Dynamic Storage Allocation Using Simon\u27s Model of Information Usage.

In today\u27s rapidly changing field of Management Information Systems (MIS) one problem faced by organizations is the consumption of storage capacity due to the growing base of software assets. Research has shown that very few firms effectively monitor program usage. Storage management issues arise due to the fact that many of the programs occupying valuable storage space are used infrequently. In this dissertation, we apply Simon\u27s model of information usage in order to model the dynamic behavior of program usage. This methodology enables organizations to identify the changing usage frequencies of software assets. We propose a classification scheme which MIS personnel can use in order to effectively monitor their program usage tendencies. This classification scheme may then serve as a basis for storage allocation decision-making. Through a study of the dynamic behavior of programs, we have formulated a minimum cost model for hierarchical storage allocation. We will show the value of incorporating dynamic usage frequencies into algorithms which have traditionally considered only a static view