Enable Java Virtual Machine Profiler Interface (JVMPI) data reporting

Tivoli Performance Viewer uses a Java Virtual Machine Profiler Interface (JVMPI) to enable more comprehensive performance analysis. This profiling tool enables the collection of information such as data about garbage collection for the Java virtual machine (JVM) that runs the application server.

JVMPI is a two-way function call interface between the JVM API and an in-process profiler agent. The JVM API notifies the profiler agent of various events, such as heap allocations and thread starts. The profiler agent can activate or deactivate specific event notifications, based on the needs of the profiler.

JVMPI supports partial profiling. You can select the types of profiling information to collect and select certain subsets of the time during which the JVM API is active.

Note: JVMPI collection is resource intensive and adversely affects the performance of your application server. It is recommended that you only use JVMPI for short periods of time to debug specific problems.

Enable Java Virtual Machine Profiler Interface data reporting

To enable Java Virtual Machine Profiler Interface (JVMPI) data reporting for an individual application server, perform these steps:

  1. Enable performance monitoring services for application servers. If you are running WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment, enable performance monitoring services for node agents.
  2. Start the administrative console.
  3. In the topology tree, expand Servers and click Application Servers.
  4. Click the application server for which you want to enable JVMPI.
  5. Click Process Definition.
  6. Click Java Virtual Machine.
  7. Type -XrunQEJBJVMPI in the Generic JVM arguments field.
  8. Click Apply or OK.
  9. Save the configuration.
  10. Start the application server, or restart the application server if it is currently running.
  11. In Tivoli Performance Viewer, perform these steps:

    • Expand Data Collection.
    • Select Specify.
    • Select JVM Runtime and set Monitor Level to Maximum.
    • Click OK.
    • Click Apply.