Availability modeling and validation methodology for RS/6000 systems

In this paper we show the availability modeling and validation methodology for RS/6000 systems. The availability modeling methodology is used both for prediction of availability characteristics of systems under development, and for the prediction of availability in the special bids process. The core of our methodology is the availability modeling tool-System Availability Estimator (SAVE)-currently being used to predict availability measures. Our availability validation methodology has both a conceptual validation and an empirical validation component. Conceptual model validation is done via model walkthroughs and by talking to the designers. The empirical model validation methodology is performed using tracking data. Concluding, our availability modeling and validation methodology allows us to develop and configure higher availability systems which are critical in the server computer market space.