Ariel deploys SilkTest from Micro Focus

Micro Focus (LSE.MCRO.L), a leading provider of Enterprise Application Modernisation, Testing and Management solutions,today announced the successful deployment of its SilkTest automated functional testing software from Borland Software Corporation (a Micro Focus Company) by financial software provider Ariel Communications, a specialist in multi-asset trading platforms (financial spread betting, foreign exchange and CFDs).

By automating the functional testing process, SilkTest has enabled Ariel to cut testing time for system developments in half, helping to increase margins and levels of customer satisfaction. By reducing the hours required to test a new software release, SilkTest has enabled an approximately 32 percent improvement in the efficiency of Ariel’s testing staff.

Ariel creates software which enables high-speed, high-availability and visually impressive Adobe Flash™ and Flex™ web-based trading platforms for clients in the financial services sector, such as Cantor Fitzgerald, ETX Capital, E-Trade, Capital Spreads, City Index and ODL. With the pace of innovation increasing rapidly and many customers expecting new IT features on a monthly basis, Ariel required a robust and powerful testing solution capable of delivering results whilst also reducing the elapsed time of the test cycle.

Ariel selected SilkTest due to its capability of automating functional tests for Flash and Flex frameworks, combined with Micro Focus’ pedigree, expertise and experience in Agile environments. Ariel and Micro Focus worked together to create a complete framework, with a series of tests built from pre-developed modules.  As a result, Ariel can quickly adapt and execute automated test scripts as required for the clients and white labels it supports.

“Automated testing is part of software engineering best practice,” said Angus Clacher, Chief Executive of Ariel Communications. “The successful deployment of SilkTest in our Agile development environment promotes a disciplined project management process, with frequent inspection and adaptation, that rapidly delivers high quality software.  Adding automated testing to Ariel’s development process helps us deliver reliable software to our customers.”

Richard Novak, President and General Manager of Micro Focus’ Testing and Application Management Division,  commented: “The aggressive drive of Ariel Communications to increase efficiencies by incorporating quality assurance throughout the entire software delivery lifecycle is impressive and a growing trend, particularly with companies that are moving to Agile development. Ariel is already reaping the rewards of its software quality investment with Micro Focus, and we wish the company every success in their continued pursuit of IT excellence and industry leadership.”

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About Micro Focus

Micro Focus, a member of the FTSE 250, provides innovative software that allows companies to dramatically improve the business value of their enterprise applications. Micro Focus Enterprise Application Modernization, Testing and Management software enables customers’ business applications to respond rapidly to market changes and embrace modern architectures with reduced cost and risk. For additional information please visit www.microfocus.com.

About Ariel

Ariel Communications is a leading provider of Financial Spread Betting, Forex and CFDs systems to the City of London. Ariel has been providing complete turn key systems, individual components and bespoke development since 1995. With one of the largest teams in the industry dedicated to developing financial trading software, Ariel’s experts are at the forefront of product innovation including risk management, price engines and order routing.