, faster releases, and comprehensive test coverage make it a strong contender for organizations committed to advanced continuous testing strategies.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.