1. A processor-implemented method of managing a test environment, said method comprising: initiating a test of a software item on a computing environment comprising a plurality of virtual machines, wherein said test manages a test environment that said test executes test cases against during run time; modifying said test environment according to said test, such that said plurality of virtual machines begins in a predetermined operational state; accessing at least one global variable file, wherein said global variable file describes said test environment and is operable to modify said test environment, and wherein said global variable file defines references to machine names such that said global variable file assists in translating said references to machine names to specific virtual machines available in said test environment; communicating with a custom action layer to execute a custom action of said test, wherein said custom action layer is dynamic; and invoking said custom action from said custom action layer.