B

Can be scaled up to as many users as is required and test executes seamlessly. I have used to tool to run a test of 10K concurrent users and it worked quite well. While doing so it is important to identify the memory footprint of single virtual user and then distribute the user load across different load generator machines based on their capacity. Also in case of tests having large number of users it is better to clear logs on the load generators before running each test.

A

Loadgenerators can be installed on in house servers or cloud machines located anywhere across geography and tests can be performed effectively.

A

Supports huge protocol case and hence can be used to test a lot of different types of client - server applications. Can also be used to test mobile applications. Tools like Shunra help in simulating network bandwidth thus making tests more effective.

A

Scripting and recording is done by 'record & playback' mechanism. The feature is very easy to use. However at times while doing correlation / parameterization, some complexities are introduced.

B

Loadrunner provides seamless integration of Vugen, Controller, Analysis, Sitescope, Diagnostic, Performance center, etc. Apart from these, tools like Shunra, etc. provide excellent compatibility with loadrunner and brings out efficient performance testing of mobile solutions. However since it is not an open source tool, its source code cannot be played with to integrate the tool to any other tool that the developer / performance tester targets.

B

API testing can also be done quite easily with loadrunner. Its analysis tool provides greater insights into the results through the different features that it provides.

C

Loadrunner is a matured and one of the most widely used tools in the market. It has gained good market acceptance and confidence.

A

Loadrunner requires some time to learn. However a novice can expect to take about 2 weeks to run a basic level test. Complexity is caused by various components of the tool and lot of features and options in each of those components.

C

Every client is charged differently and the licensing cost is higher than most performance testing tool. Also since it is not an open source tool, there is limited control on the source code and thus integration with other tools (which are not currently integrated with loadrunner)

B

Extensive user community and good support with regards to quick query resolution from the product support team.

A