Discrete event simulation model for analysis of horizontal scaling in the cloud computing model

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the cloud model is the ability for the service users to horizontally scale computing resources to match customer demand. Because the cloud model is offered in a pay-as-you-go schem, it is in the service user's best interest to maximize utilization while still providing a high quality of service to the customer. This paper describes a discrete event simulation model that is used to explore the relationship between the horizontal scaling profile configurations and the functionality of the cloud model. Initial results show that both a state-aware load distribution algorithm and the parameters that dictate the elasticity of the horizontal scaling ability are essential to achieving high rates of utilization. Through modeling and simulation, this paper presents both a framework and initial results to further explore the cloud model.