By: Elena Mart

In today’s rapidly accelerating digital transformation, web application performance testing has become the cornerstone of ensuring the stable operation of critical systems such as finance and government services. Traditional testing tools, unable to simulate real user behavior, often result in system crashes, transaction delays, and other issues after deployment. This is the core reason behind the launch of TruClient, a key technology by OpenText, a global leader in enterprise-level software performance solutions.

After using the combined technology of LoadRunner Cloud and TruClient, RSA Insurance Group in the UK reduced performance testing time by 30%, significantly improved script stability, and reduced error rates by 40% (source). 

Technology Evolution: From Protocol Simulation to Real User Experience

HP (Hewlett-Packard) launched the LoadRunner performance testing tool in 2006, capable of monitoring system performance issues throughout the entire process from development to deployment. This tool became the “universal key” for enterprise system stability testing due to its support for over 200 data protocols (such as common software and service protocols), and it has maintained a dominant position in the market for a long time.

In 2016, following the technical integration by OpenText, Mr. Jiang Chaolin, as the core developer and Senior Software Development Engineer, launched an upgraded solution centered around the TruClient protocol. This solution automatically generates stable test scripts through an intuitive visual interface, accurately captures client-side performance metrics, and automatically simulates real user actions, enabling more precise recording and simulation of operations specific to mobile devices, further driving technological innovation.

AI Engine Breaks Through Complex Testing Challenges

Faced with the issue of test scripts failing due to frequent web page revisions, OpenText’s core technology team led the development of the patented Test Script Generation Based on Event Data and Video Frames (US11704230B2). 

Based on this patented technology, Mr. Jiang Chaolin, as a primary participant in its development, led the team to overcome three major technical challenges: first, automatically detecting page load status; second, accurately locating dynamically changing page elements; and third, integrating traditional testing protocols to support hybrid scenario testing, thus meeting complex business needs.

This core technological breakthrough has also brought three major upgrades to the LoadRunner and TruClient testing ecosystem:

Filling the Gap in Complex Scenario Testing: Traditional protocol tools could not test single-page applications (such as online banking systems), but now, through precise simulation of real user behavior, testing results are more aligned with actual production environments.

Improved Testing Efficiency: The no-code recording feature enables non-technical roles to quickly create test scenarios, reducing script creation time by 50% and accelerating team collaboration.

Enhanced Business Value: The TruClient + LoadRunner Cloud combination helps enterprise clients smoothly transition to the cloud. The technology solution centered around TruClient has become a key competitive advantage for LoadRunner against open-source tools, accelerating cloud transformations for clients in industries such as finance and healthcare. It also enables early-stage performance testing in continuous delivery processes, thereby improving overall testing efficiency and business agility.

With the collaboration of this patented technology, LoadRunner and TruClient have realized even greater advantages:

Improved Accuracy and Efficiency in Script Generation

TruClient and LoadRunner traditionally generated automation scripts based on user action steps. Now, with the integration of the patented technology, the system can automatically identify page elements and generate more accurate and efficient test scripts.

For example, Endress+Hauser, a global leader in industrial process measurement instruments, services, and solutions, with annual net sales of €2.6 billion, successfully implemented LoadRunner Cloud to achieve a 100% cloud solution. This resolved system load issues and allowed tests to be set up and run within minutes, significantly enhancing script generation efficiency.Enhanced Adaptability to Dynamic and Complex Applications.

Enhanced Adaptability to Dynamic and Complex Applications

Modern web applications often use interactive features such as real-time loading and dynamic pop-ups, which traditional script testing cannot fully cover. With the help of the patented technology, LoadRunner and TruClient can better recognize and adapt to these dynamic changes, more accurately simulating complex user behavior, and improving test coverage and stability.

o9 Solutions Inc., which provides solutions to global industry leaders such as AB InBev, Mondelēz, PepsiCo, Philips, Prada, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Toyota, successfully created 600 HTTP Web test scripts in the first year of using TruClient, covering more than half of their test cases. The use of TruClient helped o9 Solutions Inc. increase their script creation speed by 60-70% in 2023, significantly improving testing efficiency and defect identification capabilities. (source)

Improved Test Maintainability and Scalability

The combination of TruClient, LoadRunner, and the patented technology has further enhanced the efficiency of script generation and execution, supporting large-scale performance testing while providing higher accuracy and scalability when handling complex scenarios.

The head of technology at OpenText, Mr. Jiang, stated, “The true value of technology lies in simplifying complexity. When we teach testing tools to understand the business logic behind user behavior, rather than just mechanically recording clicks, businesses gain not only improved efficiency but also the resilience to navigate digital transformation. The evolution of TruClient and LoadRunner has never stopped—from protocol simulation to visual intelligence. We are always answering the same question: how to ensure that every technological upgrade becomes an amplifier of business value for our clients.”

Published by Joseph T.