IBM Rational Robot

• Smart object recognition
• Stable recording and playback. Robot solves the problem of custom objects encountered in AppWorks by the ability to add those object to a class map.
• IBM Rational TestManager is necessary to view detailed tests logs.
• Datapools supported
• Support distributed testing and sharing test scripts.
• Very simplified scripting using SQABasic; a simplified scripting language. Other scripting languages are possible (C++ and Java) with an aid from TestManager
  
• IBM Rational Robot Authorized User License + SW Subscription & Support 12 Months (D53NDLL) $ 4,676.00
• IBM Rational Robot Floating User License + SW Subscription & Support 12 Months (D52ZFLL) $ 9,009.00

HP (Mercury) QuickTest Professional

• Smart object recognition.
• Stable recording and playback
• Detailed reporting
• VB scripting
• Scripts can be shared, but HP (Mercury) Quality Center is necessary.
  
• Datapools supported\HP (Mercury) Quality Center is necessary to share scripts.
• Pricing: Information Not available. I will update it soon!
  

Pros:


1. The tool could be used to verify the core functionality (Not the UI) of the Web application.. This tool is convenient for detecting crashes.

2. Script recording and playback is easy and stable.

3. Works under multiple browsers.

4. Supports browser version updates.

5. Supports Scripting in C# and VB.

6. Affordable system requirements. Same as TFS.

7. Lists detailed result for each passed or failed step.



Cons:

1. The tool has a limitation when the page has JavaScript actions. In order to simulate those actions, the tester has to integrate code to simulate those actions. Which could be cumbersome depending on the application under test.

2. Test reports cannot be exported or printed.

3. Does not support pop-up recording. This is a known issue. See MSDN forums for details.

I had some time lately to get my hands dirty with .Net 2008 . The tool as described works under the http layer. So it’s designed to test hard core web functionalities. The tool is not a good choice when it comes to creating verification points and verification of JavaScript client side actions details.

• The tool could be used to verify the core functionality (Not the UI) of the Web application. For example if you have a web application which is notorious for crashes. This tool is so perfect for detecting this whenever a new release is out.

• Recording and playback is so easy and stable.
  

• System requirements are relatively acceptable if compared with other tools. My machine is 2MB in memory. The tool is running smoothly on it.

• Playback only displays actions that are associated with Http requests. It will not display javascript user actions. However those actions can be simulated using coding. Click Microsoft Web Test Authoring and Debugging Techniques article for details.
  

• Only VB and C# coding are supported.
  

This tool may not give you all what we need, but it has some great features for web application functional testing.

The following article is a great resource:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms364082(VS.80).aspx

I am in the process of evaluating .net 2008 Tester Edition. my evaluation revolves around automation. I will post results soon.