For almost three decades, a community in and around Erlangen has been strengthening software quality. Having grown out of the GTB and ISTQB environment, it now offers a dense network, practical formats and open specialist groups. Quality Nights, Testing Days and online meetings combine knowledge transfer with exchange. Members can publish articles, give presentations and drive topics. The focus is on new fields such as AI in testing and secure software engineering.
In this episode, I talk to Felix Winter about the ASQF. The association has been connecting people around software quality for almost 30 years. Born in Erlangen, with roots going back to the emergence of GTB and ISTQB. What are the benefits of membership? A strong network, knowledge and many events: specialist groups, Quality Nights, Testing Days, online. You can have your say, give presentations and write. I've known Felix for years and the network is strong. We are also looking ahead: AI in testing, a new specialist group, plus training courses such as Secure Software Engineering,
"The ASQF connects people, namely people who deal with the topic of software quality, with quality assurance in software development and simply want to ensure that software is good and secure at the end of the day." - Felix Winter
Felix Winter is a Sales Manager at Sioux Technologies Germany GmbH and is responsible for customers and projects in the healthcare, mobility and semiconductor electronics sectors. He has a degree in economics and political science and has held various management positions in the IT industry for over 20 years. Among other things, he was responsible for business development in the digital health, automotive and public sectors at sepp.med, was active as Market and Product Manager in the IT training sector and worked for the ASQF and iSQI in various management roles for over 10 years. Since 2020, he has been head of the ASQF Digital Health Section. He has been a member of the ASQF Executive Committee since 2021.
When it comes to software quality and testing in German-speaking countries, there's no getting around the ASQF. The association, officially the Working Group for Software Quality and Continuing Education, has been a fixture for almost three decades. In the podcast interview between Richie, the host, and Felix Winter, a long-standing member and board member of the ASQF, it becomes clear how important an active network is for everyone involved in software quality.
Felix describes: 'The ASQF brings people together. It's about quality assurance in software development, but at its core is the personal network. Many friendships and professional partnerships have developed over the years. The network thrives on people meeting, sharing knowledge and learning from each other.
The ASQF was founded in 1996 in Erlangen, in the heart of Franconia, inspired by a European initiative: the European Software Process Improvement Training Initiative. From the outset, the aim was to create a network for all those who wanted to promote the then new topic of software quality. The association has now been in existence for almost 30 years - a true veteran of the industry.
Important partnerships have developed over the years. Not only has the ASQF been instrumental in developing the well-known Certified Tester Foundation Level, it was also involved in the founding of the German Testing Board (GTB). The association thinks in European terms and supports international standards.
The ASQF has more than 1000 members. In addition, there are around 15,000 people in companies who are members. Whether large companies, SMEs, start-ups or private individuals: The network is a colorful mix. There are even student memberships and the opportunity to join free of charge for a year after passing certification.
The biggest advantage: access to a large community of experts. If you become a member, you can network quickly, soak up knowledge and find your way into quality assurance. But there is also a wide range of offers available: The opportunity to read up on specialist articles, attend conferences at a reduced price or free of charge, learn about new technologies and methods - the ASQF offers all of this.
The so-called specialist group meetings are a core element. They offer practical exchanges on topics such as testing, industry-specific quality assurance in medical technology or in the automotive sector. Whether over a sandwich or in the evening with a drink: open discussions take place here and newcomers can also get actively involved.
In addition to the regular specialist groups, there are meetings and conferences such as the Rhine-Main Testing Day or the Quality Night in Berlin. Members can often attend free of charge or at a reduced rate and experience the industry up close.
Corona has moved many things online - the ASQF Network Week is an example of successful digital exchange. The aim remains to offer as many formats as possible so that everyone can continue their education and get involved.
Felix emphasizes how important it is for everyone to contribute their knowledge. Young people and young professionals in particular can try out the ASQF, give presentations and gain experience. Even experienced testers are constantly learning when they exchange ideas with other industries.
Another offer is the SQ Magazine. Here, anyone can contribute specialist articles, set topics and pass on first-hand practical knowledge. Anyone who wants to read, write or talk - the ASQF offers a platform for everyone.
The ASQF specifically promotes young talent, for example with a sponsorship award for outstanding master's and diploma theses. The association also awards the German Prize for Software Quality together with others to honor commitment.
Looking to the future, the topic of artificial intelligence is on the agenda. A separate AI specialist group is in preparation. The ASQF is also developing new curricula and certificates, such as for secure software engineering. The aim is to make the industry fit for the challenges of tomorrow.