The success of a test project depends 100% on the definition of the load context

  

Before starting any further, you have to define the scope of your application testing for performance :

Test Objectives

• The test objectives must be specific and realistic
• Both the functional aspects and the technical aspects must be taken into consideration

Functional Perimeter

•  Load: number of users
•  Functional coverage: choice of transactions 80 / 20 rule
•  Users satisfaction: limit response time
•  Productivity: required transactional capacity

Technical Perimeter

•  Architecture
•  Infrastructure

Criteria for Success

•  Conformity concerning project specifications, or for an existing need
•  Staying close to the real needs
•  Overly stringent criteria = Futile efforts & financial loss