Managing test data is one of those things that is deceptively simple until you actually start doing it. Then you very quickly realize how messy, labor-intensive, and complicated it can be. You need realistic data mirroring real-life scenarios and delivering security, compliance, and efficiency. That’s where test data management (TDM) tools come into the mix.
But with all the tools available, how can you possibly know you’re picking the right one? Relax—help is here. In this guide, we will take you through some of the best TDM tools around, why each is good, and maybe the best one for your situation.
What Makes for a good test data management tool
Before we delve into the tools, some expectations need to be set. A good TDM tool will:
- Create realistic test data without compromising sensitive data
• Automate the process to save time and effort
• Support GDPR and HIPAA regulatory mandates
• Integrate natively into test frameworks and CI/CD pipelines
• Scale for the handling of vast data
Now that we know the things to look for, let’s discover the best test data management tools available now.
1.K2View Test Data Management
If you’re looking for high-speed, real-time test data management, you need to hear about K2View. Unlike batch data set–based TDM tools, K2View goes the micro-database route, structuring test data by customer, by product, by transaction—all the way down to the lowest level. This is very effective when you need small, targeted test data sets instead of copying the entire databases.
One of the greatest advantages of K2View is its ability for delivering real-time, on-demand, masked test data. In contrast to waiting for many hours (or even days) for the entire test database to be set up, the data can now be available immediately for only the data needed by the pertinent data groups, all being entirely masked for GDPR, HIPAA, and the like.
If you’re handling high-volume data scenarios like banking, telecom, or the medical field where test data is needed in real-time, K2View can truly make the difference. If you require functionality of business rules and AI, referential integrity across systems, and PII discovery, then K2View is particularly beneficial for your workforce.
- IBM InfoSphere Optim
IBM InfoSphere Optim is the heavy-hitter when you need test data management. This is for large enterprises where high-grade data security and regulatory compliance is needed. This helps groups handle the extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of test data in the best possible form while keeping the personally identifiable information (PII) secure.
One thing you need to consider is that this tool is actually best for complicated data environments where data regulations are very strict. If your business has copious amounts of sensitive customer data, IBM InfoSphere Optim will likely be the best tool for you.
- CA Test Data Manager (Broadcom)
CA Test Data Manager, now under the Broadcom umbrella, is also worth using, especially when you deal with complicated test cases. It can generate synthetic data, mask your existing data, and work with multiple data sets for multiple test scenarios.
What makes this tool stand apart is its ability for data on-demand. Unlike using outdated data sets, you can create test data dynamically, keeping the data relevant for each test cycle. It also includes support for CI/CD pipeline integrations, keeping your test environment up-to-date without manual intervention.
- Informatica Test Data Management
Informatica is well known in the data arena, and their solution for Test Data is suitable for handling enormous data sets efficiently. Informatica has the combination of masking, data subsetting, and synthetic data, and is thus flexible for multiple test purposes.
One of its best features is its capacity for automating. It can automate the masking and discovery of sensitive data across databases for regulatory compliancy, for example, GDPR. If security is the prime consideration, Informatica’s TDM tool is worth the investment.
- Tricentis TDM
Tricentis is reputed for its test automation tools, and their Test Data Management solution is also very much in line with those tools. This tool is good for you when you work from the agile or DevOps environment and need rapid automated data provisioning.
It provides access to test data through self-service, doing away with the waiting for manual dataset build by the DB administrator. And, it is easily integrated with many Tricentis tools, making this the next best option if you work with their toolset for automating things.
- GenRocket
If you need synthetic test data, you can’t find anything better than GenRocket. It creates data that looks and behaves like real data from zero customer data, and this is great for security and regulatory compliance.
One great aspect of GenRocket is its ability for real-time data generation against your test case specifications. If you require test edge cases or very specialized data sets, this tool can create them for you the way you require them without using your production data.
- QuerySurge
QuerySurge is somewhat different from the tools here. While it does allow for test data management, its forte is data validation and ETL testing. If your team is conducting lots of data integrity checks and database tests, you may find value using QuerySurge.
It works flawlessly with cloud databases and big data platforms and is suitable for data transformation-heavy teams. If you find yourself engaged in the fight against data validations and data mismatches, this tool will support you in pinpointing the faults even prior to the level of production.
- Delphix
Delphix is another good option for which is data virtualization-focused, and you don’t need multiple copies of the same dataset. Instead, you get light virtual test data environments that refresh in real-time.
One of the best features is automated compliance. If you need masking or anonymization of sensitive data before you can use the data for test purposes, Delphix can automate this for you. Besides, the solution seamlessly integrates into DevOps processes, and your teams will not need to slow down.
Choosing the Right Test Data Management Tool
So, which tool is the best? That depends on your needs. If you work for a corporate entity and need robust features for compliancy, Informatica TDM or IBM InfoSphere Optim can work best for you. In the similar context, for automated and rapid test data, Tricentis TDM and CA Test Data Manager can work best for you.
At the end of the day, the right tool is the one you can seamlessly integrate into your workflow and make test data easier to work with—not harder. Ideally, this guide will help you make the right choice and take some uncertainty out of the process for finding the best TDM solution for your team.
