Performance specifications should ask the following questions, at a minimum:
- In detail, what is the performance test scope? What subsystems, interfaces, components, etc. are in and out of scope for this test?
- For the user interfaces (UIs) involved, how many concurrent users are expected for each (specify peak vs. nominal)?
- What does the target system (hardware) look like (specify all server and network appliance configurations)?
- What is the Application Workload Mix of each system component? (for example: 20% log-in, 40% search, 30% item select, 10% checkout).
- What is the System Workload Mix? [Multiple workloads may be simulated in a single performance test] (for example: 30% Workload A, 20% Workload B, 50% Workload C).
- What are the time requirements for any/all back-end batch processes (specify peak vs. nominal)?