Performance by design: a management process

It is emphasized that computer performance is not achieved by accident but must be designed into the product from the beginning, and that this requires knowledge of the customer application. It is noted that this is a radical change from the approach of hardware design first, followed by the software being added on later, with performance measured last. The authors describe the need to predict performance and the significant elements of prediction. They also discuss the role of these predictions in the design process and the importance of system design. Performance checkpoints and validation are also discussed. The process described was used in the development of IBM S/370 mid-range processors.<>