MONITORING PERFORMANCE IN DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS

Continuous monitoring of computer network performance is probably the only solution which allows prompt identification of anomalous function ing conditions and provides knowledge of parameters on which to base r ecovery interventions. A number of tools for performance management al ready exist, but their effectiveness is limited as they are essentiall y inserted inside owner network management solutions. In this paper we describe the realization of PMt, a platform for the development of pe rformance management applications for the control and real-time manage ment of a heterogeneous computer network. PMt uses an object-oriented approach in managing the various elements in the distributed system, a nd defines a methodology for the design of applications to monitor per formance. The methodology is mainly destined for use on distributed sy stems, and provides the user with a set of tools and services that can be used to develop management applications.