Cloud Testing Tools and Service

5th Oct 2016

How cloud testing works and what it is used for

Cloud testing tools and service(s) are not mutually exclusive; in fact, very little has been developed in the way of specific tools and/or services to help test public or private clouds. Most cloud testing today is being performed via automated services, but there are software packages offered by certain companies that may allow an individual or organization to handle the task themselves. Additionally, there are currently more than a few companies that are offering tailored services in the area of cloud testing for extremely low costs as well.

What is cloud testing and what is its purpose?

There are essentially three reasons why someone might need to test a cloud in the first place; they are all load balancing and stress related.

To ascertain the load balancing abilities of the cloud or a website. Data or resources may be distributed across a cloud in an unpredictable manner; through the use of cloud testing a cloud manager can determine what changes, if any, need to be made to ensure that a proper load-balancing effect is achieved when a higher volume of traffic is present.
To simulate large volumes of traffic in order to determine what the limitations of a cloud or website are. By simulating extremely large volumes of traffic you can determine the maximum number of users that can be present before some critical failure occurs. This allows a cloud manager / owner to not only make better policy decisions about the use of their cloud but also provides them with a real world figure concerning usage of their system.
To discover and correct any possible glitches / errors before they are encountered by real users / visitors. Through the application of a rigorous and thorough testing procedure it is possible to effectively identify potential problem areas and remedy them before users have a chance to discover them for themselves (which could result in the loss of ongoing work or other important data). This is particularly valuable for cloud provider organizations, as their operations are dependent on the paying customers to whom they provide services.

Cloud testing is also necessary whenever additional hardware is added to an existing cloud network. Not only does testing the entire cloud with the additional hardware resources added tell you what new capabilities have been added, but it also can alert those in charge of any potential problem areas as well.

How is cloud testing performed?

Remote or on-site software applications can be loaded up to simulate the type and volume of traffic that might be experienced under normal operating conditions. A series of complex user scenarios are loaded and used to generate traffic from around the globe; the results of these simulations are then observed and tabulated on-site (or even off-site in some cases) wherever the hardware stacks (of the cloud) are located via software. Those performing the test are looking for certain criteria or evidence that will tell them what changes (if any) need to be effected.

A conventional standards and practices board for cloud testing does not currently exist, nor does a set of established standards for various cloud builds concerning imposed limitations or rule sets. The development of such institutions may take several years of prolonged experimentation, data gathering and evidence presentation. Many of the best solutions concerning cloud testing are still under investigation and those companies that are undertaking the task of actually performing cloud testing are relatively small organizations. However, more and more global tech companies are beginning to slowly develop their own cloud-based tools and services; this will lead to a direct demand for more qualified tests and testing procedures.