4 Key Things to Consider When Performance Testing SaaS-Based Apps

Software as a service (SaaS) applications are taking the world by storm. Popular SaaS-based apps like Google’s email service Gmail, for example, demonstrate the power of this method of cloud computing, prompting savvy businesses to start building their own SaaS-based apps.

A SaaS-based application is essentially an app that a third-party provider hosts and makes available to customers over the internet. SaaS is basically a method of software delivery that allows data to be accessed from any device with an internet connection and web browser.

In the case of Gmail, you are not hosting your own email server. It is Google that is hosting the email server. All you are doing is simply accessing the server through your browser-as-client.

One of the biggest bloopers businesses make when developing their own SaaS apps is testing the application at the development end alone. Performance testing for SaaS-based applications is quite decisive and some of the application services providers seem to ignore its worth.

The lack of time and proper utilization of resources for development purposes maybe the reason why performance testing of SaaS applications in the production environment isn’t given the importance it deserves, compared to quantitative testing done in the development lab.  

Testing the performance of an application both at the development stage and more so after it’s been released to the public is crucial to ensure a rich user experience.

And since the growth of SaaS-based apps is projected to keep growing in the upcoming years, as depicted in the graph below, adequate performance testing shouldn’t be overlooked at any cost.

^{SaaS Industry Market Growth Trend Report – Source:Financeonline.com}

So, what’s an effective strategy for SaaS-based app testing?

Effective Strategy for Performance Testing of SaaS-Based Apps

There are some key things associated with SaaS application testing you should keep in mind to ensure adequate performance of these systems. Make sure your strategy for SaaS-based applications factors these two key aspects associated with performance testing:

I. An Early Testing Phase - This is Mandatory

Some service providers out there aren’t actually caring enough about the performance of their SaaS-based applications until their clients complaints’ come flooding in. Thoroughly testing the application for enhanced user experience early on is a vital part of the development of any app, and ignoring this aspect could certainly affect your market repute and business growth.

Software development companies should understand their application’s user experience is one of the main things that can make their product a big hit or a flop. No user wants or desires a performance-related bug or loophole that can ruin their experience with the product.

Thus, it is important for businesses to emphasize performance testing for their SaaS-based application from the very beginning and throughout the life of the app.

II. Faster SaaS-Testing Cycles 

Many people aren’t actually aware of the fact that testing SaaS applications usually requires less testing cycles than you’d expect. The reason for this is that these applications don’t require testing for the server as well as client requirements. One can rely on any of the automation testing procedure and tools now readily available online for implementing the same faster.

Due to the speed of the testing procedures, one can adopt agile methods for testing that can further lend a hand in getting the best out of their application and available resources.

Specific Things to Consider when Testing Your SaaS Application

Among the specific performance-related tests that you must consider while testing SaaS-based applications are:

1. The Performance

One of the crucial aspects of application testing is performance itself. There is no point in expecting your application to influence the users positively and draw their admiration without adequate testing and ensuring high performance. A great performing application that solves the purpose is expected by users in the market. Make sure your app is meeting (and where possible exceeding) user performance expectations for good rating in the market.

2. The Security

Security of your application is yet another crucial aspect that shouldn’t be neglected when developing and testing the SaaS application. The security of the application comes as a high priority for users today, which is why most businesses are also emphasizing the same. You simply can’t rely on a system that isn’t secure enough to provide adequate data security to the users. Moreover, a little loophole in the security of the system could be the reason for a bad brand image and boycott of your product in the market.

3. The Load and Stress

Consider the load and stress tests for SaaS-based applications to ensure they can handle peak traffic conditions. Use an adequate software testing tool like Bugraptors (where I am Vice-President, Strategies) for testing your application in a way that it removes all the loopholes and ensures proper stability for the application for diverse loads.

4. The Functionality

Apart from the performance tests, it is also necessary for you to test and ensure that the functionality of the application is up to the mark. There is no excuse for you to ignore functional glitches that could be a huge blunder when you are about to deploy the application for the users.

Functionality tests can again be done through automated testing tools using repeated test scripts.

Conclusion

These are crucial aspects of SaaS-based application performance testing you should always consider. Leverage them to build SaaS-based apps that also build your brand and business.