AppRAISE: application-level performance management in virtualized server environments

Managing application-level performance for multitier applications in virtualized server environments is challenging because the applications are distributed across multiple virtual machines, and workloads are dynamic in their intensity and transaction mix resulting in time-varying resource demands. In this paper, we present AppRAISE, a system that manages performance of multi-tier applications by dynamically resizing the virtual machines hosting the applications. We extend a traditional queuing model to represent application performance in virtualized server environments, where virtual machine capacity is dynamically tuned. Using this performance model, AppRAISE predicts the performance of the applications due to workload changes, and proactively resizes the virtual machines hosting the applications to meet performance thresholds. By integrating feedforward prediction and feedback reactive control, AppRAISE provides a robust and efficient performance management solution. We tested AppRAISE using Xen virtual machines and the RUBiS benchmark application. Our empirical results show that AppRAISE can effectively allocate CPU resources to application components of multiple applications to meet end-to-end mean response time targets in the presence of variable workloads, while maintaining reasonable trade-offs between application performance, resource efficiency, and transient behavior.