When creating a system it is common knowledge that its performance is important, since users of the system will be put off it is deemed to be too slow. It is also common knowledge that performance testing tools, such as OpenSTA, can create load tests to help make sure that your system will perform. The use of these and other tools and techniques to make sure that the system as a whole performs well is, however, rather less well understood. As part of the consultancy approach that I use I have created a document that outlines an approach to fitting performance testing into a company’s development process. The document provides a context for managing system performance, and was originally written to use during consultancy assignments. I have decided to offer it as a Free Resource for those who might find it useful.
The document more describes the management approach required for the Capacity Management, rather than going into the technical details. As such, it does not assume detail technical knowledge or go into the mathematical basis for performance modelling or testing. At 18 pages it is quite short for one of my documents, and can be downloaded from: Principles of Capacity Management
Sarquol Ltd 
[…] the bulletin so far I have mainly concentrated on the subject of Capacity Management as a whole. On engagements with clients, however, it is quite common for me to be called in once […]