The quest for the perfect server for network computing applications

Abstract

This talk begins with an examination of server-side architecture and workload trends. Severe performance and availability gaps in server architecture, compounded by the growing cost and complexity of development and deployment, are shown hampering the successful adoption of Web services. Two architectural remedies are proposed: (I) unification of I/O and memory; and (II) whole system programming. The proposed Apsara architecture for servers combines these new techniques with the best of existing server architecture concepts. The talk concludes with identification of key technical challenges and opportunities, and insights from early experiences in implementing Apsara.