Experiences of Hierarchical Workload Modeling in Capacity Planning

In an extensive research project we have developed and analyzed modeling tools and techniques to be used in practical situations of capacity planning. Our objective is to construct queueing network models that can be used to analyze the performance of a VAXCluster-system both with measured and with predicted workloads. The reported experiences indicate that the hierarchical modeling of workload provides a fruitful basis for integrating the capacity planning into organization-wide general planning. However, the standard measurement tools of VAX/VMS are insufficient to identify all parameters of the queueing network workload. Considerable specialized knowledge of the examined system, carefully planned and executed benchmarks, and subjective adjustments are required in identifying the io-workload. 1. Introduction In principle, a capacity planning study consists of three primary steps. Current and future business activities identify the needs and opportunities for employing computerized ..