Sensitivity Analysis and Patterns Implementation on Load Testing Software Systems

Abstract

Starting with the burst of social media, online encyclopedias and sharing resources online, performance testing is more important than ever before. Every venture knows that it should have a fast and a reliable system. Furthermore the business needs to optimize and prepare the system to meet a higher number of users as it grows. A poor performing system can face financial losses and it could also lead to legal repercussions at times. No customer wants to access a slow performing, unreliable website. It is easier to lose clientele than gain them. The system’s performance is a key game changer. This article elaborates one of the most used performing testing types, load testing. It describes a set of methods and patterns used to analyze, implement, monitor and deliver load tests results. The methodology described is designed for software systems which offer a large number of service requests and typically have to handle a large number of concurrent users in a short period of time. The purpose of the article is to reveal how load testing is conducted by carrying out load tests on an online system using cloud computing resources. The two main concerns are to find the best load testing approach and to simplify the process by using the right resources.