I have done a Cognos 8 BU stresstest, shortly this is what we have donde.
There a three parts in a C8 stress test:
- server response
- C8 response
- query processing
The server response is easy to test. YOu can find webserver stresstests on the net (
The C8 and query response can be monitored by running 3 types of reports
1) an easy LIST report on one table (returns 1K records)
2) a complex report on a dimensional model (returns 100K records)
3) a heavy report with multiple queries resulting in charts an mini lists (dashboard likely)
Make sure the server is absolute free, then run each report seperate and write down the processing time.
Schedule each of the three test reports seperate with a progressive ammount of simultaneous runs eg. 10, 20, 40, 80, 100, ...., up to 2.5 time the maximum simultaneous runs you expect. Best pratice, define 7 categories with the ammount of simultaneous runs.
Make sure there is enoguh time between the schedules.
Log the processing time.
Make a final schedule with the three reports simultaneous with the progessive ammounts of simultaneous runs you have used before.
Log the processing time again.
MAKE SURE the DBA logs the database activity for u during this period!
After the test you have facts, plotting these in charts might help you to analyze them.
Goodluck!