6947ch08.fm

Draft Document for Review April 7, 2004 6:15 pm

Each individual LSPR workload is designed to focus on a single major type of activity, such as interactive, on-line database, or batch. The LSPR does not focus on individual pieces of work such as specific job or application. Instead, each LSPR workload includes a broad mix of activity related to that workload type.

The ITR value for each workload environment is measured for IBM (and some non-IBM) processors and the results are published via LSPR tables. An LSPR table shows the ITR Ratios (ITRRs) of each processor within a group related to a base processor. The base processor is set as ITR = 1 for all workloads, so all other processors in the table are compared to the base one, for each workload environment.

To obtain a single number that could estimate the average capacity of a given processor, a mixed workload is also calculated. A mixed workload consists of a mix of selected LSPR workloads. Remember that single-number capacity tables may be useful for rough processor positioning, but cannot provide a precise view of relative processor capacity and should not be used for capacity planing purposes.

The LSPR is now using new predefined mixed workloads, offering better average capacity estimation for the most usual production environments, and providing more representative average numbers for relative processor capacity evaluation.

LSPR workloads prior to z990

The LSPR workloads prior to z990 are listed Table 8-2. The measured ITRs represent Basic Mode.

Table 8-2 LSPR workloads prior to z990 (Basic Mode)

Operating system

Workload type

Workload description

 

 

 

OS/390

FCP1

Engineering and Scientific batch (Floating Point)

 

 

 

 

CBW2

CPU-intensive commercial batch

 

 

 

 

CB84

I/O-intensive commercial batch

 

 

 

 

TSO

Interactive TSO user population

 

 

 

 

CICS/DB2

Traditional OLTP using CICS® and DB2

 

 

 

 

IMS

Traditional OLTP using IMS

 

 

 

 

R3-DB

EAS DB server (SAP SD benchmark)

 

 

 

VM/ESA

CMS1

Interactive CMS user population

 

 

 

VSE/ESA

CICS

Traditional OLTP using CICS

 

 

 

 

CICS VM/V=R

Traditional OLTP using CICS as a VM V=R guest

 

 

 

The default mixed workload consists of an equal mix (25%) of CB84, TSO, CICS/DB2, and IMS workloads, running under OS/390 V2 R10 in Basic mode, in a mixture of 31-bit and 64-bit mode addressing.

For a complete description of these LSPR workloads, refer to Large Systems Performance Reference, SC28-1187.

LSPR workloads for z990

The z990 servers introduce many different innovations, such as multi-book design, LPAR Mode only, up to 32 CPs/IFLs/ICFs/zAAPs, and up to 30 logical partitions. Also, some new

224IBM eServer zSeries 990 Technical Guide

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IBM manual Lspr workloads prior to z990, Lspr workloads for z990, Operating system Workload type Workload description
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990 specifications

The IBM 990 series, often referred to in the context of IBM's pioneering efforts in the realm of mainframe computing, represents a unique chapter in the history of information technology. Introduced in the late 1960s, the IBM 990 series was designed as a powerful tool for enterprise-level data processing and scientific calculations, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing computing capabilities.

One of the main features of the IBM 990 was its architecture, which was built to support a wide range of applications, from business processing to complex scientific computations. The system employed a 32-bit word length, which was advanced for its time, allowing for more flexible and efficient data handling. CPUs in the IBM 990 series supported multiple instructions per cycle, which contributed significantly to the overall efficiency and processing power of the machines.

The technology behind the IBM 990 was also notable for its use of solid-state technology. This provided a shift away from vacuum tube systems that were prevalent in earlier computing systems, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the hardware. The IBM 990 series utilized core memory, which was faster and more reliable than the magnetic drum memory systems that had been standard up to that point.

Another defining characteristic of the IBM 990 was its extensibility. Organizations could configure the machine to suit their specific needs by adding memory, storage, and peripheral devices as required. This modular approach facilitated the growth of systems alongside the technological and operational demands of the business environments they served.

In terms of software, the IBM 990 series was compatible with a variety of operating systems and programming environments, including FORTRAN and COBOL, enabling users to access a broader array of applications. This versatility was a significant advantage, making the IBM 990 an appealing choice for educational institutions, research facilities, and enterprises alike.

Moreover, the IBM 990 was engineered to support multiprocessing, which allowed multiple processes to run simultaneously, further increasing its effectiveness in tackling complex computing tasks.

In summary, the IBM 990 series represents a significant advancement in computing technology during the late 20th century. With a robust architecture, versatile configuration options, and a focus on solid-state technology, the IBM 990 facilitated substantial improvements in data processing capabilities, making it a cornerstone for many businesses and academic institutions of its time. Its impact can still be seen today in the continued evolution of mainframe computing.
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