Modern client/server architecture http://www.onestoptesting.com/load-runner/load-testing.asp# - - are complex. While they provide an unprecedented degree of power and flexibility, these systems are difficult to test.

Whereas single-user testing focuses primarily on functionality and the user interface of a single application http://www.onestoptesting.com/load-runner/load-testing.asp# - - client/server testing focuses on performance and reliability of an entire client/server system.

For example, a typical client/server testing scenario might depict 200 users that login simultaneously to a system on Monday morning: What is the response time of the system? Does the system crash? To be able to answer these questions-- and more--a complete client/server performance testing solution must

• test a system that combines a variety of software applications and hardware platforms


• determine the suitability of a server for any given application


• test the server before the necessary client software has been developed


• emulate an environment where multiple clients interact with a single server application


• test a client/server system under the load of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of potential users