2 Configuring gWLM to manage workloads

This chapter describes the various aspects of configuring gWLM to effectively manage the resources for your workloads.

Policy types

You can define several types of policies to instruct gWLM how to manage the resources for your workloads. These types are:

Fixed

Allocates a fixed (constant) amount of CPU resources to a workload’s

 

compartment.

 

gWLM satisfies these policies before attempting to satisfy any other type of

 

policies.

Utilization

Attempts to keep a workload’s CPU utilization close to a target percentage by

 

requesting more CPU resources when the workload is using too much of its

 

current CPU resource allocation or by requesting fewer resources when the

 

workload is using too little of its allocation. For example, assume a workload

 

has a utilization policy with a target of 80% and an allocation of 5 cores. If

 

the workload is consuming 4.5 cores, its utilization percentage is 4.5/5, or

 

90%. gWLM would attempt to allocate additional CPU resources to the

 

workload’s compartment to meet the target. An allocation of 6 cores would

 

result in a utilization percentage of 4.5/6, or 75%, meeting the target.

 

With a utilization policy, you specify the minimum and maximum CPU resource

 

requests. Workloads with this type of policy are always allocated at least the

 

minimum request. Utilization policies allow you to prioritize workloads.

OwnBorrow

Allows you to set the following values:

 

Amount of CPU resources, in cores, a workload’s compartment owns.

 

Minimum amount of CPU resources, in cores, a workload’s compartment

 

must have (after lending resources to other workloads).

 

Maximum amount of CPU resources, in cores, a workload’s compartment

 

can have (after borrowing resources from other workloads).

 

The compartment of a workload with an OwnBorrow policy is allocated the

 

owned CPU resources when needed. The minimum and maximum sizes allow

 

you to specify how much the workload can lend (when resources are not needed)

 

or borrow (when additional resources are needed and available). If a

 

compartment has lent out cores and that compartment’s workload becomes

 

busy, the compartment re-acquires those lent-out cores.

Custom

Available for advanced users. For information on custom policies, refer to the

 

online help or gwlmxml(4).

Conditional

Specifies the existing policy to use when a time-based condition, a file-based

 

condition, or a Serviceguard condition is met.

14 Configuring gWLM to manage workloads

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HP UX 11i Workload Management (gWLM/WLM) Software manual Configuring gWLM to manage workloads, Policy types

UX 11i Workload Management (gWLM/WLM) Software specifications

HP-UX 11i Workload Management (gWLM/WLM) software is an integral component of HP's premier UNIX operating system, designed to enhance system performance and resource management across diverse workloads. This advanced tool allows system administrators to monitor, control, and allocate resources effectively to achieve optimal performance, reliability, and service levels in enterprise environments.

One of the main features of gWLM/WLM is its ability to classify workloads and manage them according to specific policies set by the administrator. By using service level objectives (SLOs), administrators can define the performance criteria for various applications and workloads. gWLM continuously tracks these workloads, ensuring that they adhere to the defined SLOs, thus maintaining a high level of application performance.

The software employs resource pools, which segment resources such as CPU, memory, and I/O bandwidth among different workloads based on predefined priorities. This capability ensures that critical applications receive the resources they require, even during peak usage periods, thereby preventing resource starvation that could lead to system slowdowns or crashes.

Another significant characteristic of gWLM/WLM is its real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities. The software provides detailed insights into resource utilization, workload performance, and system health. Administrators can access this information through a user-friendly interface, allowing for informed decision-making and proactive management.

Integration with HP Serviceguard adds another layer of functionality, enabling high availability for critical applications. gWLM can orchestrate workload migration to ensure that service levels are maintained, even in the event of hardware failures or resource contention.

The technology behind gWLM/WLM is built on advanced algorithms that leverage historical data and predictive modeling to optimize resource allocation dynamically. This means that as workloads change, the system can automatically adjust resource distribution to meet performance targets without the need for constant manual intervention.

gWLM also supports integration with various enterprise management tools, enabling administrators to implement comprehensive monitoring and management strategies across the IT infrastructure. The scalability of gWLM allows organizations of all sizes to benefit from its robust workload management features, ensuring that they can adapt to changing demands in their operational environments.

In summary, HP-UX 11i Workload Management software offers a sophisticated solution for optimizing resource utilization, managing workloads effectively, and maintaining high performance in complex enterprise environments. Its comprehensive features and technologies make it an essential tool for any organization seeking to enhance their IT operations.