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Capacity Planning and Performance Modeling (Module 3 Case)

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As we have noted on a variety of occasions, it usually takes technology to manage technology. This is particularly true in the area of evaluating the capacity of information technologies to meet the demands placed upon them. The case for this module looks at some aspects of this problem.

First, read this background on capacity planning:

TeamQuest (2010) How to do capacity planning, Retrieved Nov. 8, 2010, from http://forms.teamquest.com/forms/USCapacityPlanning?gclid=CKiI9oiv6qwCFQNeTAodEiyInw or here

Franklin (2011) IOPS: Performance Capacity Planning Explained. Synology. Retrieved Nov. 8, 2010, from http://blog.synology.com/blog/?p=146

But along with everything else in information technology, things are getting more and more complicated by the transfer of computing resources into "the cloud" - the online world where you don't own your computing environment, but simply inhabit it for a while. Here's a recent take on that issue:

Golden, B. (2011) Cloud makes Capacity Planning Harder - 3 Fight-Back Tips. CIO Magazine. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www.cio.com/article/654471/Cloud_Makes_Capacity_Planning_Harder_3_Fight_Back_Tips

When you've had a chance to read these articles and to review other information from the background and other sources you may come across, please prepare a 2-3 page paper on the topic:

"Does a company need computer capacity evaluation when its computing power has been transferred to cloud-based systems?"

CASE EXPECTATIONS:

Your paper should be between three and five pages. Take a definite stand on the issues, and develop your supporting argument carefully. Using material from the background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; try to avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.

You will be particularly assessed on:

Precision: Your draw on a range of sources, and to establish your understanding of the historical context of the question. You carried out the exercise as assigned, or carefully explained the limitations that might have prevented your completing some parts (running out of time isn't generally considered an adequate limitation).

Support for assertions: You use examples, citations (especially to the required readings), and elaboration to support assertions. You provide evidence that you have read the required background materials.

Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic. You see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.

Breadth and Depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.

Critical thinking: The paper incorporates YOUR reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. It is important to read the "required readings" posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your informed commentary and analysis is vital -- simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.

Overall quality: Your paper is well written and the references, where needed, are properly cited and listed

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The expert examines capacity planning and performance modeling.

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"Does a company need computer capacity evaluation when its computing power has been transferred to cloud-based systems?"

In today's technology based world, capacity planning is facing new challenges. Perhaps the greatest challenge facing capacity planning and management is the explosive use of cloud computing in many networks today. The goal of capacity planning is to provide satisfactory service levels to users in a cost effective manner (TeamQuest, 2010). The challenges presented by cloud-based systems question the effective capacity evaluation an organization must make when determining how to address their capacity management needs.
Capacity planning is challenging for many organizations, as there are a multitude of options available. In the past, the tough decisions were essentially in reference to server capacity. There was no major issue in having too much capacity. The cloud-based systems are steadily changing the game however, when it comes to evaluating needed capacity. Previously, to measure storage system performance capability was to measure its throughput, which measures the average number of megabytes, typically by a single computer (Franklin, 2011). Server administrators have not changed their methods per se, but the use of cloud-based systems may yield the need to evaluate capacity planning and management in a different method.
There are many tools available to administrators to determine which system is more beneficial to the organization. The challenge begins though with the cloud-based systems of capacity planning and management. Under a cloud-based system of capacity planning and management, the user does not have to rely on its internal servers to meet the demand or organizational needs. Instead, the "cloud" allows data to be stored on a shared server network, thus reducing the need for an internal set of servers for the ...

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