Maximum Performance with WebSphere Application Server V5.1 on iSeries

6 Maximum Performance with WebSphere Application Server V5.1 on iSeries

1.4 Maximizing server performance

This redbook covers server performance. It includes such topics as performance

measurement and analysis, performance characteristics of applications running on the

WebSphere Application Server, capacity planning, and how to do sizing of applications

deployed on the WebSphere Application Server.

The server performance components are integrated in three major areas:

 Application

 Web server and Web application server

 System software and hardware

Figure 1-4 outlines the general composition of the server. However, you may find that

additional components are needed in your own environment. You need to fully understand

and be aware of these components to maximize server performance.

Figure 1-4 Performance as a balancing act

Performance is a balancing act. There is an optimum point at which the expenditure of time to

measure matches the value of the improvements that may be obtained. Fundamentally, you

are always looking for the most gains from the least effort.

The factors that influence overall system and application performance include:

 Hardware configuration: Sufficient hardware resources must be present and available to

the application.

 System tuning options: Ensure that the system and subsystems make the most efficient

use of the hardware resources available.

 Application

–

Application architecture

: The performance of a good architecture, even if implemented

poorly, can frequently be overcome by application tuning, but the reverse does not apply.

– Application design: Poor design or implementation can sometimes be overcome by

tuning.

Consider all these elements as a combined whole when looking for performance

opportunities.

OS/400 & hardware

WebSphere & Web server

Application

Capacity and

performance

management

Application design

Application architecture

Application tuning

WebSphere/Web

server tuning

Hardware configuration

OS software tuning