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IBM Rational Test Workbench Reviews

Vendor: IBM
3.8 out of 5
1,220 followers
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What is IBM Rational Test Workbench?

IBM Rational Test Workbench provides a comprehensive test automation solution for mobile applications, regression testing, integration technologies and performance and scalability testing. It helps you build intelligent and interconnected enterprise applications that can be deployed on traditional and cloud infrastructures. With Rational Test Workbench, you can significantly reduce test cycle times, moving integration testing earlier in the development lifecycle.
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IBM Rational Test Workbench is the #14 ranked solution in top API Testing Tools, #19 ranked solution in top Performance Testing Tools, and #36 ranked solution in top Test Automation Tools. PeerSpot users give IBM Rational Test Workbench an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. IBM Rational Test Workbench is most commonly compared to Tricentis Tosca: IBM Rational Test Workbench vs Tricentis Tosca. IBM Rational Test Workbench is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 73% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 33% of all views.
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Performance Testing Tools
April 2025
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Featured IBM Rational Test Workbench reviews

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IBM Rational Test Workbench mindshare

Product category:
Performance Testing Tools
As of May 2025, the mindshare of IBM Rational Test Workbench in the Performance Testing Tools category stands at 0.6%, up from 0.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Performance Testing Tools
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Users appreciate IBM Rational Test Workbench for its comprehensive test automation capabilities, seamless integration with other Rational tools, and robust performance testing features. It provides script-free test authoring, powerful debugging, and reporting functionalities. Additionally, users find the tool's support for various protocols and technologies valuable.
  • "Reporting is pretty good. Its interface is also good. I'm overall pretty happy with the functionality and use of IBM Rational Test Workbench."
  • "This solution provides for API testing, functional UI testing, performance testing, and service virtualization."

Room for Improvement

IBM Rational Test Workbench requires enhancements in stability and performance. Users frequently mention that it can be slow and prone to crashes. Others find the learning curve steep and documentation lacking. Some report challenges in integrating with other tools. Additionally, certain automation features could be more robust and intuitive.
  • "It should have more interfaces. In terms of interfaces or protocols, what you can do with Rational is far limited as compared to other products out there. What it does, it does great, but it only gives you limited types of protocols. It supports between 8 to 15 types of protocols, whereas other test tools give you 20 to 30 types of protocols with which you can do testing and convert to script.It records Javascript-based scripts, and you got to know a little bit of Java to basically be able to edit them, but the level of editing you got to do is very low. I like that, but the ability to edit the script is not as good as Parasoft or LoadRunner, which have C-Script."
  • "There are a number of things that they can do to simplify the tools, but the most important thing that they need to do is simplify the installation."

ROI

IBM Rational Test Workbench significantly enhanced testing efficiency and reduced manual efforts, leading to faster delivery times and cost savings. Users experienced improved automation, better integration with other tools, and robust reporting capabilities. It contributed positively to project management and overall quality, providing a strong ROI. Automating complex tests became seamless, lowering error rates and maintenance costs. Users appreciated the scalability and customization, which addressed specific project requirements effectively.

Pricing

IBM Rational Test Workbench pricing varies based on licenses and specific enterprise needs. Users highlight its cost efficiency in large-scale projects, though some note it as a higher upfront investment compared to alternatives. Various pricing tiers accommodate diverse testing requirements, making it suitable for customized enterprise solutions.

  • "It doesn't really concern me. Licensing is on a yearly basis."
  • "The pricing is a little bit on the higher side, although it is really good."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Rational Test Workbench is primarily used for automated functional, regression, and integration testing. Integrates seamlessly with other IBM tools, enhancing the testing environment. Users appreciate its test data generation capabilities and script reusability. Ensures high quality in complex applications and minimizes manual testing efforts. Many have noted its robust process for identifying defects early.

Service and Support

Users find IBM Rational Test Workbench customer service responsive and knowledgeable, addressing issues promptly. Support team provides clear instructions, helping resolve queries efficiently. Documentation is comprehensive, aiding users in troubleshooting common problems independently. Some users express a need for more detailed personalized assistance for complex scenarios. Generally, IBM Rational Test Workbench support enhances user experience, ensuring issues are resolved quickly.

Deployment

Users mention that IBM Rational Test Workbench's initial setup is straightforward and relatively quick. They appreciate the comprehensive documentation provided, which greatly assists during the setup process. Some users find the installation process to be smooth and easy to follow, with very few encountering significant issues. The clear instructions and detailed guidance contribute positively to their initial setup experience with IBM Rational Test Workbench.

Scalability

IBM Rational Test Workbench is praised for its ability to handle large-scale projects, providing robust performance and seamless integration. Users appreciate its powerful automation capabilities and comprehensive test management features. Some mention that it requires significant resources but is highly effective once properly set up. It is also noted for being adaptable to various environments and supporting extensive testing frameworks.

Stability

Users find IBM Rational Test Workbench stable and reliable for their testing needs. It consistently performs well without frequent crashes or bugs. Updates enhance its performance and stability. Some users note occasional minor glitches, but they do not impact the overall functionality.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Performance Testing Tools Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
33%
Computer Software Company
13%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Government
8%
Non Profit
8%
Wholesaler/Distributor
3%
Hospitality Company
3%
Insurance Company
3%
Logistics Company
3%
University
3%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Performing Arts
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
2%
Healthcare Company
2%
Comms Service Provider
2%
Educational Organization
2%

Compare IBM Rational Test Workbench with alternative products

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Learn more about IBM Rational Test Workbench

IBM Rational Test Workbench was previously known as Rational Test Workbench, IBM Rational Performance Tester, IBM Functional Tester, IBM Rational Test Virtualization Server.

IBM Rational Test Workbench customers

Financial Insurance Management Corp.

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Product Categories

Product Categories
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IBM Rational Test Workbench reviews

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PeerSpot user
IT Specialist, ITE at a government with 10,001+ employees
Verified user of IBM Rational Test Workbench
Mar 16, 2021
Good reporting and interface, but supports limited types of protocols and requires low-level script editing

Pros

"Reporting is pretty good. Its interface is also good. I'm overall pretty happy with the functionality and use of IBM Rational Test Workbench. "

Cons

"It should have more interfaces. In terms of interfaces or protocols, what you can do with Rational is far limited as compared to other products out there. What it does, it does great, but it only gives you limited types of protocols. It supports between 8 to 15 types of protocols, whereas other test tools give you 20 to 30 types of protocols with which you can do testing and convert to script. It records Javascript-based scripts, and you got to know a little bit of Java to basically be able to edit them, but the level of editing you got to do is very low. I like that, but the ability to edit the script is not as good as Parasoft or LoadRunner, which have C-Script."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use it for web-based traffic. It is on-premises. The load generators of the test drivers are virtual machines. We are using the second to the latest version.

What is most valuable?

Reporting is pretty good. Its interface is also good. I'm overall pretty happy with the functionality and use of IBM Rational Test Workbench. 

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (340 words)
RC
IT Analyst at Tata Consultancy Services
Verified user of IBM Rational Test Workbench
Sep 25, 2017
Product version discussed: 9.1.0
Using service virtualization, we are able to accelerate the testing and development activity

What is most valuable?

To me as we have used most of the MQ stub," MQ recording" is the best useful feature i would say -because of its flexibility to configure various MQ recording methods as per the implementation and "pass through"feature too.

How has it helped my organization?

The tool is helping us to build various virtual services for various middle layer components: MQ, REST, and SOAP services.

Using service virtualization, we are able to accelerate the testing and development activity.

Without SV, integration testing would not have been smooth and fast in the lower environment.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (617 words)
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KashifJamil - PeerSpot user
CEO at Xcelliti
Verified user of IBM Rational Test Workbench
Feb 25, 2021
Good integration with other tools, stable, scales easily

Pros

"This solution provides for API testing, functional UI testing, performance testing, and service virtualization. "

Cons

"There are a number of things that they can do to simplify the tools, but the most important thing that they need to do is simplify the installation."

What is our primary use case?

We use the Test Workbench for all kinds of testing, including automated testing.

What is most valuable?

All IBM testing tools are really well integrated. They are good at integration and provide valuable collaboration with other tools. If you have the Workbench then it can be integrated and collaborated with other IBM Rational Tools.

This solution provides for API testing, functional UI testing, performance testing, and service virtualization.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
Read full review (326 words)
PeerSpot user
IBM Software Test Lead at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Verified user of IBM Rational Test Workbench
Oct 8, 2015
Product version discussed: 8.5, 8.5.0.1, 8.5.0.2, 8.5.1, 8.6, 8.6.0.2
The Eclipse client has the ability to do the test scripts for recording, although it has the concatenation issues which cause the incorrect grammar in different languages.

What is most valuable?

Rational Test Workbench Eclipse client has the ability to do the test scripts for recording, playback and customization inter-working with Android simulators and iOS simulators.

How has it helped my organization?

I was certifying the quality of Rational Test Workbench in terms of multi-language support so I'm not able to answer this point.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (270 words)