Overview of Designing a Test Environment

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

A key factor in the success of your Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP Professional deployment project is thorough testing in a test environment that simulates your production environment as closely as possible. A test environment consists of a test lab or labs and includes test plans that detail what you will test and test cases that describe how you will test each component.

The test lab can be comprised of a single lab or of several labs, each of which supports testing without presenting risk to your production environment. In the test lab, members of the testing team can verify their deployment design assumptions, discover deployment problems, and improve their understanding of the Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional technology. Such activities reduce the risk of errors occurring during deployment and minimize downtime in your production environment.

You might already have a lab that you use for testing, or maybe you hope to build a new test lab for your Windows Server 2003 deployment project. Regardless of your current situation, you need to think through and clearly define your goals for the test lab and its long-term purpose.