Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery – Data processing system error or fault handling – Reliability and availability
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-17
2001-06-19
Wright, Norman M. (Department: 2785)
Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery
Data processing system error or fault handling
Reliability and availability
C714S038110, C714S039000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249886
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to computer systems and methods for measuring the performance, reliability and security of computer systems under simulated user conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A difficult problem in designing a client-server computer system is specifying the capacity of the server based on predicted client loads. This specification is used to design the system to support current user needs and to be scalable to meet future user needs. Without good prediction of application performance under projected loads, the system may have insufficient capacity, which can reduce productivity. Alternatively, too much equipment may be purchased and human resources may be allocated in excess of actual requirements.
The measurement of performance and reliability of a system often is characterized as benchmarking. Many applications are available which for benchmarking a variety of computer systems. Benchmarking applications typically use tests which are designed to be performed individually on several servers and applications, in order to compare the relative performance of those systems. Additionally, such benchmarking applications typically run the tests over a fixed period of time. The user has to wait until the test is completed to know about the performance of the system under test. Generally, the results one system are not considered accurate unless the test is completed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a client application to measure the performance, reliability or security of a system under test, based on user-defined loads to be applied to the system under test. In the present invention, a test may be performed simultaneously on several servers and applications. As the test progresses, results are compiled during run time and visual feedback is provided. By allowing a user to define the test, and by providing run time compilation of results, the present invention can be used for capacity planning. Stopped or truncated tests still provide relevant results. The application also may allow acceptance criteria to be analyzed during the run time of test. Finally, the number of users simulated may be regulated by the application.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is a process for testing a computer system. The process involves issuing, over a period of time, requests to the computer system. Responses from the computer system are received. Performance and reliability of results of the responses from the computer system are monitored. At intervals during the period of time, a summary of the performance and reliability results is compiled and displayed to the user. Acceptance criteria related to the performance and reliability results may be established. A user may be notified when the performance and reliability results fail to meet the acceptance criteria. A plurality of users may be simulated to issue the requests to the system. Simulation of one of the plurality of users may be terminated when certain conditions occur in connection with the responses to the requests issued by the simulated user.
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Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, OP.C.
Wright Norman M.
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