A performance requirement defines measurable targets for the speed, capacity, volume, or responsiveness of a system.
It may specify response time, latency, throughput, processing time, or concurrent users. Therefore, it usually forms part of the quality requirements.
Each statement should include a numeric target and a clear measurement context. For example, 95% of search requests must complete within 300 milliseconds under a load of 1,000 concurrent users.
In addition, the requirement should define the test environment, workload, data, and measurement period. Otherwise, teams may interpret the target differently.
A performance requirement can strongly influence architecture and infrastructure. For example, strict response-time targets may require caching, additional computing capacity, or optimized data access.
Teams should also link the target to its source and acceptance test. Moreover, they should review it when workloads, technologies, or business needs change.
Clear performance targets support objective testing, capacity planning, reliable design decisions, and system acceptance.
« Back to Glossary Index