BCM – Basic Configuration Matrix Rikard Edgren
The variety of configurations (operating system, browser, language etc.) can look overwhelming; and it is impossible to test all possible configurations for Servers and Clients. On the other hand there are certain platforms that are more probable to uncover defects.
This is just common sense, but I haven’t seen any terminology for handling this in an effecient manner, so let’s call it BCM.
Basic Configuration Matrix is a short list of platform configurations that will spot most of the platform bugs that could exist in your currently supported configuration matrix.
The simplest example is to use one configuration with the oldest supported operating system, oldest browser etc; and one configuration with the newest of all related software. A more advanced example could use several configurations that use different languages, Application Servers, authentication methods et.al.
If it would take too long to run most tests on BCM; alternate between the configurations while testing your product. Do variations on configurations when appropriate.
The BCM is extremely handy tool when communicating coverage. When talking to persons who know little of testing, they understand that doing this selectiong of configurations is very effective.