apache-jmeter-vs-micro-focus-loadrunner

JMeter and Micro Focus LoadRunner are performance and load testing tools that help businesses test the capabilities of their systems. Micro Focus LoadRunner is a proprietary tool that supports a wide array of protocols and includes some time-saving features. By contrast, JMeter is open-source and free, with many plugins that can extend its functionality. Although both products are used most commonly by enterprise-level organizations, JMeter’s free licensing also makes it popular with mid-sized companies.

Features

Both Micro Focus LoadRunner and JMeter can be used to perform large-scale load testing on services and applications, but they each have standout features and capabilities.

JMeter’s users appreciate its powerful capability to replicate realistic scenarios with variable user inputs and randomization tools. The replay tool helps users with minimal programming experience design tests, and its scripting language isn’t too complicated for new users to get accustomed to. JMeter integrates well with continuous delivery tools such as Jenkins to automate repeated testing and reporting. Since the tool is open-source, it’s free to use and has strong support from its community of users and developers.

Micro Focus LoadRunner benefits primarily from its access to a wide range of protocols, from common protocols like HTTP and FTP to proprietary protocols, such as those used in Oracle applications. Its automated correlation and parameterization tools help take some of the manual effort out of designing tests. It also provides systems that help tests stay coordinated, even if the tests require manual action from users. The load generator and controller machines can be separate, helping divide computer resources for heavy testing loads.

Limitations

Although both products provide comprehensive testing features, Micro Focus LoadRunner and JMeter have their drawbacks. Make sure you consider their limitations to determine which product is more suitable for your needs.

Micro Focus LoadRunner’s access to proprietary protocols comes with a literal price tag. Although the company has overhauled its pricing structure recently and added a free option, enterprise customers will still need to pay for full functionality and large-scale test capabilities. Some users report issues with larger tests failing at the final stages and losing data, especially if the software is running up on the limits of its available hardware resources. Finally, some users have experienced problems integrating the software with continuous delivery services.

JMeter is free, but that means it might be missing features you need. It doesn’t have access to all protocols. The lack of access to Oracle software in particular can disqualify JMeter as an option for some businesses. The software is easy to install incorrectly, and users can encounter significant issues if the software wasn’t set up by someone with enough experience. Training and support for the product can be spotty, and its distributed documentation is prone to being out-of-date with the latest versions. Finally. JMeter’s UI, while functional, can be crowded and seems outdated to some modern professionals.

Pricing

JMeter is open-source, and can be downloaded for free.

Micro Focus LoadRunner offers a pricing structure based on the number of virtual users in your tests. The Community Edition is free, but is limited to 50 virtual users for testing. Additional virtual users start at $1.40 for 24 hours of testing per virtual user. For high-volume customers, contact Micro Focus for a customized quote.