The present invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a
system comprising computer software operating on computer hardware. In
accordance with the present invention, system performance is modeled by
fitting non-linear curves to data points for system performance
parameters, such as response time and throughput, as a function of load.
Data points may be measured in testing may be measured through monitoring
a system operating in a production environment. While a variety of
non-linear curves may be used in accordance with the present invention, a
logarithmic curve may be used to model system throughput and an
exponential curve may be used to model system response time. By defining
a relationship between throughput and response time a distance may be
calculated between the curves, and this distance may be used to determine
an optimal load. Additionally, a graph displaying both throughput and
response time as a function of load may be displayed to a system operator
in a graphical user interface to facilitate the evaluation of system
performance.