A major problem facing emerging technology companies is finding the resources to properly test new software applications.  Often a startup company develops a computer program and has a need to "try out" their product under several different computer scenarios.  The testing process can be cost-prohibitive for many startups.

The Youngstown Business Incubator has addressed this problem by providing a Software Testing Laboratory  for the use of its portfolio companies.  The lab provides the hardware, software and equipment needed to test new software under different operating environments.

YBI companies have 24/7 access to a state-of-the-art computer lab with three servers and five client workstations, each sporting different configurations and operating systems.  The lab makes it possible to do real-world software testing when running under Windows 98, Windows NT Workstation, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux and various flavors of Unix.  In addition, the entire lab is connected to a fire-walled Internet connection, permitting the testing of applications requiring real-time Internet connectivity.

Once the YBI portfolio company has perfected its software application, it is a simple matter to take the product into production.  The Software Testing Lab houses a high-speed CD duplicator and a high-speed CD labeling system, making the transition from a good idea to product a cost-effective undertaking.