A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for binding a process to a selected node of a multi-node system. Input/output activity statistics for a process are retrieved from a set of probes. The set of probes detects a flow of data through an input/output device utilized by the process. A topology of the multi-node system that comprises a location of the input/output device is identified. A node is selected according to a decision policy to form a selected node. The process is bound to the selected node according to the decision policy.