Chapter 8: Testing the Site Implementation

Overview

In the last chapter we experimented with encoding and streaming test content. In this chapter we take that experimentation one step further. The testing we do here is not a test of the content quality, but rather a real-world simulation of the usage patterns that you might encounter on your site. The goal of this testing is to stress your streaming media implementation in order to determine its capacity and stability. Pushing your implementation to its breaking point is a valuable exercise in a controlled environment. It enables you to put safeguards in place that should prevent problems once your site is live, and to ensure a positive experience for all users who visit your site.

By now you should have completed the following tasks:

• Designated an encoding computer and a Windows Media server.

• Installed all audio and video capture cards in your encoding computer.

• Added NICs as necessary and connected your encoding computer and server to your internal network.

• Configured Windows Media Encoder and connected your encoding computer to a content source, such as a VCR, camera, or DVD player.

• Configured Windows Media Services with one or more on-demand publishing points, and configured all plug-in properties.

• Created one or more announcement files and posted them on your Web page.

• Embedded Windows Media Player 9 Series in your Web page.