Abstract
M.Sc (Computer Science.)
This dissertation details the implementation of SNAP, a stochastic network analysis package, as the basis of an in-house computer configuration planning facility. The work was performed at Head Office, Gold Fields of South Africa Limited, Johannesburg, South
Africa (GFSA) during the period April 1980 to December 1981.
SNAP was developed by the Institute of Applied Computer Science at the University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa. The implementation of SNAP at GFSA signalled the first in-house SNAP facility, and the first SNAP implementation on an ICL computer (although implementation had been in progress at another ICL site
since 1979). Although this dissertation is very specific in nature, it is intended to provide an insight into the methodology employed in planning and implementing an in-house configuration planning facility. An overview of multiclass queueing network models and the SNAP package is provided, although no attempt is made to explain the stochastic
theory of queueing networks in any detail.
Attention is thereafter focussed on the various phases of the project. Problems were encountered in monitoring performance data, and these are looked at in some depth. The question of workload characterization and the difficulties of producing a satisfactory GFSA classification strategy are then presented.
The model design, calibration and validation stages are explained using the GFSA model. Thereafter, use of the model for prediction purposes is illustrated by means of a number of examples.
Finally, tne memory management model is discussed - main memory does not form part of the SNAP model and has to be dealt with as a separate issue.