Performance analysis of object-oriented designs for distributed systems

Performance is an important but often overlooked aspect of systems design. As a consequence, deployed software systems can fail to satisfy requirements and frequently disappoint customers and users. Successful systems are often achieved more by trial and error than through engineering practice. This paper describes a Predictive Performance Modelling Environment that enables performance measures such as response time, throughput and utilisation to be derived automatically from UML based designs for distributed systems. The results can then be exploited within the design process to guide the cost effective and timely delivery of systems that meet customer expectations.