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| Performance Testing |
The
digital world is driven by myriad software applications that run on both modern
and legacy systems and are backed by a plethora of platforms, frameworks,
operating systems, and networks. And unless these applications perform to their
optimal levels with all features and functionalities working in tandem, the
stated business objectives will not be achieved. Each software application can
have built-in glitches, which, if not dealt with earnestly during performance
testing (and other types of testing,) can render the application to suffer from
inadequacies. Since the functioning of the digital environment is underpinned on
achieving customer satisfaction, the inadequacies can impact the business
negatively. Moreover, the advent of new technologies such as Artificial
Intelligence and Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data,
Blockchain, and Cloud Computing has added to the complexities of building and
operating software applications. And if the growing incidences of cyber
securities issues are taken into account, then the cocktail of complexities
becomes even more stark.
To
address the technological challenges that software applications have to grapple
with, they need to undergo performance testing. It ensures software robustness,
operational readiness, and error handling capacity. The test can come in handy
during business critical situations when glitches or the lack of error handling
capacity of the software can make things to go haywire. For example, airlines
reservation systems should account for an extra rush of passengers during
holidays. And unless the systems go through the process of application performance
testing, they can lead to latency or downtime when subjected to stress. Also,
eCommerce sites experience loads during events such as Black Friday,
Thanksgiving etc., which can lead to issues such as shopping cart abandonment,
poor conversion rates, and a decreased order value. These factors combinedly
can bring down the value proposition of the brand in the eyes of customers.
However, all such outcomes can be prevented should the software applications
and the hardware running them are validated for quality by the performance testing
services.
Repercussions
of not carrying out performance testing
Software
applications can function seamlessly in normal operational conditions. However,
the moment they are subjected to stress, they can behave erratically or
erroneously. It is only by adopting a proper performance testing methodology
that such behaviour can be pre-empted. Let us understand the repercussions of
not executing performance testing.
- The application may fail during peak times leading to customer dissatisfaction.
- Any rework later can be challenging, time consuming, and costly.
- Should the software go LIVE without the users getting any prior hands-on experience, there can be problems in handling performance issues that may crop up in the actual operating environment.
- Check if the features and functionalities of software deliver outcomes that are expected.
Applying
performance engineering
In
the DevOps scheme of ensuring Continuous Integration and Delivery (CI/CD,) the
focus is on identifying and eliminating glitches in the initial stages of
software development. This calls for incorporating performance engineering,
wherein each segment of the software is designed to achieve operational
excellence. This leads to the quick delivery of efficient and responsive
systems that enhance productivity, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and boost
revenue.
Suitable
performance testing strategy for your business
Get
information on the type and quantum of load: First and foremost, it is crucial to
understand the kind of load the system is going to expect. This will help you
to figure out the kind of response time needed to handle the load. Thus, run
tests when the load is significantly high to evaluate the response time. To
enable the same, use an appropriate test automation tool to create any number
of virtual users to mimic the real load across channels, branches, and
geographies. While executing the test, record the minimum, maximum, and average
response time of the system.
Carry
out stress test: By
executing a stress test, you can figure out the behaviour of software when
subjected to extreme stress conditions. This way, the breaking point of
software can be ascertained.
Elasticity
and scalability: The
testing includes understanding whether the performance of the software is on
expected lines and can be scaled up to the desired level should the need arise.
Conclusion
In
an increasingly digitized environment where business outcomes hinge on
achieving customer satisfaction, the performance of software applications
becomes paramount. By chalking out a suitable performance testing strategy,
both the customers and business deliverables can be handled effectively.
Diya
works for Cigniti Technologies, which is the world’s first Independent Software Testing Company to be appraised at
CMMI-SVC v1.3, Maturity Level 5, and is also ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 27001:2013
certified.
