Design and verification of computer performance measure evaluation analysis techniques

Abstract

A methodology is presented by which computer empirical performance models can be obtained in a systematic manner. Five levels of computer systems description are found of interest to the performance analyst. A computer system level is determined by its components, the organization of its components, the rules for allocating its components and the workload imposed by its task environment. A technique is presented by which it is feasible to collect information about the behavior of the system while performing a data processing task. The technique includes the identification of system states, the selection of events relating the performance of a given component and the selection of an adequate data collection tool with corresponding elements such as probes, recording devices and measurement interfaces. The performance of a system is thought to be a complex function of the performance of its components. A method to define and measure performance variables is described. The terminology and concepts apply to any leveL of performance as Jong as the level is defined according to the technique presented in Chapter III. The performance measures represent the performance of individual resources and the performance of the resources operating concurrently.