Wolfgang Platz, Tricentis Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, gives us the inside scoop on what to expect at his Virtual Summit keynote on the future of enterprise application testing. Wolfgang reminisces on his favorite Tricentis conferences and shares his top transformation tip. The transcript below has been edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
Podcast Transcription
Emma:Hello everyone, it’s your host Emma. I could not be more excited to bring in our inaugural episode with our guest today, the gentleman who made Tricentis happen, our very own Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Wolfgang Platz. How are you today?
Wolfgang:Hi Emma. Thanks for having me today. Super excited to get the chance to talk about our Virtual Summit, which is right around the corner.
Emma:In this jam-packed episode, like you said, we’re going to look ahead to our next Summit, and we’re going to take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about previous conferences.
But first for our listeners a quick 101 on Tricentis. Founded in 2007, we are recognized for reinventing software testing for DevOps with the industry’s number one continuous testing platform, alongsideAgile test management. We support 150+ technologies, and many industry leaders worldwide to accelerate their digital transformations. And it’s cool to know that many of our customers will be tuned in to this episode. So Wolfgang, let’s get into it.
Your upcoming Virtual Summit keynote will provide a lens into the future of enterprise application testing. Can you tell us what we can expect?
Wolfgang:Let me start why I picked the topic. First of all, as we’ve seen a lot of momentum into Agile and DevOps in today, it’s a no brainer to go for these things. However, when you have a look at the different application world, there are the systems of engagement on one hand, then there are the systems of record, which are very much dominated by enterprise applications. And here, it seems that this big momentum of Agile and DevOps has not fully broken through yet.
“I believe that what we’re going to see in the future is that the speed of the systems of engagement, going at innovation pace, will put more and more pressure on the enterprise applications, because they need to provide the kind of basis for these systems of engagement to really work. That’s enough reason for us to have a deeper look and find out what it is that holds people back in software testing from achieving that innovation pace.”
What are your favorite moments from past Tricentis conferences?
“The Accelerate conference has always been the major event for Tricentis over the entire year, and even more so since we are also now present in the United States. The entire year gathers around these events, having our product roadmap focused on them, to shoot the best things out when people are listening in or even physically present.“
Wolfgang:So it’s a tough question. [My favorite moments] have probably been the parties; we always have these awesome parties at Accelerate. Unfortunately, these days we cannot do this given the circumstances, but I’m longing for that. And believe me, as soon as the clouds of COVID disappear, you’re going to be part of our parties again.
Emma:Yes! I can’t wait for that one big party spirit, it’s so much fun. I feel like it’s often a party on and off stage too, but especially for the wrap up. Thank you for sharing those moments. It’s especially uplifting, like you said, in the time of the pandemic. As large gatherings are on pause, we need to remember the joys of sharing these moments, and it’s nice to be transported back.
In 10 words or less, what is your best advice for anyone undergoing a digital transformation journey?
Wolfgang:I will try to provide a very simple message here which I think is the core, and it is start with the customer.
When people go for digital transformations, a lot of them envision that as primarily a technical task. I wouldn’t go that route; I can really recommend that everybody start with the customer. And ask yourself, how can these new technologies help customers to enjoy a better customer journey with your company?
I think we want to start with the customer rather than with technology, and we want to make use of the technology to improve customer experience.
Emma:Sure, so a customer-first approach. The customer is the heart of everything; I couldn’t agree more there.
Why should everyone listening attend the Tricentis Virtual Summit?
Wolfgang:Because it’s cool. I’m serious; we always manage to get a great set of contributors—both from our own company and from partners and customers—to provide presentations to share their experiences and best practices with our entire customer and interest base.
And I think a Virtual Summit is a great contribution to the entire software testing community. It has been the largest software testing conference for a few events now, and I think it’s still going to be. So check in — you will find this worthwhile, and you’re going to stay on top with the most modern developments of software testing.
Emma:Absolutely! You’ve well and truly whet our appetites for the Virtual Summit, and we can’t wait to hear your keynote and attend the entire event.