Automated Tuning Systems: Beyond Decision Support

Performance tuning is time-consuming and complex. To aid in this task, many expert systems have been developed that offer advice on tuning actions. This paper describes an emerging technology that goes beyond offering advice: automated tuning systems (ATS). ATS technology automates tuning by using a feedback control mechanism that is layered on top of a target system (e.g., server process, operating system). This paper describes an architecture for automated tuning systems and key technical challenges.