Toward a multiple copy file assignment model for files in a computer system

The placement of files among computer system storage devices can have a significant impact on system performance. Here we present a method to represent multiple copies of read-write files that accounts for the overhead involved in updates. We then present a solution technique for the file assignment problem for the case of read-write files without multiple copies. The technique analyzes the system as a network of queues and assigns files to devices by integer programming. The resultant file assignment is optimal with respect to CPU throughput.