Abstract: A method, system and computer program product enables the granular collection and utilization of hardware statistical samples for the efficient scheduling and allocation of data processing resources. In particular, a Partition Statistics Capture and Analysis (PSCA) utility utilizes special purpose registers to collect statistical samples, such as: (1) instructions completed; (2) Level2 (L2) cache misses; (3) cycles per instruction (CPI); and/or (4) other statistics selected based on the programming of the PSCA utility. Further, these statistical samples are utilized for the several purposes, including: (1) determining how long (time) the footprint of a partition takes to become established during the “cold start” period, i.e., during system instantiation; (2) detecting movement of the CPI curve in order to determine the (shifted) location of the onset of steady state (i.e., the knee) on the CPI curve; and (3) utilizing the statistical samples to guide dispatch decisions and make tuning recommendations.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for balancing access among multiple logical partitions to the physical system resources of a computer system employing system virtualization. Each of the logical partitions is classified, initially during a startup period, in accordance with a level of allocated dispatch window utilization. Performance metrics of one or more of the physical system resources are determined in association with one or more of the logical partitions. The performance metrics determination is performed at a hardware level independent of programming interrupts. During a dispatch window in which a given set of the physical system resources are configured for allocation to one of the logical partitions, the given set of physical system resources are re-allocated to a replacement logical partition in accordance with the determined performance metrics associated with the replacement logical partition and the dispatch window utilization classification of the replacement logical partition.

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for balancing access among multiple logical partitions to the physical system resources of a computer system employing system virtualization. Each of the logical partitions is classified, initially during a startup period, in accordance with a level of allocated dispatch window utilization. Performance metrics of one or more of the physical system resources are determined in association with one or more of the logical partitions. The performance metrics determination is performed at a hardware level independent of programming interrupts. During a dispatch window in which a given set of the physical system resources are configured for allocation to one of the logical partitions, the given set of physical system resources are re-allocated to a replacement logical partition in accordance with the determined performance metrics associated with the replacement logical partition and the dispatch window utilization classification of the replacement logical partition.

Abstract: A system for prioritizing resource requests. One or more resource requests are received. The one or more resource requests are prioritized in a queue according to a priority attribute that is associated with each of the one or more resource requests. A resource request with a highest priority in the queue is selected and processed. Then, a response to the resource request with the highest priority is sent.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided in the operating system for recording context switch times. The operating system, the application, or the resource also includes a mechanism for recording response times. At the time of a request, the operating system may compare an average context switch time to an average response time corresponding to the request. The operating system may then decide whether to perform a context switch based on the comparison. Alternatively, the application may receive the average context switch time from the operating system and compare the average context switch time to an average response time corresponding to the request. The application may then decide whether to relinquish the processor or spin on the lock based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system for making a determination to send a synchronous or asynchronous resource request. In response to sending a request to receive response time data for resource requests, the response time data for resource requests is received and stored. A request from a requester is received for response time data for a particular type of resource request. The response time data for the resource requests is searched for the particular type of resource request. In response to finding the response time data for the particular type of resource request within the response time data for the resource requests, the response time data for the particular type of resource request is sent to the requester. The requester either sends a synchronous or asynchronous resource request based on the response time data for the particular type of resource request.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for establishing a priority level for data in a cache. A determination is made whether data is designated for slower aging within the cache during execution of instructions for an application. The priority level for the data in the cache is set in response to a determination that the data is designated for slower aging. The priority level indicates that the data is aged slower than other data without the priority level.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing data in a cache. Data in the cache is identified that has been designated by an application to form identified data. The identified data is aged in the cache at a slower rate than other data in the cache that is undesignated for slower aging in response to identifying the data in the cache.

Abstract: Manipulation of distributed heterogeneous data in a data processing system having multiple diverse data sources is permitted by providing a global data directory which maps the location of data, specific data entity attributes and data source parameters. An attribute table is provided within the global data directory which sets forth desired attributes in a logical data model for each data entity within the data processing system. A domain table related to the attribute table is utilized to specify domain information for each data entity attribute. Route and cross-reference tables are provided and utilized to specify data source or database parameters and a cross-reference between logical names within the logical data model and the diverse data sources. Desired heterogeneous data is then accessed utilizing the route and cross-reference tables and converted utilizing any known technique into an output having the desired attributes set forth within the attribute table.