Methodology to quantify I/O performance based on analytical models

The goal of this study was to first, identify a pragmatic approach to evaluate and quantify I/O performance and second, to convert the approach into a working analytical I/O model that allows quantifying I/O performance under real world conditions. The focus was on incorporating OS, as well as hardware specific I/O optimization features into the analysis and to establish a framework that allows quantifying the performance of potential hardware configuration alternatives without the necessity to physically implement the different infrastructures. The point of convergence was on modeling an entire I/O stack, while incorporating the major software and hardware I/O optimization features that are present in the I/O path.