The Performance Center of Excellence always starts with the right resources, not just a lot of headcount. A performance COE starts with engineers who are passionate about performance and have a solid reputation for using best of breed processes. A solid methodology is customized within the organization depending on their needs. There is an incubation period where this new department (or set of resources) must prove out their value. The team should focus on the projects that are in need of saving, or “key wins”. There are projects where performance testing methodology can truly shine. The “center” officially begins when that organization becomes recognized as a magnet for drawing other organizational units to it. After a few key wins, and the open marketing that follows, it won’t take long for other projects in jeopardy to beat down the doors of the COE, looking for help.