1.3.3 System performance tuning
Performance tuning is best carried out by a subject matter expert. The important thing to cover in the planning phase is the allocation of sufficient time for this critical task. Include in your plan enough time for the execution of long running tests.
A long running test establishes, among other things, the stability of the entire system. Long running tests execute over several days and often need to be repeated. In some cases, they can only be run on weekends when systems become available, so do not overlook that possibility when determining constraints, budget, project plans, personnel, and so forth.
Full system performance tuning cannot commence until the application is complete: you cannot tune the performance of an incomplete or broken system.
System performance tuning includes the following steps:
| Performance test the completed system and establish a baseline. |
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| In an n-way, multi-node system, benchmark and tune the performance of an individual node using 1/nth of the workload; then benchmark and tune the complete cluster. |
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| Locate bottlenecks in your system. |
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| List bottlenecks in order of priority and remove them in that order. |
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| Minimize the impact of those bottlenecks that you cannot remove. |
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| Once theperformance objectives have been obtained, measure the system to establish a new baseline. |