Tech Update : Multi Browser Testing Options

We have evaluated the following options for Multi Browser Testing with more focus on IE but covers 200 other browser versions.

1)

Freeware : Used in the past
http://www.my-debugbar.com/wiki/IETester/HomePage
Can test up to IE 10. Currently lots of open bugs which can affect production level applications.

Recommendation: Can ignore for enterprise / production level applications.

2)

Browser based (paid subscriptions) : Completed a demo test and recorded the video.
http://www.browserstack.com/
https://www.browserstack.com/pricing
Can test every single browser available and mobile / tablet platforms as well. 

Recommendation: Good for an enterprise license as we have test capability for multiple OS, multiple browser versions and covers website + mobile + tablets. But paid.

3)

Microsoft’s solution by giving free VM installable’ s 

http://www.modern.ie
User guide and release notes - https://modernievirt.blob.core.windows.net/vhd/virtualmachine_instructions_2013-07-22.pdf

Works on Virtualization principle and apparently can be a VM on a VM. While there are around 5 virtualization solutions (Hyper V, Virtual PC, VMWare, Virtual Box & Parallels). I have completed the test with Microsoft’s Virtual PC.

Virtual PC - http://www.microsoft.com/en-in/download/details.aspx?id=3702

I tested running windows XP and IE 6 on my laptop and was able to browse through and run the test successfully.

Recommendation: The BEST for testing IE versions on different OS flavors available today, free and easy to set up and run.