Pre-requisites for Performance Testing

A performance test is not valid until the data in the system under test is realistic and the software and configuration is production like.

- Production Like Environment
Performance tests need to be executed on the same specification equipment as production if the results are to have integrity.Lightweight transactions that do not require significant processing can be tested but only substantial deviations from expected transaction response times should be reported. Low bandwidth performance testing of high bandwidth transactions where communications processing contributes to most of the response time can be tested.

- Production Like Configuration
The configuration of each component needs to be production like. For example: database configuration and operating system configuration. While system configuration will have less impact on performance testing than load testing, only substantial deviations from expected transaction response times should be reported.

- Production Like Version
The version of software to be tested should closely resemble the version to be used in production. Only major performance problems such as missing indexes and excessive communications should be reported with a version substantially different from the proposed production version.

- Production Like Access
If clients will access the system over a WAN, dial up modems, DSL, ISDN, etc. then testing should be conducted using each communication access method. Only tests using production like access are valid.

- Production Like Data
All relevant tables in the database need to be populated with a production like quantity with a realistic mix of data. Low bandwidth performance testing of high bandwidth transactions where communications processing contributes to most of the response time can be tested.