App tester BlazeMeter buys Loadosophia, which analyzes test results

BlazeMeter, a startup that tests to see if websites and apps work by stretching their limits with loads, has bought Loadosophia, a startup that provides analytics tools for results stemming from the Apache JMeter open-source load-testing project.

Loadosophia customers will be able to keep using that service, which will become part of BlazeMeter’s offering, according to a statement on the news today.

The deal also provides open-source talent to BlazeMeter. Loadosophia founder Andrey Pokhilko, who is becoming BlazeMeter’s chief scientist, has focused for years on the JMeter community and created a site for JMeter plugins, according to the statement. Before starting Loadosophia, Pokhilko led the load-testing division of Russian search company Yandex.

Moscow-based Loadosophia has no other employees and never took on venture funding, a BlazeMeter spokeswoman told VentureBeat.

In the world of business-focused services, load testing doesn’t carry the same level of glamour as, say, file-sharing or project-management tools. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important. It’s key for companies that want to ensure their sites will be able to withstand large amounts of traffic, just as car manufacturers want to make sure their vehicles can withstand a few small fender benders before they roll off the assembly line.

And it’s an area that’s attracted consistent investment. For years load-testing provider SOASTA has brought on venture funding. Meanwhile other startups like Neotys and Nouvola have been picking up funding recently.

Now BlazeMeter could be better equipped to compete in the market, particularly against enterprise-focused load-testing software from HP, IBM, and Compuware.

BlazeMeter, based in Mountain View, Calif., announced a $6.5 million funding round in May.