Software Performance Engineering Then and Now: A Position Paper

Abstract

Software Performance Engineering (SPE) is about developing software systems that meet performance requirements. It is a proactive approach that uses quantitative techniques to predict the performance of software early in design to identify viable options and eliminate unsatisfactory ones before implementation begins. Despite its effectiveness, performance problems continue to occur. This position paper examines the evolution of SPE. It often helps to re-examine history to see if it yields insights into the future. It concludes with some thoughts about future directions.