Oxford, United Kingdom, April 2010 – Grid-Tools Ltd, the leading vendor in data creation, data masking and test data management solutions, has announced the addition of de-duping modules to its signature data creation solution, GT Datamaker™.

As part of the release of Datamaker™ version 2.5D, Grid-Tools have launched a sophisticated de-duping and matching module with the ability to generate high-quality ‘incorrect’ data containing duplicates for systems testing.  The component will be built into the data creation software, which can be used to create, multiply, manipulate and enhance the data for testing and development.

Huw Price, Grid-Tools Managing Director, stated, “We’ve found that de-duplicating and matching customer records can be difficult for users to test.   Although the user will be using standard algorithms to match duplicates, these need to be tested fully as part of an integrated system.  With this in mind we’ve added the de-duping component into our signature data creation software.  Version 2.5D will offer multiple types of progressive de-duping methods built right into the Datamaker™ solution, so a customer can create their own variations based on the data they require”.

The de-duping component will allow the user to create progressively de-duped data by choosing from a list of functions to create the variations starting with ‘very similar’ and ending with ‘very different’.  The use of escalating de-duping methods allows the user to build data sets carefully – testing as they go.

Grid-Tools built the de-duping solution using standard algorithms like the Jaro-Winkler and the Levenshtein distance, both advanced methods for measuring the amount of difference and similarity between two sequences.  The data sets are built such that the distance between the data grows progressively further and the names become progressively different.

The component also includes standard Soundex functionality, as seen in MySQL and Oracle databases.  The Soundex will break-down and encode names into 4 digit numbers, allowing the user to easily identify similar names for matching purposes.

For more information contact Grid-Tools at UK: +44 (0) 1865 884600, USA: 1-866-563-3120, www.grid-tools.com or sales@grid-tools.com.

About Grid-Tools

Grid-Tools are known internationally as the industry leaders in data creation, data masking and test data management. Their highly experienced personnel have been writing and developing solutions for large companies in both the private and public sectors for over 30 years.

The Grid-Tools Datamaker™ suite includes a wide range of technologically advanced tools for test data management.  Their signature solution, GT Datamaker™, is an innovative, revolutionary tool that creates and publishes quality test data with the referential integrity of production environments for testing and development. Cutting-edge and groundbreaking in nature, Datamaker™ offers three methods for managing and generating data in testing and development inclusive of database subsetting, data masking and data creation.  Datamaker™ also offers end-to-end manageability, manipulation and enhancement of test data in multiple formats.

The Grid-Tools methodology consists of using the ‘data-centric’ approach to testing whereby, their focus is to ensure the quality of the test data you are using is of the right quality for successful testing.

To learn more about Grid-Tools, visit their website at: www.grid-tools.com

Oxford, UK – Grid-Tools Limited, the premiere vendor of test data management, data generation, database subsetting and data obfuscation (data masking) software is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Pentest, a leading IT security and penetration testing services provider in the UK. The two have joined in a strategic partnership to target test data compliance and data security measures in testing and development. For more information, please visit: www.grid-tools.com or call UK: +44 (0) 1865 884600, USA: 1-866-563-3120.  You can also visit www.pentest.co.uk or call UK: +44 (0) 1612 330100.

Data Security and Compliance Expertise Combined with Data Security and Compliance Solutions

Pentest, an accredited ISO consultancy, offer expert knowledge in database security and data compliance.

Recognized as leaders in the field of database security, Pentest offers a complete database security assessment service to businesses that rely on the security of the information held within their databases or have concerns relating to the security compliance of these databases.

The service delivers a documented, comprehensive, and in-depth analysis of the current security posture of existing relational databases providing its primary audience of security managers, auditors, compliance officers and senior managers with the information they need to ensure that company databases and their contents are adequately protected.

Grid-Tools Ltd offer data management solutions and alternatives to current practices in testing and development that are aligned with compliance measures and government standards like HIPAA, The PCI DSS, SOX and the UK Data Protection Act.  Grid-Tools offer three distinct ways to manage and create data for testing and development; database subsetting, data obfuscation (data masking) and test data generation.  The three methods can be used in isolation or conjunction offering versatility and flexibility depending on requirements.

The combined skills and expertise of Grid-Tools and Pentest now provides customers with assurance that the data within the database is secured throughout its full life-cycle from development and testing through to production.

Whether used as part of a compliance programme or to manage your company’s exposure to threats, the partnership provides customers with the assurance that database security is properly managed, that database security tools and techniques are being used properly and that the information within your corporate databases is secure as reported.

Huw Price, Grid-Tools Managing Director, stated, “Copying data from production databases and using it in testing and development is no longer considered an “acceptable” practice.  Grid-Tools offer the most powerful test data generator, with the ability to easily publish business intact data with similar characteristics to production data. The data generation method is one of the only ways to ensure that no production data is leaked into the public domain.  It is also the only way to ensure maximum code coverage.  Data generation combined with Grid-Tools other methods like database subsetting, data obfuscation and data masking provides customers with the armour to resolve compliance problems. Grid-Tools are the only tool vendor offering all three solutions”.

John Denneny, Pentest Managing Director, stated, “For almost all organizations, their corporate data is an absolutely crucial business asset.  Without access to the information in their corporate databases, most companies would be unable to conduct their day-to-day business.  While in recent years, most companies have invested heavily in trying to protect the availability of corporate data, there has been a glaring oversight within the industry to ensure that access to the production data is appropriate, controlled and audited.  While database performance and availability remain the key areas of concern for most DBAs, for compliance officers and security managers data confidentiality and integrity take precedence.  Thankfully, the industry is waking up to risks associated with poorly secured databases and the shift in approach to ensuring that corporate data is adequately protected against a wider range of threats including theft, destruction and modification is gaining momentum.”

About Pentest

Pentest Limited is an IT Security Company focussed on providing independent security consultancy services to major organisations across the UK, Europe and North America.  Pentest have a wealth of security expertise specialising in Strategic Security Consultancy, Database Security, Application Security, and the security of common technologies within popular business solutions.

About Grid-Tools Limited

Grid-Tools are specialists in data generation, test data management and information lifecycle management. Their experienced personnel have been writing and developing solutions for large companies in both the private and public sectors for nearly 30 years.

The Grid-Tools Datamaker Suite includes a wide range of tools for test data management including such innovative products as Datamaker, a revolutionary tool that creates and publishes quality test data with the referential integrity of production environments for testing and development. Datamaker offers three methods for managing and generating data in testing and development inclusive of database subsetting, data obfuscation (data masking and data compliance) and synthetic data generation.

The Grid-Tools methodology consists of using the “data-centric” approach to testing whereby their focus is to ensure the quality of the test data you are using is of the right quality for successful testing and maintaining data compliance standards. For more information visit: www.grid-tools.com

Oxford, UK 2009 Grid-Tools Ltd (www.grid-tools.com) today announced their test data generation software, GT Datamaker, for advanced test data creation and generation techniques, is now integrated with the BenderRBT Test Case Design tool, the international leader in Requirements Based Testing.  The integration of the tools will offer a compelling proposition to potential customers looking for high quality test data throughout test and development cycles.  The ability to generate or create synthetic data across projects and integrate functional coverage techniques is highly innovative and unique in nature.

Grid-Tools Managing Director, Huw Price, commented with enthusiasm on the new integration stating, “We have had a long standing relationship with Bender RBT and Richard Bender and I look forward to working together and offering innovative and niche testing technologies and techniques for our customers.  By combining both technologies customers can now realistically create fantastically rich sets of test data that would have been impossible using manual techniques.”

Bender RBT Inc. President and founder, Richard Bender, seconded Mr. Price’s comments stating, “We have been very impressed by the quality of Grid-Tools solutions and the depth of knowledge and expertise of their staff.  The integration of our respective technologies is a major step in improving the effectiveness and efficiency in key areas of testing and test automation.”

The integration allows tests designed in the BenderRBT Test Design tool to be exported into Datamaker to automatically generate the test data bases.  It also supports enhancing the set of tests with information from the data model.  This can be used to support both functional and performance testing.

In explaining the advantages of the integration to potential customers, Mr. Price stated, “What this integration offers our end customers is help in managing, generating and creating data for their non-production environments; allowing them to build rich and compliant testing, development, training and QA databases”.

Bender RBT’s tool supports multiple approaches to functional test case design: Cause-Effect Graphing and Pair-Wise Testing, including both optimized pairs and orthogonal pairs.

Grid-Tools prime solution, Datamaker, is designed to automatically create or generate data to aid testing and development of complex database applications.  The software also uses database subsetting techniques to create secure databases for non-production environments. Datamaker has a comprehensive database rules discovery tool, documenting database structures.  It can either create data with referential and application integrity or mask production data, cleansing it of personal and confidential information to ensure compliance with legislation such as the PCI DSS, the Data Protection Act and HIPAA.

Datamaker’s integration with Bender RBT will be invaluable in the provisioning of high quality test and development environments and managing, editing and manipulating test data to integrate code coverage techniques.

The product is available on Grid-Tools website at: www.grid-tools.com/test-data-design.  For more information contact Grid-Tools at UK: +44 (0) 1865 884600, USA: 1-866-563-3120 www.grid-tools.com or sales@grid-tools.com.

About Grid-Tools Limited:
Grid-Tools are specialists in data generation, test data management and information lifecycle management.  Their experienced personnel have been writing and developing solutions for large companies in both the private and public sectors for nearly 30 years.

The Grid-Tools Datamaker Suite includes a wide range of tools for test data management including such innovative products as Datamaker, a revolutionary tool that creates and publishes quality synthetic test data with the referential integrity of production environments for non-production. Datamaker offers three methods for managing and generating data in testing and development inclusive of database subsetting, data obfuscation (data masking) and synthetic data generation, all of which are included in the Datamaker Professional Edition.

The Grid-Tools methodology consists of using the “data-centric” approach to testing whereby, their focus is to ensure the quality of the test data you are using is of the right quality for successful testing.

About Bender RBT Inc.:

Bender RBT Inc., founded in 1977, is the world’s leading expert in Requirements Based Testing (RBT). The RBT process first ensures that the specifications are correct, complete, unambiguous, and logically consistent. Then a necessary and sufficient set of test cases, from a black box perspective, are created to ensure that the design and code fully meet those requirements. By integrating testing throughout the development lifecycle the focus shifts from mere defect detection to defect prevention. This results in higher quality, lower costs, and faster time to deliver. The RBT process can be applied to any application, written in any language, running on any technology including embedded systems, PC, client/server, web based, mainframe, and super-computer based applications.  More information about Bender RBT Inc. can be found at their web site: www.BenderRBT.com.

Oxford, UK 2009 Grid-Tools Ltd (www.grid-tools.com) have launched a new product into their test data management suite for data masking. Fast Data Masking (FDM) is specifically for Oracle databases and allows you to mask, reduce, compress and reorganize your test data in one operation. Using a powerful array of data masking and data obfuscation functions, seed tables and high performance techniques, the customer will quickly be able to create legally compliant databases for testing, development training and QA. Data can be extracted to flat files for use offsite or it can be masked, reorganized and compressed in situ using a combination of high performance techniques.

Systems analysts can choose from a rich array of standard functions and standard seed tables complemented by their own custom masking functions. Once the rules have been defined, a powerful set of scripts are generated to quickly extract the data or mask the data in situ. The scripts use standard database utilities and techniques to maximize performance. Visit the Grid-Tools website for examples of data masking performance runtimes at: http://www.grid-tools.com/Fast-Data-Masking.php

Data masking of structured data is the process of obfuscating (or masking) specific data from or within a database table or cell to ensure that data security is maintained, sensitive customer or employee information is not leaked outside of an authorized environment and the referential integrity of your original environment is maintained.

Grid-Tools will be offering the solution as part of their Datamaker Suite, which includes solutions for data masking, database subsetting and data generation for most database types. Although Fast Data Masking is only used for Oracle databases, data masking is available for most database types from Grid-Tools Ltd.

For more information contact Grid-Tools at UK: +44 (0) 1865 988542, USA: 1-866-563-3120 www.grid-tools.com or sales@grid-tools.com.

About Grid-Tools Limited:

Grid-Tools are specialists in data generation, test data management and information lifecycle management. Their experienced personnel have been writing and developing solutions for large companies in both the private and public sectors for nearly 30 years.

The Grid-Tools Datamaker Suite includes a wide range of tools for test data management including such innovative products as Datamaker, a revolutionary tool that creates and publishes quality synthetic test data with the referential integrity of production environments for non-production. Datamaker offers three methods for managing and generating data in testing and development inclusive of database subsetting, data obfuscation (data masking) and synthetic data generation, all of which are included in the Datamaker Professional Edition.

The Grid-Tools methodology consists of using the “data-centric” approach to testing whereby, their focus is to ensure the quality of the test data you are using is of the right quality for successful testing.

Oxford, UK 2009 Eviware software (www.eviware.com) and Grid-Tools Ltd (www.grid-tools.com) have engaged in a technical partnership to offer an integrated end to end data management and SOA testing solution with the launch of their new tool, soapUI Data Pro.

soapUI Data Pro offers the functionality of Eviware’s soapUI along with Grid-Tools (GT) Datamaker’s data management capabilities. The tool provides superior support for concurrent development and SOA testing of Web Service Projects and an integrated approach to managing the data that is fed into and returned from requests. Data pools of requested and stored responses are managed in a central repository, allowing the results to be quickly checked against expected results. The user is equipped with an enterprise-wide end to end SOA testing solution.

Grid-Tools will be offering the solution as part of their Datamaker Suite toolset and Eviware will be offering the solution as an upgrade to its open source solution, soapUI and its professional solution, soapUI Pro. Customers will be able to contact both companies to order the solution, which is selling for a low cost of $1,200 USD.

Data Management for Web Service Projects

Combining the two tools offers customers an end to end data driven testing solution for Web Services including comprehensive support for testing of RESTful Web Services, support for creating complete simulation of Web Services, recording of live communication and the creation of tests from recordings. Expected results can also be stored within the tool and actual results can quickly be checked. Data requests and results can also be compared over time to identify if anything has changed. SoapUI Data Pro can store data in the Datamaker repository allowing users to freeze the response data. This is very important when testing multiple SOA requests, a good example of this would be freezing Pricing information in a complex series of test cases.

soapUI Data Pro also offers the feature of “Test Refactoring” whereby, if a WSDL is changed, upgrading all of your tests from one version is a simple and easy task and global edits can easily be made across data pools. The automatic creation of input forms for Web Services, drag and drop test creation and one click load tests are also simple and easy processes within the tool.

A Compelling Partnership to Target Data Driven SOA Testing

In response to the new partnership and technical integration, Huw Price, Grid-Tools Managing Director said, “Grid-Tools have welcomed the chance to develop a closer working partnership with Eviware and launch our new tool together. Eviware have a great product with soapUI and an extremely progressive attitude. We had been looking for quite some time for a well structured SOA technology to help expand the Datamaker functionality”.

“One of the most powerful functions of our integrated tool is its ability to import and manage SOA definitions and then use them to run a wide range of tests needed to test the project extensively. This provides an incredibly valuable proposition to customers”. Grid-Tools commented how enthusiastic they are about the ability to offer the tool to customers and work with Eviware.

“As SOA has gained traction in enterprises, we have come across the issue of data management from our users; the need for support for complex and rich test data is a natural development for our toolset” says Ole Matzura of Eviware Software. “The quality of the testing is only as good as the data you use, but without proper support test data management can quickly become overwhelming. Partnering with Grid-Tools was a perfect fit; Datamaker is simply the best data management software out there and soapUI Data Pro will enable all companies to create rich and complete tests for their SOA’s. Grid Tools and Eviware have shared values of customer focus and nobody comes close in their knowledge in how information is used in the organisation and how it can be managed”.

For more information contact Grid-Tools at UK: +44 (0) 1865 988542, USA: 1-866-563-3120 or sales@grid-tools.com.

About Eviware Software:

Eviware Software are the Market Leaders in Web Service Testing. With more than 200,000 users and 2000 daily downloads their Open Source Web Service testing tool soapUI has become the market de facto standard for testing Web Services.

The commercial version, soapUI Pro, consists of productivity and quality enhancements to the popular Open Source tool, as well as world class support. soapUI Pro has been quickly adapted by enterprises as well as Governmental Organizations worldwide.

Eviware Software are producing testing software that is Fast and Fun, focusing on Agility, Cost Efficiency and pure testing Fun!

About Grid-Tools Limited:

Grid-Tools are specialists in data generation, test data management and information lifecycle management.  Their experienced personnel have been writing and developing solutions for large companies in both the private and public sectors for nearly 30 years.

The Grid-Tools Datamaker Suite includes a wide range of tools for test data management including such innovative products as Datamaker, a revolutionary tool that creates and publishes quality test data with the referential integrity of production environments for testing and development. Datamaker offers three methods for managing and generating data in testing and development inclusive of database subsetting, data obfuscation (data masking and data compliance) and synthetic data generation.

Within a short span of time, Grid-Tools have picked up an impressive list of well known and respected customers and strategic partners world-wide.

The Grid-Tools methodology consists of using the “data-centric” approach to testing whereby, their focus is to ensure the quality of the test data you are using is of the right quality for successful testing.

Oxford, UK – Grid-Tools Limited, the premiere vendor of test data management, data generation, database subsetting and data obfuscation software is pleased to announce a closer working partnership with Quasus, Belgium’s leading testing and business consultancy provider. The mutual partnership will enable Quasus to sell the Grid-Tools toolset and Quasus consultants will be trained and certified in Grid-Tools solutions. For more information, please visit: www.grid-tools.com or call UK: +44 (0) 1865 988542, USA: 1-866-563-3120. You can also visit www.quasus.com or call Belgium: +32 (0)2 712 96 50, Netherlands + 31 (0)13-583 22 22.

Offering multiple methods for managing data

As accredited suppliers of Grid Tools’ highly acclaimed test data generation tool, Datamaker, Quasus will be able to offer its customers the ability to manage and generate data for testing and development in multiple ways. The Datamaker solution offers three ways to generate and manage data; database subsetting, data obfuscation and synthetic data generation. Companies can now look to Quasus to provide solutions to reduce storage costs, protect sensitive records whilst maintaining referential integrity, accurate test data, improving the quality of their IT tests and performance of their applications.

Grid-Tools Managing Director, Huw Price, commented on his confidence in the relationship saying, “The Grid-Tools Quasus partnership will complement the expertise each company has in providing quality test data and complete testing solutions like database subsetting, data masking and data obfuscation. This will also help Grid-Tools exposure in Belgium and The Netherlands”.

Quasus Delivery and Quality Director, Sebastiaan Passtoors, commented on the success of the partnership saying: “Given the years of experience Quasus has in testing and test automation, the partnership with Grid-Tools will allow Quasus to reach a new level of quality and service. As stated before, the complete testing solution can now be offered towards our customers.”

About Quasus

Quasus delivers flexible, tailored solutions to help prominent organisations optimise their quality and performance. The scope of specialised services ranges from treating small, isolated systems to complex, organisation-wide processes.

Quasus’s testing, compliance, process optimisation, strategic consultancy and training solutions can be developed for many business environments in virtually any sector. Whatever the task, Quasus optimises processes, the tools they need and the people that run them to systematically deliver success. For more information visit: www.quasus.com

About Grid-Tools Limited

Grid-Tools are specialists in data generation, test data management and information lifecycle management. Their experienced personnel have been writing and developing solutions for large companies in both the private and public sectors for nearly 30 years.

The Grid-Tools Datamaker Suite includes a wide range of tools for test data management including such innovative products as Datamaker, a revolutionary tool that creates and publishes quality test data with the referential integrity of production environments for testing and development. Datamaker offers three methods for managing and generating data in testing and development inclusive of database subsetting, data obfuscation (data masking and data compliance) and synthetic data generation.

Within a short span of time, Grid-Tools have picked up an impressive list of well known and respected customers and strategic partners world-wide with the most innovative test data management solutions.

The Grid-Tools methodology consists of using the “data-centric” approach to testing whereby their focus is to ensure the quality of the test data you are using is of the right quality for successful testing and maintaining data compliance standards. For more information visit: www.grid-tools.com

Grid-Tools Contacts

Grid-Tools Limited

14 Hanborough Business Park

Long Hanborough

Oxfordshire, OX29 8LH

Phone Europe: 01865 988542

Phone USA: 1-866-563-3120

Web: www.grid-tools.com

Email: info@grid-tools.com

Quasus Contacts

Quasus Belgium

Excelsiorlaan 89

1930 Zaventem

Phone: +32 (0)2 712 96 50

Web: www.quasus.com

Email: info@quasus.com

Quasus Netherlands

Hart van Brabantlaan 12-14-16

5038 JL Tilburg

Phone: + 31 (0)13-583 22 22

Web: www.quasus.com

Email: info@quasus.com