Simulation of a Large Scale Data Reduction System

Over the next few years, one of the great challenges mankind will be facing is the design and management of increasingly complex systems. Simulation models of these systems will play a major role in meeting this challenge expeditiously and economically. As an example of the use of such techniques this paper describes briefly a Monte Carlo simulation of the Air Force Eastern Test Range data reduction computer system. This system included an IBM 7094/7044/1301 configuration called POD for Process on Demand. It was installed in mid-1964 replacing a 7094/1401 computer system. Additional components of the system included two remaining 1401 systems and a keypunch operation. The purpose was to analyze and predict the behavior of this system under a variety of conditions without interfering with its operation. Indeed, experiments and analyses of the real system were prohibitive at that time, yet, data on the probable response of the system to increasing demands were vitally needed. Thus, some of the conditions explored with the model included: (1) increase or decrease in workload (2) changes in timing schedule of workload input (3) changes in balance of kinds of workload (4) addition or deletion or substitution of hardware (5) software changes which will produce known changes in system parameters (6) internal priority system change