GPA Manual for G-series RVUs

Guardian Performance Analyzer (GPA) Manual – (544977-001) Page 15 of 106
Section 1: Introducing GPA
The Guardian Performance Analyzer (GPA) is a software tool designed specifically for
use by system performance analysts, system operations managers, or other persons
responsible for the proper performance of a NonStop system.
GPA consolidates and analyzes system performance data collected by Measure, the
NonStop system performance measuring product. On the basis of its analysis, GPA
indicates how well or how poorly the system is performing and makes recommendations
for improving the overall performance of the system.
GPA recommendations are implemented in a number of different ways. In the cases of
the redistribution of primary disk processes among the node’s CPUs and the
reallocation of disk cache, GPA provides the means of readily implementing its
recommendations in the form of a PUP or SCF input file. In other cases, GPA
recommendations may require a new SYSGEN or hardware reconfiguration to be
implemented. For example, changing the configuration of disk subprocesses is
implemented through a new SYSGEN.
GPA is quick and easy to use:
• It does not require a SYSGEN to be installed.
• It provides recommendations for performance improvements that are incremental.
Not all GPA recommendations have to be implemented.
• It is used in an iterative process. You run GPA, implement the recommendations that
you choose, then run GPA again to determine the performance improvement and
new recommendations. This process is repeated as frequently as is appropriate for
your particular system and requirements.
GPA Benefits and Features
Among the user benefits offered by GPA are the following:
• Enables the performance analyst to become familiar with a system quickly.
• Substantially shortens the time needed to analyze the system’s performance.
• Helps the performance analyst to identify performance problem areas and, in many
cases, to pinpoint the specific causes of such problems.
• Allows the system manager to determine quickly the effectiveness of system
performance management.
GPA has the following features:
• Indicates in clear and simple terms how efficiently system resources are being used.
• Shows to what extent the existing capacity of the system is being used.