Performance Assurance for IT Systems

Published:
August 12, 2004 by Auerbach Publications - 376 Pages
Author(s):
Brian King

Purchasing Options

Hardback
$107.95
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ISBN 9780849327780
Cat# AU2778
 

Features

  • Recommends a focus on performance-related issues throughout the system lifecycle to meet service level objectives and limit expensive design rework
  • Enables the formulation of customized and coherent approaches to Performance Assurance
  • Discusses hardware and software technologies, vendors, technical infrastructures, and benchmarks
  • Emphasizes hardware sizing during the early stages of the project, and design approaches that ensure satisfactory performance and scalability of server-based systems before they go into production
  • Covers the non-functional elements of IT procurements from the perspective of both client and bidder
  • Provides a series of succinct technology primers that explain aspects of key hardware and software components of IT systems including SANs, servers, and databases

    • Summary

    Performance Assurance for IT Systems emphasizes the importance of addressing performance and technology-related issues from the beginning of the planning process, at the feasibility and bid stages. It promotes the concept of Performance Assurance throughout the entire system lifecycle, covering technology, relevant processes, and people-related topics.

    This accessible, jargon-free book shows how to meet the increasing pressure to deliver proposals and systems in shorter timescales, emphasizing pragmatic, cost-effective, and well-designed systems. The book consists of two major parts: Part I covers the processes deployed throughout the system lifecycle, including the choice of technologies, client requirements, sizing, stress testing, and capacity management; Part II provides a technology foundation made up of brief primers on hardware and software technologies, discussing key factors that influence performance and helping management make informed decisions on technical risk.

    The author includes references to problems encountered on "real life" projects, and provides insight valuable to a variety of IT professionals, from technical architects and developers to IT management.

    Table of Contents

    INDIVIDUAL AREAS OF INTEREST
    Preparing for the Challenge
    Abstract
    Introduction
    In the Beginning
    The Need to Address New Applications
    Definition of Performance
    The Required Skills
    Performance Assurance Within a Project Lifecycle
    Summary

    Caveat Emptor (Let the Buyer Beware)
    Abstract
    Software Product Lifecycle
    Hardware Product Lifecycle
    Marketing
    Technical Reviews of Products

    Lies, Damned Lies and Benchmarks
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Industry Benchmarks
    Vendor Benchmarks
    Independent Benchmarking
    In-House Benchmarking
    "Tricks of the Trade"
    Using Benchmarks

    Non-Functional Requirements and Solutions
    Abstract
    Introduction
    The Problems
    Sizing Information
    Performance Requirements
    Hardware Sizing
    Hardware Deployment and Scalability
    Availability
    The Need for Business Continuity
    Summary

    Hardware Sizing: The Crystal Ball Gazing Act
    Abstract
    The Challenge
    Summary of Hardware Sizing Approaches
    High Level Sizing Method
    Batch Processing Considerations
    Sizing Software Products
    Sizing Reviews
    Deliverables
    Hardware Sizing Revisited
    Change
    Summary

    Bid Logistics
    Abstract
    The Challenge
    Bid Qualification
    The Political Dimension
    Teaming
    Dealing with Hardware and Software Vendors
    Iterative Sizing
    Bid Reviews
    Prototypes
    BAFO
    Documentation
    Summary

    Designing for Performance, Scalability, and Resilience
    Abstract
    Initial Observations
    Basic Design Principles
    General Thoughts and Guidelines
    Coding and Testing
    Summary

    Awareness of Queues
    Abstract
    Queues
    Locks
    Tackling Delays
    Analytic and Simulation Modeling Tools
    Alternative Approaches
    Summary

    Non-Functional Acceptance
    Abstract
    The Issues
    Stress Testing
    Soak Testing
    Operational-Readiness Testing
    Summary

    Post-Production
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Classic Capacity Management
    A Minimalist Approach to Capacity Management

    Softer Issues
    Abstract
    Introduction
    Devil's Advocate and Seductive Technology
    Communication
    Awareness of Cost
    Awareness of Time
    Over-Engineering
    Smoke-Filled Rooms
    Team Balance
    Multi-Tasking
    Client Responsibilities
    Technical Postmortem
    All-Rounders

    So What?
    "My Way"
    Informed Approach

    TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION
    Introduction to Technology Tasters

    Operating Systems

    CPU Basics

    Memory

    Hard Disk Basics

    Server Infrastructure

    Multiprocessors (Shared Memory)

    Hard Disk: Fibre Channel, SAN and NAS

    File Access Basics

    Relational Database Basics

    Back-End Server Clusters

    Network Basics

    Firewalls

    Server Load Balancing

    Web Server and Cache Server

    LDAP Server

    Modern Server-Side Development Technologies

    Editorial Reviews

    "Its unique contribution lies in its concentration on the pre-production stage of the project life cycle…Overall, this book is both well-written and edited. It contains many useful illustrations that add to the readability of the text. One of its greatest strengths is its organizing theme…If you are actively involved in any phase of the SDLC or RAD processes, then Performance Assurance for IT systems should be a must read and a welcome addition to your personal or corporate library."
    - Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 12, No. 3, 2005

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