Queueing Models of Parallel Applications: The Glamis Methodology

. In the development of efficient parallel applications, reliable performance predictions are essential. However, many performance modelling formalisms, such as queueing networks, are not directly suitable for modelling parallel applications, while for other formalisms the analysis is too expensive. We present a methodology for performance modelling of parallel processing systems (Glamis), based on extended queueing networks, aiming to overcome these problems. The methodology yields reliable performance predictions for a class of parallel machines and programs at relatively low (polynomial time) analysis cost. Additional reductions of analysis cost are obtained by exploiting inherent replications in parallel systems. 1 Introduction Performance predictions of a parallel program running on a parallel machine can be of great importance in a number of situations. A first application is the decision which one from a range of parallel machines is most suitable for a given application. Anoth..