Expert system for performance evaluation of Unix-based computer systems

Abstract

The design of computer systems has historically been focused on determining the needs of users and packaging the needs into applications. It is generally assumed that the computer system configuration and system software will deliver acceptable performance levels. Issues related to system performance and capacity have received insufficient attention even though its importance has been recognized. Expert system technology offers potential to support performance evaluation and capacity planning of computer systems. This paper describes our development efforts in the design, development, and use of a cost-effective PC-based expert system, CPEES, for performance evaluation of Unix-based computer systems. We discuss in this paper the external conceptual architecture and internal structure of the proposed expert system, its prototype implementation on a Unix multiprocessor computer system, and the operation of CPEES and steps involved in the flow of consultation.