Performance tuning and bottleneck identification

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When you tune an IBM Storage Protect solution, you must look at all of its components and their configuration. Performance degradation in key operations, including client backups, storage pool migration, and expiration, can be the result of insufficient resources, poor configuration, or both.

The following variables must be examined:
  • Server hardware and its configuration
    • Processors, memory, cache, and storage backplane
    • Internal and external storage resources, including disk systems for the server database, recovery logs, and storage pools
    Any hardware component that is in the data path might be the bottleneck. For illustrations of the data paths and the possible components, see Potential bottlenecks in the data flow for IBM Storage Protect operations.
  • The network that is used for communications and data transfers among the components
  • Client hardware and its configuration, and the characteristics of the client data that is being protected

The best way to begin performance tuning is to provide sufficient resources for and optimally configure the server and clients. For example, for a server provide enough system memory, disk systems that are properly sized and configured to handle the workload, database and logs that are properly separated, and correct operating system settings. For backup-archive clients, key items include enough memory, adequate network bandwidth, and careful choice and configuration of backup methods.

To find bottlenecks and identify ways to improve performance, you can use both built-in tools for systems and storage devices, and IBM Storage Protect tools.

This performance information provides guidelines for the best performance. Also included are procedures and information about analysis tools to identify performance problems.

Standard subscription and support services from IBM do not include extensive performance analysis and tuning. The comprehensive analysis of a performance problem is a billable service that is offered to IBM Storage Protect customers. For more information, see the IBM® Software Support Handbook at http://www.ibm.com/support/customercare/sas/f/handbook/home.html.