Tuning candidates and test cases

We start the test cases based on the evidence that a certain component or function is not performing as expected. The bottlenecks and limiting factors can exist on the portal runtime itself or on any of the other systems integrated into portal. Because they are getting ready to decide on tuning exercises (for performance, availability, security, and so on), A2Z found a need to start tuning for response time and throughput. In the tuning cases given next, the IBM Rational Performance Tester Suite was used to create the test harness, with the proper user ramp up and the expected throughput, and to valid test results against the documented nonfunctional requirements concerning both response time and throughput.

Ramp up and think time are very important for the reproduction of a realistic user load scenario in the load tool. Ramp up means the rate at which virtual users will be added to the portal load and login. It must be done based on reality, and not left...