Posts Tagged ‘software testing’

Software development is always prone to bugs despite resorting to all plausible bug detection techniques. Software testing is a promising technique to ensure that the quality of software developed is intact and unharmed through elimination of bugs or defects that creep in. It is in fact the most significant stage in the software development life cycle, and is also a determinant of the quality of final output.

However, it has been observed that most organizations fall short of the required in-house resources such as technical know-how and expertise to carry out thorough software testing. Hence, they prefer to outsource software testing.

In one of the reports published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. economy bears heavy losses due to software errors incurring up to $59.5 billion annually. Hence, most U.S. software development companies choose offshore software testing since they are benefited manifold due to this business decision.

Let us take a tour of some of the key benefits of offshore software testing:

Error-free software: The offshore testing team makes use of run-on-the-mill testing tools, techniques and resources to deliver quality-tested software thereby lending the required dose of technical and process independence to the in-house staff of the outsourcing organization.

Complete focus on product development: After having outsourced testing assignment to the offshore testing team, the software development group can focus completely on core product development and its effective sales strategy. Hence, this would eventually lead to improved quality of the product developed thereby paving way for increased customer satisfaction & revenues.

Saves Time: Outsourcing testing services saves your valuable time in dual ways. On one hand, you get sufficient time to focus on your “core” business activities. While on the other hand, the offshore testing staff utilizes varied advanced testing tools & techniques to eliminate bugs/defects from the software thereby improving the quality of your product and producing the deliverables on time.

Cost effectiveness: It’s not a feasible option for a development company to purchase testing tools in dearth of required technical know-how. Also, maintaining an in-house testing team is a costly affair. The offshore software testing India alternatives offer testing services at quite affordable rates. Hence, outsourcing these services is a cost-effective business decision.

Time to market: A skilled testing company conducts software testing very fast and yields quick deliverables, which leads to early release of the product thereby giving ample scope and time to market the same.

Now that you know the multiple benefits of offshore software testing, it’s your turn to take the right step of outsourcing software testing and deliver quality-tested software for accomplishing ultimate customer satisfaction.

Adam George is a well known writer. He has written many articles on various topics including outsourcing, Presently writing on Software services, Software Development, QA Testing and other Software testing services.

Author: Adam George
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Antivirus platforms are constantly changing, and, like anything, just because an antivirus is at the top of the desktopsecuritysoftware market one year does notguarantee it will remain there.

So how is it that people decide on what makes the best antivirus programs? If you go to any review site, the all allusive ‘test’ is referred to as marking this year’s top class software. But, if you have ever tried to use one of these results spreadsheets to determine which platform you should go with, you know that they do very little good at highlighting one maker above the rest. Either this means that most of the big players are basically the same, or that something is wrong with how the tests are conducted.

The question then is, what kind of test is it in the first place? For anyone who would like to read more articles on the subject, check out these resources from the AMSTO (Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization).

AMSTO have been discussing this question quite seriously over the last couple of years and have come around to publishing new testing standards. Until now, the tests have basically taken some large and impressive number of sample threats, anywhere between five hundred thousand and one million, and isolating one layer of the program under testing to see how well it detects an incoming threat.

This sounds like what you would expect, but there are a couple of problems that initially come to mind. 1) If one layer of a software package is tested individually, how well does that really speak for how the software will actually run on a consumer’s computer? (2) Does the method of throwing hundreds of thousands of threats at a system really simulate the real world of online security in today’s world?

For the first question, we can only assume that this technique does not provide an accurate result for how the software will operate when it is running as it would on a consumer’s computer.First of all, this might bypass certain security measures built into another layer of the software designed for certain threats, resulting in the antivirus missing it because it was not designed to detect that kind of threat. Just because a program utilizes certain buffers does not mean it should be reflected poorly in the test.

Also, if the software is whittled down to one layer, this will greatly affect speed. Imagine that Software A is part of a big package with loads of features, and Software B is a program fairly stripped of extra features. If Software A, when focusing on only the antivirus, detects 98% of all viruses in faster time than Software B which detects the same number, Software A can be determined to be the better software.As a consumer, I see this and I purchase Software A, only to be surprised by the obvious lag in system resources. It doesn’t seem to operate as fast as the test said it does. This is because of the testing method.Of course it will be slower when all aspects of the software are running simultaneously.

To answer the second question from above, in the real world, a user will never be faced with that number of threats in a short time period. The test procedurs have been an industry standard for the past twenty years. Needless to say, a huge amount has changed since then.Probably the most pertinent change is the mass use of social networking sites and downloading software from the Internet.

Those two examples are both real time threats that are very isolated; non-Armageddon like scenarios-unlike the way antivirus software is tested. What if a message in Facebook popped up with a link that contained some form of malware?We don’t need our software to protect us from a million threats; only this one.

Two percent of a million is 20,000, and that makes 20,000 possibilities of a threat that could get through if I click on the link.If I click on it, the probability is strong that my antivirus will catch it. But what if it doesn’t?One chance out of one is a bigger threat than one chance out of a million. The point I am trying to make is that we just can’t know. For that reason, the software needs to notice these kinds of messages that are part of our online experience before we do, and advise us on what action is best. If an antivirus does that, and does it accurately, then it is far more valuable than testing how many threats out of a million that slip by undetected.

Because testing is valuable information for the desktop security software consumer and creator alike, it is very pleasing news to see that standards are being updated at AMSTO. Going forward please be aware of the testing procedures conducted on software before considering it to be conclusive evidence as to which software is this year’s best.

Nate works hard to keep up with security software news, reviews, and tips to help his readers be aware and prepared. For more articles on the subject written by this author, please visit the links below.

http://www.edesktopsecuritysoftware.com/

http://www.edesktopsecuritysoftware.com/desktop-security-software/desktop-security-software-testing-standards

Author: Nate Hill
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Software development testing is one of the important steps used by software engineers for successful development of any software product. With this, software engineers would have to perform tests or quality assurance manually or used the automated software to make the software bugs free.

Software testing is a service that will test your software product and try to find errors, glitches, and other problems present the in programming codes, which are common with all original software packages. Software testing will help us to make sure that the software product is functioning correctly before it is released. Such testing services will have standard quality tests that all parts of the software product must pass before it is ready for launch.

In the process of software development and design it becomes essential to test them before releasing. The best practice that need to be followed while doing Software Testing to delivery Quality product:

We should initiate our testing process from starting of Software development itself. Understand Scope and limitation of the software project that will help to improve the degree/level of testing required.
Software testers should go through the requirements in detail without missing any features suggest by the customer before any writing test cases.
The test cases should be rationalized instantly once the customer gives new requirement or changes the current one.
The test case document should cover all the requirements even if some requirements are non-testable. These non-testable items should be marked as non-testable. Keeping traceability matrix document will supportive to attain this.
The Test case document should assist to clearly recognize hierarchy of test cases. It should have clear approach to organize test cases if many test cases exist with similar steps. It is not worthwhile to copy & paste the analogous test cases many times; as a substitute we can specify only the additional steps.
A leading software development companies in the market will gives you with entire software development testing services for Desktop applications like Microsoft Windows 98/NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista, Linux, Unix, web application development, mobile application development, windows application development testing, website development & testing services at very affordable and cost effective way.

Ampere Software Private Limited is an expert software development testing company with development center in India. They provide offshore dedicated team for product development testing, web development, custom application development and software product engineering services.

Please call at US/Canada Toll Free: +1-800-315-0433 or Mobile: +91-9811905564.You can send your requirement at sales@amperesotware.com.

For more information on outsourcing software product development, custom software development services, and Software testing services, visit http://www.amperesoftware.com.

Author: Urmi Info
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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When people think of software testing they are usually referring to the execution of a program in order to detect the presence of defects. This type of testing, that executes a piece of code which could be a program or a smaller component, is more formally referred to as dynamic testing. Dynamic testing can be performed either manually or automatically (via an automated testing tool) but it is always characterized by the execution of code.

The compliment of dynamic software testing is static software testing. Static testing refers to code walkthroughs, inspections and any review of software that does not require the actual execution of the code itself. Some web references identify this type of testing as ‘inspections and walkthroughs’, thereby leaving the general term software testing to any activity that involves code execution.

Although, in essence, a question of semantics it is useful to divide all testing activities into two broad categories as these activities (that is dynamic and static) form a comprehensive quality control strategy for the entire software project.

In order to allow for broad software quality control, within the typical software development lifecycle (SDLC), all project work items need to be subjected to static testing. This means that business requirements, technical specifications and even test plans themselves are the subject of static testing (i.e. inspections or walkthroughs).

Subjecting all major project work items to static testing implies that the term ‘software’ (within the broader term static software testing) refers to all project work items. Although this definition (for static testing) is broader than the scope of the term software in dynamic software testing, this scope implies that all quality control of a software project can be accomplished by either static or dynamic testing.

Just as dynamic testing can be automated there are certain static tests that can also be automated. One example of an automated static software testing tool would be a tool that measures the complexity of the code within a given program. To measure code complexity the program (being tested) does not need to be executed but the measurement can be taken using a software tool. Also the structure, paragraphs used etc, of business requirements or specifications can be verified using a parsing tool so that conformance to standards can be verified (i.e. tested).

In general, the static testing of work items (such as business requirements) implies a standard or format that can be used for reference. Many companies have procedures that facilitate a process for verifying that a given work item conforms to standards. This type of static testing (i.e. standards verification) would be documented and scheduled within the project software quality control plan.

Given the categorization of all software testing into either static or dynamic groupings a comprehensive software quality control plan can be produced at the beginning of the project and referenced to monitor and control the software delivery throughout the complete SDLC (starting with the business requirements).

Further information on static and dynamic software testing can be found at the software testing directory, which is manually maintained by the author of this article, Alex Goodyear.

Author: Alex Goodyear
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The standard answer to the QA testing interview question of: ‘What is the difference between verification and validation?’ is as follows:

Verification answers the question “Are we building this (software) product correctly?

Validation answers the question “Are we building the correct (software) product?

Whilst there are variations on the definitions of these two terms, within the broad software QA and testing fields, there is general consensus that verification refers to correctness whilst validation refers to the value of the final product.

Applying these general definitions to software testing, we see that the practical differences apply to the context and goals of the testing, rather than any difference in software testing methods or tools. The context and goals of ‘validating’ software is the end user or customer context whilst the context of software verification is ‘meets the specification’. Indeed many software products are built correctly, that is they meet standards and specifications, but they fail to meet the real end user (i.e. customer) requirements.

Ultimately validation is the focus of what the customer is paying for and whoever does validation represents the voice of the customer (or end user in the case of software applications developed for internal use). In practical terms this means separating the software quality control teams (i.e. test teams) into two broad groups, one that has intimate knowledge of the customer context of the finished product and another group that has strong knowledge of how a software product should be produced.

By way of example consider an accounting application that records general ledger bookings. The business requirements would be produced which outline the business (accounting) rules to be followed. From the business requirements a technical specification would be produced which would document the behavior (i.e. program specification) of the ‘to be’ delivered software.

In the above example software validation would include the initial walkthrough of the business requirements, with the business representatives, to ‘validate’ that the requirements do in fact reflect what the application is required to do for the business. When the final application has been developed any testing against the business requirements is also a validation activity. The walkthrough of the technical specification to make sure it contains all the functionality of the business requirements is a verification activity. Also the testing of the delivered software against the technical specification is also a verification activity.

In essence validation can only be done by people with knowledge of how the delivered software is going to be used whilst verification can be done by anyone who can read a specification (or standard) and determine if it is correct. Although we use the phrase ‘only’, this is not to demean the value of the verification team but rather to convey the fact that strictly speaking the act of verification only requires knowledge of standards and specifications.

In practical terms the degree of complexity of the business requirements will determine whether or not a specialized software validation team needs to exist. If there is considerable complexity and effort in understanding the business requirements then the business analyst would typically take on the role of software validation. In instances of high business complexity the analyst would specialize in given business areas in order to breakdown the problem domain.

Given a business facing team, to perform validation, a supporting team of software testers could be formed to perform verification. The advantages of splitting off the verification team, for large complicated projects, are concerned with efficiency (cost) and effectiveness (on communicating the business requirements to developers).

Many organizations will offshore the verification of a software application but keep the validation onshore (e. g. in the US) as this arrangement optimizes cost whilst respecting the value of communicating the true voice of the customer.

Regardless of how a QA team is organized, identifying validation and verification activities (together with skills and resources to optimally perform them) will yield higher degrees of productivity in the development of software that is truly fit for the intended purpose.

Further information on software verification and validation can be found at the software testing directory, which is manually maintained by the author of this article, Alex Goodyear.

Author: Alex Goodyear
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A software testing job is what is known as a cake job. Basically it consists of sitting at a computer and testing software. Typically this is usually part of another job, but sometimes it is the only task that is assigned.

Why is it Necessary?

New software is written all the time. The software is always tested by the author but it is difficult to really get a feel for the software and to see if there are any bugs until it is used in actual applications.

A lot of software will work perfectly fine in a controlled environment but once it is put into play in a real time environment than the bugs pop up. It is important that the programmer knows what the bugs are and fixes them before the product hit’s the open market.

Functionality is also important to determine before the software is offered to consumers. If a product does not function the way it should function in real time than basically the product is useless and needs to be adjusted to function properly.

How Does it Work?

Usually a software testing job requires that the person doing the job uses the software in a real life setting for a specified period of time. The software may be monitored from a remote location by the programmer.

The tester has to take notes about the functionality of the software and utilize every aspect of the software in a number of environments. The tester may be required to use the software with other programs running to check for compatibility. The tester will generate a report which may in include things like how many times the software stopped working, or if any error messages were received.

Compensation

Compensation usually is not monetary, sometimes it is but usually it is not. Compensation is usually provided in the way of free copies of the software, or some other perks that are related to the software.

Gamers clamor to get on board to try out the latest gaming software, so they can get an early free copy of the software.

In some instances there may be gift certificates or other incentives that are given to try out and test software.

Software testing jobs can be fun, especially when trying out games or other fun applications. Sometimes these jobs are part of another job and are just tacked on as additional duties.

Software Testing Jobs are cake jobs. Software testing jobs are an awesome employment opportunity.

Author: Munson Shelly
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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ISEB Software Testing Foundation training courses introduce students to the fundamentals of software testing, including the reasons for carrying out tests, basic test processes and the general principles that underpin testing good practice. Knowing these principles, and understanding how they affect the software tester, is crucial to passing the ISEB Software Testing Foundation exam.

1. Testing shows the presence of bugs

That is, testing can show that problems exist, but not that problems do not exist.

This principle lies at the core of ISEB Software Testing guidance. An astute test analyst understands that even if a test does not reveal any faults, the subject of the test is not necessarily error-free.

The key objective of carrying out a test is to identify defects. Working under the assumption that every product will contain defects of some kind, a test that reveals errors is generally better than one that does not. All tests should therefore be designed to reveal as many errors as possible.

2. Exhaustive testing is impossible

Exhaustive testing feeds all possible data combinations into the software, in order to ensure that no untested situation can arise once the software has been released. Except on extremely simple applications, the number of possible data combinations is forbiddingly high; it is more effective and efficient for testers to focus on risks and priorities, so that the tests are targeted to the testing needs.

3. Early testing

A product (including documents, such as the product specification) can be tested as soon as it has been created. The ISEB software testing guidance recommends testing a product as soon as possible, in order fix errors as quickly as possible. Studies have shown that errors identified late in the development process generally cost more to resolve.

For example: an error in a product specification may be fairly straightforward to fix. However, if that error is transferred to the software coding, then fixing the mistake could become costly and time-consuming.

4. Defect clustering

Studies suggest that problems in an item of software tend to cluster around a limited set of modules or areas. Once these areas have been identified, efficient test managers are able to focus testing on the sensitive areas, while still searching for errors in the remaining software modules.

5. The ‘pesticide’ paradox

Like over-used pesticide, a set of tests that is used repeatedly on the same software product will decrease in efficacy. Using a variety of tests and techniques will expose a range of defects across different areas of the product.

6. Testing is context dependent

The same tests should not be applied across the board. Different software products have varying requirements, functions and purposes. A test designed to be performed on a website, for example, may be less effective when applied to an intranet application. A test designed for a credit card payment form may be unnecessarily rigorous if performed on a discussion forum.

In general, the higher the probability and impact of damage caused by failed software, the greater the investment in performing software tests.

7. Absence of errors fallacy

Declaring that a test has unearthed no errors is not the same as declaring the software “error-free”. In order to ensure that adequate software testing procedures are carries out in every situation, testers should assume that all software contains some (albeit concealed) faults.

Summary

Software testing good practice is an essential part of ensuring the quality of IT products. While software testing cannot guarantee that the software contains no errors, it does contribute significantly to the identification and reduction of faults, improving the likelihood that the software implementation will succeed.

Simon Buehring is a project manager, consultant and trainer. He works for KnowledgeTrain which offers ISEB software testing foundation in the UK and overseas. He can be contacted via the ISEB business analysis website.

Author: Simon Buehring
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Why prevent defects?

During software testing projects there can be an overwhelming desire to get software testing underway so as many defects as possible can be uncovered quickly. However rushing into software testing like this may not be the most efficient approach.

From a software testing perspective, and in terms of defect repair costs, software test coverage and software test personnel effort it is more effective to eliminate as many defects as possible prior to testing the software.

Cost of Repair Inefficiency Industry data for the cost to repair a defect given the stage of development the defect is uncovered in shows clearly that it is more expensive to resolve an issue later in the project life cycle. For example, finding a defect in system test tasks 40 times more effort to resolve than finding the same defect in the requirements stage. Since the value of cost is relative, the base value maybe defined in terms of money, time or effort.

Again, as an example, when testing starts at the Unit Test stage the relative cost to repair a defect is already twenty times that to repair the defect had it been uncovered at the Requirements stage.

In short, the cost to repair an issue increases significantly between stages, in particular when the customer uncovers a defect.

Clearly, finding defects as early as possible during product development, especially prior to formal software testing, will be the most cost effective option.

Test Coverage Inefficiency

1. Defects block code from being executed.
2. Defects can mask other defects existing in a program.
3. The code that the defect is located in must be executed.
4. The code must be executed with the proper data to cause the defect.
5. The defect must propagate to the test results being verified.

Given the effect that blocking and masking have on software testing test execution and the criteria to uncover a defect (i.e. the code the defect is located in must be executed), it follows that the more defects that can be uncovered prior to testing then the more efficient testing will be due to reduced masking and blocking effects.

Tester Inefficiency

When software testers start to uncover the same defect repeatedly or have to restart testing due to an incorrect release they can begin to feel they are merely a technician for a sloppy development group and not a testing professional.

This can have a detrimental effect on a software tester’s motivation towards their job. Within the software testing team it can sometimes result in the software tester adopting attitudes like, “Why should I care about my work if the others clearly do not care about theirs.”

Clearly if repeated or “obvious” issues can be removed prior to testing, and proper product releases delivered, then a tester can spend their time uncovering more critical, challenging defects making their contributions to product quality more significant.

How to prevent defects

Fortunately two methods exist that can uncover defects early in the development cycle:

1. Software Reviews, Inspections or Walkthroughs
2. Configuration Management

In fact Software Reviews (et al) and Configuration Management methods have been shown, empirically, to reduce defects in software more so than any other software development technique, methodology, languages, etc.

Software Reviews, Inspections, or Walkthroughs

This essentially covers reviews of project artifacts such as design documentation, code, test scenarios, or any other artifact associated with a software development project. The basic premise is that an artifact is presented to peers and they are tasked with looking for defects. A review can be held at any stage and for any project artifact.

Configuration Management

Configuration Management is the process of systematically handling changes that occur to a product during a project and afterwards when the product is delivered to a customer (where the customer can be considered to be the test team). It involves determining a project/product baseline in terms of artifacts (documentation, code, executables, etc); controlling these artifacts and the changes to them; and recording and reporting the status and changes to these artifacts over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion it is important, from the software testing perspective, not to overlook the importance of preventing software defects early on in the development and design process. For the software tester preventing many types of defects early on in the software development life cycle is likely to result in higher levels of job satisfaction as the software tester has the opportunity to then employ his or her skills to full effect at the stage of the project where software testing really matters. And as part of the software testing process, it is important for the tester to get involved far earlier in the software development process if these benefits are to be realized.

William Echlin
http://www.SoftwareTesting.net
William Echlin is managing director of Traq Software Ltd, the company behind http://www.SoftwareTesting.net providing news, reviews and articles on software testing tools.

Author: William Echlin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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HR software can often hold the key of success for your company. Your human resource department can often be considered the backbone of your business. They are responsible for hiring, firing, and paying employees. They also need to make sure that company moral remains constant and that employees follow the necessary conduct rules.

HR software is designed to make their job easier. There are individual software programs that can manage applications, keep track of employee progress and pay employees. There is also software that handles all these tasks. How do you choose an HR software program that is right for you?

First, consider the size of your company. Certain HR software packages are made for different sized companies. For example, a small company will need to have HR software that is tailored for their specific needs. If the company is small enough, you may not need a computer to handle certain tasks such as manage applications.

Next, consider the tasks you need the software to handle. Perhaps you purchased software packages piecemeal and now want one package that handles all the needed tasks. Perhaps you already have an HR software payroll system, but now need something to manage employee hiring.

Once you determine your needs, you will want to research reputable software outlets. Ask other business owners where they go for their software. Search the forums and software testing sites for reviews. Also, consider your budget. Some HR software packages can be expensive, but there may be an alternative that is almost as effective for half the cost.

Choosing an HR software package that is right for your company can be a long process. Some HR software companies may let you try their software for free for a certain time frame. This is often the best way to find HR software that is right for you.

HR Software provides detailed information on HR Software, HR Payroll Software, HR Software Solutions, HR Software Suppliers and more. HR Software is affiliated with ERP Software Companies [http://www.e-ERPSoftware.com].

Author: Steve Valentino
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you are company providing software product development then you must be aware of the importance of software testing and software quality assurance. Testing is something which plays a vital role in any software product development as it lets you know where your software development is heading.

According to the experts, software testing service is the process used to spot the accuracy, comprehensiveness, security, and eminence of developed computer software product. This is a core process which is also known as technical investigation and is professionally performed on behalf of stakeholders. The main aim of any testing is to expose all the quality-related information about the developed software product. This is done with respect to the context in which it is intended to operate.

Thus, it shows that this work is best suited for the professionals in this field as software testing involves various complex processes to expose the product to all possible and applicable situations ensuring its functionalities. Therefore if you are going for software product development then simply choose the best one. Softage is one such company which provides software product development along with the rigorous testing rounds. Softage’s testing not only includes the procedure of executing a program or even an application with the intent of finding errors but also assuring the quality.

In any software product development testing quality is the core issue however, it is also said that, testing can never entirely establish the accuracy of capricious computer software. But according to few IT experts, testing that compares the state and behavior of the software product against various specifications.

That’s why it is said while going for any software product development; software testing should be distinguished as a separate discipline of software quality assurance. This not only includes testing but all the quality driven areas. Whenever anyone goes for software product development its main concern is the approach taken towards software testing.

Software testing should be rigorous and effective as it is not only a matter of creating and following custom procedure. In fact it is most intellectual processes which play a very vital role in software product development. Thus, if you wish to go for software product development then Softage is there for you. For more information on software product development, software quality assurance and testing, outsourcing software development and software product development outsourcing please visit http://www.softage.ru.

Kirill earned a reputation for encouraging and developing an entire generation of Outsourcing Software Development & IT services companies. He keeps a keen eye on the changing scenario of technological business. Kirill writes for http://www.softage.ru

Author: Kirill Basikhin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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