Workload management, a function of the OSf390" operating system base control program, allows installations to define business objectives for a clustered environment (Parallel SysplexTM in OSl390). This business policy is expressed in terms that relate to business goals and importance, rather than the internal controls used by the operating system. OSf390 ensures that system resources are assigned to achieve the specified business objectives. This paper presents algorithms developed to simplify performance management, dynamically adjust computing resources, and balance work across parallel systems. We examine the types of data the algorithms require and the measurements that were devised to assess how well work is achieving customer-set goals. Two examples demonstrate how the algorithms adjust system resource allocations to enable a smooth adaptation to changing processing conditions. To the customer, these algorithms provide a singlesystem image to manage competing workloads running across multiple systems. Wopyright 1997 by International Business Machines Corporation. Copying in printed form for private use is permitted without payment of royalty provided that (1) each reproduction is done without alteration and (2) the Journal reference and IBM copyright notice are included on the first page. The title and abstract, but no other portions, of this paper may be copied or distributed royalty free without further permission by computer-based and other information-service systems. Permission to republish any other portion of this paper must be obtained from the Editor.

No abstract