Unraveling Multi-Tenancy Architecture Testing

As many enterprises prefer using cloud services, cloud usage is on the rapid rise. Not only does it reduce cost, but it is easier to manage. There are mainly two types of tenancies in the cloud; single and multi. Due to reduced cost and management, organizations prefer multi-tenancy architecture for their application. However, testing a multi-tenancy architecture is different from a single-tenancy architecture. This article will elaborate all about multi-tenancy testing including its types, and challenges.

What Is Multi-Tenancy Architecture?

Multi-tenancy is a type of architecture where the application allows its users to share hardware resources where they will get a shared application. The users or tenants share the single database and configure it as per their requirements. In simpler terms, multiple users can use the same physical resources in a platform while giving them the authority to customize it as they need.

The closest comparison of this architecture can be done with a physical land. A single-tenancy model can be a house built on that land that can accommodate only a single family. On the other hand, multi-tenancy architecture can be an apartment building that can cater to several families. It is worth noting that both have the same amount of land, but multi-tenancy can cater to more tenants than single-tenancy architecture.

With this comparison, it can be understood that the foremost reason for the rising popularity of multi-tenancy architecture is the appropriate utilization of resources.

Benefits Of Multi-Tenancy Architecture

As multi-tenancy architecture provides several significant benefits, several organizations have started migrating from single-tenant architecture to it. Here are the primary benefits that you will get from shifting to this architecture. 

1. Better Productivity: In a multi-tenant architecture, tenants do not need to manage any software, infrastructure, or application. With limited fewer tasks to manage, the tenants can focus on all other crucial tasks which enhances their overall productivity. 
2. Cost Effective: Users in a multi-tenant architecture access the same services on a single platform. The provider can share the same resources with multiple tenants, and the overall cost of using the service comes down significantly. This is one of many reasons this architecture has gained rapid traction recently. 
3. Maintainability: Any update performed on this architecture will impact every user as they share a single database. All the maintenance actions and system upgrades are done at the same time, reducing the overall maintenance requirements. 
4. Scalability: Scalability is another major benefit of multi-tenant architecture. Users can increase or eradicate any feature they want as per their preference whereas new users can share the shared features. These actions enhance the overall scalability of the architecture. 

Multi-Tenancy Testing Components

For better efficiency, while testing multi-tenant architecture, the quality assurance team has to make sure that they cover all three components. Below explained are the three components of multi-tenant testing that you should know. 

• Application: Application in a multi-tenant architecture is the software where the host software serves several tenants through a single code, making it an essential component of multi-tenancy testing. During the launch of the software or release of any new update, testing the application is necessary. In this component, both configurable and non-configurable components are the center of attraction. To analyze basic functionalities, several scenarios as designed and put to test by tenants. Afterward, all the changes between the tenants are monitored along with the application’s functionality. 
• Infrastructure: Infrastructure is the hardware component of multi-tenant software. Depending on the software’s use, the hardware capacity is determined. The infrastructure can improve loading times, access speed, backup protocols, and data storage and transmission with appropriate hardware capacity. Furthermore, a reliable infrastructure will ensure that the software will not face any downtime when it is required.
• Network: In multi-tenancy, security tests are also referred to as a network. The foremost cause of a security breach in multi-tenancy is not encrypting the data flow between the users. Implementing renowned encryption is a proven way to enhance network security. In addition, the network should be tested to make sure that it can perform over various bandwidths. 

Types Of Multi-Tenancy Tests

There are several types of tests that should be performed on a multi-tenant system and those are elaborated on below:

1. Data Leak Testing: In a tenant system, resources are shared among all the tenants. However, managing their data is the tenant’s job. Testing the way how data is shared and stored is highly essential here. For instance, if there is a builder application where the client should submit and retrieve a form. The client communicates with the app server which connects with the database server as per the request sent by the client. If three different clients commit the same action simultaneously, it is necessary to monitor the data flow of each client. An application that has a shared database may face an issue. The data leak testing monitors the data flow and ensures that the data is stored and shared correctly and securely.
2. Security and Privacy Testing: Utilizing shared resources is the highlight of a multi-tenant system, but it can also be the cause of issues with accessibility, privacy, and security. In this testing type, it should be ensured that only tenants can access their data. Data security in multiple tenants can be checked by testing it rigorously. Furthermore, to enhance security, it is always necessary to integrate several authentication mechanisms and test them in a multi-tenant architecture. Security testing of a multi-tenant application also includes testing cookies and preventing SQL injection.
3. Load Testing: Resources are allocated to each tenant as they need, but they do share the same resources. With that in mind, it is crucial to monitor that every tenant utilizes these resources as required. Performing load and performance testing on the application allows you to find out performance issues in the application. Moreover, you will get to know how the app will perform under heavy load. Performing load testing will allow you to prevent data leaks as such issues are commonest when the software is put under load. Apart from that, this testing will determine the performance and scalability capabilities of the system. 
4. Automation Testing: In automation testing, the testers should perform certain tests on all the different tenants on the app simultaneously to simulate the automation process. Several automation testing suites should be defined and any change notices should be verified.
5. Interface/Feature/License Testing: Validation of licenses or features configured for the clients should be tested so that no client other than the one configured to use it can access it. For instance, if client A is licensed to a feature, then they should be the only ones to access the feature. In case client B tries to access the same feature, they should receive a warning and prohibit the access. In addition, the data isolation tests linked with the feature should also be performed as they can prevent data leaks in a multi-tenant system. 
6. Live Upgrade Testing: One of the biggest challenges for an application while testing a multi-tenant application is to ensure that upgrades cause zero or minimal downtime. Anyone using the application while it is upgrading can cause issues and hamper their session. Simulating live upgrade testing will help you in building a dedicated deployment plan and strategy. This plan should be thoroughly tested to ensure that it will work seamlessly on the app when required. 

Challenges In Multi-Tenancy Testing

Multi-tenancy testing may seem a smooth and uncomplicated task, but there are specific challenges that should be tackled to achieve this smooth experience. With that in mind, here are the commonest challenges in multi-tenancy testing.

1. Resource Utilization: By this time, you must have understood the fact that multi-tenancy testing’s primary specification is resource sharing. Even though it is its main feature, it is also the biggest challenge as well. There are stances when a tenant may clog resources, hampering the performance of all the other tenants on the application. Initially, it may not seem a major challenge, but eventually, it will compromise with other tenants’ performance. The most effective solution is understanding every tenant’s requirements and allocating resources accordingly.
2. Application Upgrade: No matter the software type, they will eventually get multiple upgrades, introducing new features and functionalities. Though releasing upgrades is a positive thing for software in a single-tenant architecture, it may not reflect the same in multi-tenancy testing. Here, if a feature required by one tenant may not be useful or needed by another tenant. Adding such a feature may deteriorate their user experience and they may not feel comfortable while working. The solution to this testing challenge is to make sure that the feature you are introducing is optional rather than mandatory. Using automated testing tools like Selenium can make things quicker and easier.
3. Scalability: When it comes to resource usage, then the resource requirements are different for each tenant. One tenant may use minimal resources while others may use a greatly higher amount. With that said, scalability remains a challenge while multi-tenancy testing. The performance of the application should be scalable and it should be done so that it does not influence the performance of the tenant.
4. Data Isolation: Several files in a multi-tenant architecture are shared by multiple tenants. It is essential to keep these files visible and accessible while testing without compromising the security or causing any security vulnerabilities. The primary challenge here is testing the shared database and its capability of customizing it without influencing other tenants.
5. Customization: Everybody likes to have a customized experience including tenants in a multi-tenant architecture. However, making these customizations available to them is a tussle. To accomplish this goal, testing layout style and general configuration types are necessary. With these configurations tested, tenants can have a customized user experience.  

Multi-Tenancy Testing By FractionalQA

Multi-tenancy testing is a crucial factor that requires time and effort. FractionalQA can provide you with the best multi-tenancy services. Our experience of over a decade helps us in delivering top-notch services to our clients so that they can leverage the most out of their multi-tenancy architecture. Our professionals can create a unique strategy for multi-tenancy testing, ensuring you the desired outcome and the finest experience for your tenants. From multi-tenancy implementation to multi-tenancy testing, FractionalQA is the name that you can trust.

• Evaluation of your entire multi-tenant architecture
• Recommend the best practices and modifications
• Usage of industry-leading multi-tenancy testing tools
• Create the right testing and implementation strategy
• 24X7 support for any issue
• Dedicated toolset for multi-tenancy testing

Connect with FractionalQA for any of your multi-tenancy issues and our professionals will take all the necessary measures to provide you with the service you need. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is single-tenancy different from multi-tenancy?
   In single-tenancy architecture, the customer or tenant will get a separate database along with resources. On the other hand, in a multi-tenancy architecture, then a single database will be shared with multiple tenants.
2. What are some drawbacks of multi-tenant architecture?
   Organizations prefer multi-tenant architecture due to its cost-effectiveness and effective resource utilization. However, they have to face the following risks as well.
   1. Lesser security.
   2. All the tenants will be affected if a tenant is affected.
   3. Migration to single-tenancy is complex.
   4. Conflict over resources.
3. Is multi-tenancy testing necessary?
   Though there is no hard and fast rule that multi-tenancy testing is mandatory, specific tests should be done on such applications. All three components of a multi-tenant app should be tested to ensure better user experience, security, and data isolation for the tenants.