Computer Performance Analysis: Applications of Accounting Data.

Virtually all third-generation computer systems collect and record computer accounting data. However, these data are seldom used except at those installations that use accounting data to charge for computer services. This report describes the types of accounting data generally available at most computer installations. It then discusses techniques for conditioning and reducing the data, along with various reports on system performance and workload characteristics that can be generated from the data. The report mainly concerns specific applications of accounting-data analysis in computer performance analysis. The most heavily stressed application employs the statistical analysis tools of regression analysis and cluster analysis to measure the effects on performance of a major system modification. Other applications of accounting-data analysis include validating and supplementing the data collected by hardware or software measuring devices, and use in developing effective computing charging schemes. 74 pp. Ref.