Jeffrey D. Aman

Adaptive algorithms for managing a distributed data processing workload

Workload management, a function of the OS/390™ operating system base control program, allows installations to define business objectives for a clustered environment (Parallel Sysplex™ in OS/390). This business policy is expressed in terms that relate to business goals and importance, rather than the internal controls used by the operating system. OS/390 ensures that system resources are assigned to achieve the specified business objectives. This paper presents algorithms developed to simplify performance management, dynamically adjust computing resources, and balance work across parallel systems. We examine the types of data the algorithms require and the measurements that were devised to assess how well work is achieving customer-set goals. Two examples demonstrate how the algorithms adjust system resource allocations to enable a smooth adaptation to changing processing conditions. To the customer, these algorithms provide a single-system image to manage competing workloads running across multiple systems.