Abstract: Under the present invention, communication flows between applications in the multi-tiered environment are identified. For each communication flow identified, bandwidth consumption is determined. In general, the bandwidth consumption for a communication flow is determined based on a set of variables that includes one or more of the following: whether the communication flow is persistent, a payload/package size of the communication flow, a quantity of destination computers (endpoints) for the communication flow, a required delivery time for the communication flow, a desired network utilization for the communication flow, and a rate of simultaneous use of applications involved the communication flow. Once determined, the bandwidth consumption for the individual communication flows can be aggregated to determine the total bandwidth consumption across the environment. Using this value, decisions can be made about the best way to deploy or arrange the environment.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises: providing a logical design, including at least one hub containing central management tools, and a plurality of lower tiers containing local management tools; placing components according to the design; and providing, from the hub, one or more management functions. The lower tiers include one or more elements chosen from RIM's, spokes, and POD's.