Introducing the Tools Knowledge Base

First published 17/03/2016

The Software Tools Market is Changing

The Need for a Tools Directory

For as long as the web has existed, there have been websites that provide lists of references to tools that support, for example, test automation. These web pages and sites have been set up by individuals, wishing to share their knowledge of software tools for their own communities.

It's a burdensome task to create and maintain these lists. Vendors move webpages around, they rename tools, they merge and split tool functionality, they add new tools and new vendors and tools are popping up all the time. It's really hard to maintain the accuracy of lists like these. If you look around the various websites that provide such lists, this is what you tend to find:

The Tools Knowledge Base (tkbase.com)

The Tools Knowledge Base is a free-to-use service providing information on tools, vendors and the consultants and service companies that support them.

What do I do Now?

If you are tools user: we'd like you to register, and identify the tools you use. your tools chain will appear on your profile. If a tool you use is not in TKB, then we invite you to create it. (If you want to embed the tools you use as a list in your website - we have an API for that).

If you are a tools expert or tools service provider: please see above, plus... We are looking for people who are knowledgeable enough to review or possibly edit the features listings for the tools you know well. The features hierarchy will grow and evolve over time - help us to perfect it. We will list you as a service provider on the tools you know best. It's the least we can do.

If you are a tool vendor: we ask you to search for the tools you offer and check they are in the system and properly described. If your tools exist in the system and you want to manage the information we hold, that's fine - let us know and we can make you the administrator (after a couple of quick checks). If you want, we can maintain the data on your behalf, for a small fee. Do get in touch. Alternatively, nominate a tools expert (see above) and we'll invite them to keep your details correct.

If You Own/Contribute to an Open Source Project: We make exactly the same offer as we make to the vendors. you are free to edit the information for your tools in the same way. you might already be represented on a site like GitHub - we're just offering an extra publicity channel - it might help you reach a broader audience. People looking for tools often start their search with proprietary products but rarely see free tools listed side by side. Now is your chance.

If you are a blogger: Search for one of your recent blog posts and if you find it - your blog is already indexed in the system. If not, you can suggest the blog and register it yourself. Please note we are looking for blogs that cover our scope (DevOps, Testing, Collaboration). Company blogs are acceptable if they focus on these topic areas. Some general technology blogs might be acceptable, at our discretion. Offensive or blatantly commercial posts are not acceptable.

If your blog is indexed, let us know, we will give you credit for it on your profile.

If you maintain your own online tools listing: please get in touch. We believe we already have a more comprehensive list (in our scope) than anyone else. We offer to provide you with ad free, embeddable tool type listings for your existing site. Join us as a partner and tools expert and help us to improve the data in our system to improve the listings on your site. We currently have 183 tool type listings. All are available for free. We'll give you your own lists and track the usage data and share that with you too. Drop me a line and I can explain what we can do for you.

If you want a tools listing on your own site: Get in touch. We make the same offer as above.

Can I advertise my tool or service on your site? Of course you can. We offer competitive CPM (cost per thousand impressions) rates. Our users are tools-focused so your ads will be seen by the right people. We will of course provide monthly statistics for your perusal.

Where is the Knowledge Base?

https://tkbase.com

Please take a look and let me know what you think.



Tags: #testing #collaboration #tkb #ToolsKnowledgeBase #DevOps #SDET

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