On type of my usual performance consulting, I have recently taken on the role of Web site breaker/stress tester at work. Our updated external load-testing tool is coming out soon, but we have some clients who need some of its functions now.

So, what does this mean? Well, I have learned a lot about how to and not to load test a system, and that load testing a Web site is not a straightforward process.

However, it has also shifted my schedule quite substantially. You see, companies like to load test their sites at night. This means that I have been working a lot of long days, what with my usual working day starting at 06:00 and ending at 22:00.

But the it’s better than tv!