An approach to performance evaluation of software architectures

Abstract

expected performance of a software architecture. The
\nmethod automatically derives a performance evaluation
\nmodel, based on a Queueing Network Model, from a
\nsoftware architecture specification formally described in
\nCHAM (CHemical Abstract Machine). The goal of this
\napproach is to provide a set of measures to compare the
\nperformance of two or more competing software
\narchitectures, even at their high level of abstraction. This
\nmeans that we will be able to derive mathematical relations
\namong the parameters---that is, the evaluation indices---
\ncharacterizing the competing models. Besides assisting in
\nthe choice of a software architecture, these relations give
\ninformation on how to carry on the development process in
\norder to mantain the given performance. To a certain
\nextent, the relations provide further requirements to be
\nfulfilled by an implementation in order to satisfy the
\nchosen performance criteria.