Abstract: A system and method can use statistical modeling of the way that an entire application environment is running. The output from the statistical models can be used by an optimization engine to provide an optimal or near optimal configuration and operation of the application environment for nearly any workloads and conditions. After constructing the statistical models, the operation can be entirely automated and not require human intervention. In another embodiment, some human intervention may be used or desired, particularly for non-reoccurring events (e.g., significant portion of a network for the application environment shut down due to a natural disaster). The system and method can be used to respond faster (closer to real time) and potentially to implement better control than would otherwise be possible with manual control. The system and method is particularly well suited for application environments that are in a nearly constant state of flux.

Abstract: Methods and systems of estimating usage of components within an application environment can use statistical, rather than deterministic methods that may be too intrusive or disturb a network used by the application environment. Different transaction types may have estimated usage of components within the application environment and its corresponding confidence level (that the transaction type uses that specific component) calculated and presented to a user. Asynchronous data and data routinely generated by a component may be used. The workload and utilization data may be conditioned before determining the estimated usage to smooth and filter data and determine accuracy of the correlations.

Abstract: Methods and systems of managing a network can be used in which physical components may be provisioned or de-provisioned without having to manually reconfigure a logical instrument. Logical instruments may be used to monitor or control an application environment. The logical instruments may be coupled to logical objects, which in turn are coupled to physical model objects, which in turn correspond to physical components. Host agents may reside on the physical components to actuate or have actuated a physical component. From a perspective of an operator or a program optimizing or otherwise managing an application environment on a network, the logical instruments appear as static variables (values can change, but the variable itself does not) where dynamic changes to physical components may occur but are transparent to the operator or program.