Predictive performance analysis of a multi-computer database system

Abstract The multi-computer design has been proposed as an approach to the management of very large databases. This type of system is intended to provide for performance improvements and capacity growth. However, realization of the design goals in a system of this type depends upon resolution of hardware and software design questions regarding physical system configurations, data access, data placement and directory management. The ability of proposed solutions to satisfy design questions can be gauged, at low risk and relatively little cost, through the performance of system simulation models. In this paper we describe the development of an open-queuing network simulation model for a software-oriented multi-computer database system, and the results of a predictive performance analysis of the system.