Appendix B. System i Sizing and Performance Data Collection Tools
The following section presents some of the alternative tools available for sizing and capacity planning.
(Note: There are products from vendors not included here that perform similar functions.)
All of the
tools discussed here support the current range of System i products, and include the capability to model
logical partitions, partial processors (micropartitions) and server workload consolidation. The products
supplied by vendors other than IBM require usage licenses from the respective vendor.
All of these
products depend on performance data collected through Collection Services.
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Performance Data Collection Services
This tool which is part of the operating system collects system and job performance data which is the
input for many of the sizing tools that are available today. It replaced the Performance Monitor in
V5R1 and provides a more efficient and flexible way to collect performance data.
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IBM Systems Workload Estimator
The IBM Systems Workload Estimator (a.k.a., the Estimator or WLE) is a web-based sizing tool for
System i, System p, and System x. You can use this tool to size a new system, to size an upgrade to
an existing system, or to size a consolidation of several systems.
See Chapter 22 for a discussion and
a link for the IBM Systems Workload Estimator.
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System i Batch Modeling tool STRBCHMDL. (BATCH400)
This is best for MES upgrade sizing where the 'Batch Window' is important. BCHMDL uses
Collection Services data to allow the user to view the batch jobs on a timeline. The elapsed time
components (cpu, cpu queuing, disk, disk queuing, page faulting, etc.) are also available for viewing.
The user can change the jobs or the configuration and run an analysis to determine the effect on batch
runtime. The user can also model the effect of changing a single job into multiple jobs running
concurrently. It can be found at: http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/perfmgmt/sizing.html
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PATROL for iSeries - Predict - BMC Software Inc
Users of PATROL for iSeries – Predict interact through a 5250-interface with the performance
database files to develop a capacity model for a system based on performance data collected during a
period of peak utilization. The model is then downloaded to a PC for stand-alone predictive
evaluation. The results show resource utilization and response times in reports and graphics. An
enhancement supports LPAR configurations and the assignment of partial processors to partitions and
attempts to predict the response time impact of virtual processors specifications. You will be able to
find information about this product at
http://www.bmc.com
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Performance Navigator - Midrange Performance Group Inc
Sizing is one of the options included in the Performance Navigator product. Performance data can be
collected on a regular (with the installation of Performance Navigator on the System i) or on an ad
hoc basis. It can also use data prepared by PM for the System i platform. The sizing option is
usually selected after evaluation of summary performance data, and represents a day of data.
Continuous interaction with a System i host is required. A range of graphics present resource
utilization of the system selected. The tool supports LPAR configurations and the assignment of
partial processors to partitions. Performance Navigator presents a consolidated view of a
multi-partition system. You will be able to find information about this product at
http://www.mpginc.com
For more information on other System i Performance Tools, see the Performance Management web page
at
http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/perfmgmt/
.
IBM i 6.1 Performance Capabilities Reference - January/April/October 2008
©
Copyright IBM Corp. 2008
Appendix B - System i Platform Sizing
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