The challenges of Web simulation stem from the fact that a test environment must allow for all of the variables and factors found in Web trafficmainly the unpredictability created by the end user. This creates a situation in which the test measurements' validity and plausibility is questioned. Expensive tools, such as simulation equipment and software, are also required.
With an MSRP of $250-per-computer license, this latest version of WAPT raises the bar of Web performance testing. Version 4.0 recreates real-world Web traffic and performs repeat stress-load testing on Web sites, Web servers and on almost all applications that have Web interfacesto ensure sufficient Web performance.
Using this load-testing software will provide a way for solution providers to accurately test the end-to-end performance of a Web site prior to going live. The ability to manage a large number of simultaneous users and transactions could mean the difference between being a profitable business or going out of business.
WAPT is designed for Microsoft's Windows 2000/XP/2003 and 98/ME operating systems. However, the amount of virtual users it supports varies between those operating systems. Windows 98/ME users are limited to 100 virtual users, while the number of users for Windows 2000/XP/2003 is around 2,000.
The wizard-driven utility allows administrators to create basic test scenarios to gauge the performance landscape. For example, administrators can see the number of page hits per second and how many users can be served while maintaining the required response time.
Response time tells administrators how long a user waits for server response to their request; therefore, the response time numbers depend entirely on a Web site's performance and speed.