Every business depends on applications to automate its core business processes. These applications must be constantly available for partners, customers, employees, and other stakeholders. But the reality is often very different. When applications are under peak demand they can often be inaccessible or perform unacceptably. This issue can have dramatic effects: orders may be lost, customers abandoned, and reputations damaged.
The challenge of dealing with peak loads has increased in recent years. Today’s applications are growing in complexity. The example of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) illustrates that end-users demand functionality that can be very resource intensive. This trend, combined with the rising volume of usage, means that demands placed on applications are greater than ever, and will continue to grow.
This white paper examines the importance of load testing to address these challenges: When in the software development process to load test, and how optimal performance can be achieved by proper load testing. It also looks at the various strategies for implementation, and investigates the real benefits load testing returns to organizations. Finally it identifies the proper strategy for realizing the full benefits of load testing, including how to diagnose issues in your applications and how to leverage the power of the cloud.