Removing borders between SIT and UAT test phases

SIT UAT harmonization is a concept where by both teams have synergy from beginning of STLC phase. SIT team shares test cases with UAT team. The UAT team reviews it, any duplicate test cases between SIT and UAT are removed. This results in both teams executing unique test cases and thereby resulting in cost savings.

In my recent project, as a Test Manager I have gone a level further to dilute the borders between SIT and UAT. I implemented "Joint testing", here we formed a virtual team comprising of SIT + UAT + Business resources. The team was lead by SIT Test Manager and Test Architect.

This team came up with a common test plan, test cases and executed them sucecssfully. 

Benefits:

1. Faster time to market the product, as we save time in planning, prepare and execution test phases.
2. Helps to uncover business perspective type issues early in the game.
3. $$$$ savings for the business

Cons:

1. At times, we spent more time in reporting defects and keeping UAT/Business managers informed of everything.
2. Tricky to keep all resources on same page.