a2) United States Patent
`US 7,159,184 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`
` Ullah et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jan. 2, 2007
`
`
`US007159184B2
`
`(54) METHOD AND GRAPHICAL USER
`INTERFACE FOR CREATING A
`CONFIGURATION FILE USED TO
`ALLOCATE COMPUTER SYSTEM
`RESOURCES AMONG WORKLOADS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Syed S. Ullah,Irving, TX (US);
`Michael D. Murphy, Allen, TX (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development
`Company, L.P., Houston, TX (US)
`.
`.
`.
`pateieoktendedoradivstedunder35
`US.C. 154(b) by 645 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/207,874
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 31, 2002
`
`(65)
`
`(51)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2004/0021678 Al
`Feb. 5, 2004
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`GO6F 3/01
`(2006.01)
`GO6F 17/40
`(2006.01)
`G06F 17/02
`(2006.01)
`GO6F 3/048
`715/762: 715/771: 715/779:
`(52) US. CL
`1 5/066: 715/970: 717/121: 711/170
`.
`,
`y
`.
`.
`°
`(58) Field of Classification Search vee m17/104105,
`717/121, 109-110, 1; 710/10, 29; 715/762,
`. TISITTL, 779, 966, 970; 71/170
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`5,924,101 A *
`6,053,951 A
`6,266,658 Bl
`6,295,531 Bl
`6,341,361 Bl
`6,396,516 Bl
`2004/0015949 AL*
`
`7/1999 Bach etal... 707/103 R
`4/2000 McDonald etal.
`7/2001 Adyaetal.
`9/2001 Baeet al.
`1/2002 Basto et al.
`5/2002 Beatty
`1/2004 Taylor eee TAT
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`x
`.
`Nick et al., OS/390 Newsletter, Aug. 2000, Issue 3, pp. L-118.
`WSCPerformance Team (IBM), Workload Management Overview,
`Feb. 2002, pp. 1-75.*
`WSCPerformance Team (IBM), WLM Operational Considerations,
`ok
`Tul. 2000, pp. 1-25.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—RaymondJ. Bayerl
`Assistant Examiner—Namitha Pillai
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Amethodis disclosed for creating a configurationfile for use
`with a resource allocator that allocates computer system
`resources, such as CPU resources, among workloads oper-
`ating on the system. A software application referred to as a
`“wizard” generates a graphical user interface (GUI) having
`multiple linked input screens to prompt a user step-by-step
`to enter specifications for the workloads. The GUIdisplays
`a prompt for a user to define a workload and to configure a
`resource allocation policy for the defined workload. The
`CPU resource allocation policy specifies how resources are
`allocated to the defined workload. The wizard receives the
`requested specifications from a user input device. Based on
`the received specifications, a configuration file is created and
`may be used by a resource allocator to allocate resources
`among workloads according to the specifications.
`
`5,428,791 A *
`
`6/1995 Andrew et al. ........ TNWA21
`
`25 Claims, 31 Drawing Sheets
`
` 510
`2
`
`
`
`Username/Netgroup
`
`
`
`
`
`120{
`
`121
`
`514
`
`192)
`
`Ll4
`
`118
`
`504
`971
`
`
`
`
`HP-UX WLMConfiguration Wizard
`
`Assign Users to a Workload (Optional)
`
`Optionally assign users or netgroups to workloads. Ifa
`
`
`
`useris not assigned to ary workload,the useris assigned
`to the default workload.
`
`
`
`
`Specify a netgroup with a "+" before the netgroup name.
`
`Workload
`
`finance W
`
`
`
`1. Define Workload
`2. Configure CPU
`Allocation/Control
`
`212
`
`506
`
`3. Define Additional or
`Edit/Delete Existing
`Workload
`It Assign Users
`5. Viewand Save
`Configuration
`
`516
`
`220
`
`Google Exhibit 1036
`Google v. VirtaMove
`
`Google Exhibit 1036
`Google v. VirtaMove
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`qT
`
`NOILNOFXY
`
`02YOLVOOTIV
`
`TDIA
`
`
`qOMNOSayitaa
`
`
`
`
`
`YOSSAOOUd
`
`02
`
`
`
`INdNIadSn
`
`OSAVTdSId!|~©—-OLWALSASWALNdWOO
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 2 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`001
`
`101
`
`c0I
`
`fCAXOWAN
`
`NOILNOdXY
`
`qouNosay
`
`ILYOLVOOTIV
`IYOSSAOOUd
`
`7WHANAS
`
`cl
`
`rl
`
`COT
`
`CYVZIM
`
`96
`
`¢Old
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`BEGIN
`
`PROMPT USER FOR SPECIFICATIONS FOR
`RESOURCE ALLOCATIONS USING
`GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
`
`BASED ON CONFIGURATIONFILE
`
`RECEIVE SPECIFICATION FROM
`USER INPUT DEVICE
`
`CREATE CONFIGURATIONFILE
`BASED ON RECEIVED SPECIFICATIONS
`
`ALLOCATE SYSTEM RESOURCES
`
`410
`
`420
`
`430
`
`440
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`PROMPT USER TO DEFINE A WORKLOAD}~_411
`
`Cay
`
`410
`
`PROMPT USER TO CONFIGURE CPU
`ALLOCATION FOR THE DEFINED WORKLOAD
`
`412
`
`PROMPT USER TO ADD WORKLOADS OR|_43
`EDIT/DELETE EXISTING CONFIGURATIONS]
`~~~
`
`DATA
`
`414
`417
`
`
`
`
`ADD OR
`ADD SNEDIT/DELETE._|PROMPT USER TOEDITDELETE LOAD
`
`
`
`
`
`WORKLOADS?
`SELECT
`SELECTED
`
`
`
`
`f WORKLOAD||WORKLOAD
`
`
`CONTINUE
`419
`
`415
`
`TO EDIT
`
`
`
`
`
`PROMPT USER TO ASSIGN USERS TO
`WORKLOADS
`
`EDIT
`
`DELETE
`DELETE
`SELECTED
`WORKLOAD
`
`420
`
`42]
`
`
`ANY
`
`DEFINED
`WORKLOADS
`REMAINING
`
`NO
`
`FIG. 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 5 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`PROMPT USER TO IDENTIFY A WORKLOAD
`
`451
`
`3 41
`
`PROMPTUSER TO ASSIGN EXECUTABLE(S)
`TO IDENTIFIED WORKLOAD
`
`PROMPT USERTO ASSIGN PRIORITY LEVEL
`TO IDENTIFIED WORKLOAD
`
`;
`
`:
`:
`
`PROMPT USER FOR CPU ALLOCATION
`POLICY
`
`452!
`
`453 !
`
`454
`
`12
`
`! NON-METRIC[~470METRIC [460
`
`!
`416
`
`'[SHARES PER|.462 [SERVICE LEVEL 472. [FIXED
`
`
`
`
`
`| [NS|CPUUSAGEMETRIC OBJECTIVE |_| pntiTLEMENT
`
`
`
`
`
`| PROMPTFOR|.464 [PROMPT FOR|4.4 aya.{PROMPT USER
`
`
`
`:
`[METRIC NAME
`NAME OF
`FOR
`METRIC
`ENTITLEMENT
`
`PROMPT FOR
`
`PROMPT FOR
`COMPARISON|.469
`
`
`NUMBER OF
`466|VALUEAND
`SHARESPER
`OPERATOR
`METRIC
`
`
`
`
`478
`
`VALUES
`
`PROMPT USER
`FOR MINIMUM
`AND MAXIMUM
`CPU USAGE
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 6 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`
`SIM)UT‘UOKeINSIyUOSJT[ENIULueajearoATpidernodsdjayprezimsty,
`
`
`
`UBSNO“UOTTUTJEppeopyIOMsiafduiosveYsnor)NOxsapmngpreziaSTYL,
`
`
`
`
`
`JPY‘SPLOTAIOMSuysixXsDo[Op/IpoJOspeopyOM[BUOTIPpeoULJapUayy
`
`
`
`
`‘pIeZIA\OU}ULaTQRTIVAeJOUSOINIedyPAYTAA[BUONIppeUOUOTBULIOJUT104
`
`
`238‘peopom&JO}saanjoalqoajduyjnurJosaaaelqo[eUoHIpuCsseyons
`
`
`
`
`
`
`saoimosalareysyey}‘sassaoardJosdnois10‘sproyyioasauljeq-
`JOUSOP]]“SUONBINBIpWODMauBywardOFpIVZIMSI)asnATUOUdNOZ
`
`
`
`“SPEOLYIOMBSOY}OFSJaSNUBISse‘spROTyOMSU)[]eSuTeaIouUvdNOA
`
`
`
`
`01AIMSulnoyye‘peopyomyore10Jseatioalgoaznong-
`
`‘QTYBO11DABSPUBUONBINZYUOSoyALdTAUDNOA‘AT[CUTA
`
`
`
`
`“djayprezopJouONDasSOINIesJJALAN[PUCTUPpY,oy]
`santioudmoduopaseqseoinoseldDaeo0T[e
`
`
`plezia,UOneINSTJUODWIM,XN-dH01sWrOsTa,
`
`rOl
`
`SIUSUIIPMIUEdDPOXTy-
`
`
`oLyoulJodsareysdD-
`
`AguatoyyaadesndD-
`
`
`
`
`
`soaroolqopaseg-sLNoyy-
`
`801
`
`901
`
`9“DId
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`“suOneINZYyUOSSuSTXeAPTPOUL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SOIMIVIJALTASUTAAOT[OJBU)SUCddnsprez3yL
`
`
`
`PJEZIAALONEINDUODWIMXN-dHEd
`
`
`
`nod‘UOTBINSTUOD
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 7 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`JO}SIQIOVIBYOIYSIOULY)DOUOUB87)“PEO{YIOMINASULA
`
`
`
`PEOPIONM,AJUUSP]
`
`
`
`pIeZIAAUOITeINGYUOD|]
`
`Ol
`
`
`
`
`022SSEQUIEPBOLIC)UBJOJSIPEOTYIOASIU}JOJOYMYIoYyD
`
`
`pec|qaaragasequiegapor1o[A]
`
`
`
`[<oueupeopyom>y-][d-]sd,SursnopyanAvpdsipsodoid
`
`
`
`
`
`sa[qeinoaxgusIssy(11
`
`
`
`peopyorysued“|
`
`ouepy
`
`
`
`
`
`‘aspyoudprengedoiases/OIAue40ssaooldJaases
`
`OL
`
`
`
`oseyordprengasrmgyoW[]
`
`
`
`[UBIO]PEOPyOMSI]ST
`
`
`
`MON:SNEYS
`
`
`
`JO[BUOTIPPYauyaq
`
`
`
`SUNSIXYM29[9q/MPA
`
`PEOPFION,
`
`{ONUOD/UOTeIOITV
`
`AddeMsya0D
`
`DABSPUBMITA,
`
`uolemsiyuoD
`
`
`
`SIasfUSISSW
`
`
`
`
`
`:eznuollg(UTI
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 8 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`027
`
`9&7
`
`8EC
`
`Oe¢
`
`Ore
`
`“OSMOTE
`
`FFarsee0
`
`porMOD/Tones0]]V
`NddansyW.ED
`
`
`
`BUNSTXY9979CT/MPY
`
`propo,
`
`DABSPURMOIA|
`
`uoneinsluoD
`
`
`
`SIOS(]USISSY*
`
`
`
`BurdyloadsAqpeopyiowIOsOFDoURISU[DPICURUSISSY
`
`
`
`UONPULIOJUYayavIQAyloads
`
`‘samyeaGISFTOVAOpueqINOHATOVUOSH
`
`
`Sa[qunIaXyUSIssy(II
`
`
`
`propos,sued
`
`Ajnuopy(1
`
`eznLolg(M1
`
`gizPl?
`
`bel
`
`
`
`pUeZIMUOIEIND'WUODWIMXA-dHBd
`
`
`
`apeIO/YeT[N/stouy/SWIOPB[9V1O
`
`
`
`Jo[euonippysured
`
`
`
`
`
`
`diDld
`
`MON
`ismels
`
`
`
`
`
`OUBUIZ!OLUBN]PEOPTIOAY
`
`Tél
`
`fori
`
`all
`
`OI?
`
`dja
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 9 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`ce
`
`cH
`
`Pye
`
`Oe
`
`LvC
`
`OVC
`
`(jeuondd)sarqrinoexgusIssy
`
`DL“DIA
`
`
`
`BuUNsIX]1979AIPA
`
`PROPIOM
`
`SARSPURALDTA,
`
`uoneinsipuo7
`
`
`
`SIOS()USISSY|
`
`
`
`wedsqunoex710[euUCTIppYsuTjaq
`
`cl?
`
`jonuCD/uONesOT;¥NdDamsryuoD
`
`aznuorg(tH
`
`
`
`
`
`SuyoajasAqpamojfo}‘uoyNgasmorgay}SursnAq10yedAynuapy(i
`
`
`ngsuSurdAyKqpeopyiomMOA0}aJqeinsexaueusIssypeopyoAauyaacl
`
`‘uouNgPPV231}sayquyndexyUsIssy(II
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 10 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`Lv
`
`OP
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`JonUODMONROVAddamasryu0y
`
`azo(i
`
`DABSPURANDIA,
`
`voHeINsyU0D
`
`foc
`
`O12
`
`cll
`
`cl?
`
`
`OkepesuNsTXy319]9C/UPY
`
`ZZtedsIqQunsaxg1O[PUOTIPPYsulyaqd
`
`0c¢“UONRGPPY9]|sayqumMoaxyUsIssy(1
`déDI
`bre=
`
`
`
`3SMOl|d-niapisa8ueyo/sidiros/yernyawou/PRopyony,
`
`
`
`
`(J891,,B10)B[DBI/ULGsaTIVICYELM/aUoy/slasy)usISsy
`
`
`
`SunjagfasXqpamor[o]‘uoyNGesmolgayysursnAq10yredAynuapy(1
`
`
`
`[nysjeSutdAyAqpeopysomMOKoO}aqeinsexauPUsISSYPROLPIOAASULJSq
`
`(jeuond¢)saqeinsexyUsIssy
`
`
`
`preziyyuoneunByoWIMXf-dHOd
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 11 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`OCCuoyngppy28
`
`
`
`
`
`BunjogjasAqpomo[joj‘uoyngasMorgoujSuisnAq10yyed
`
`
`
`[yngsuiSuidAyAqpeopysomInof0}a]qeinsexaueUsISSY
`
`
`
`
`
`(euondQ)sequinoaxyusIssy
`
`DABSPUPMIA,SZS
`
`uoneinsijuos)
`
`gilOTTPITGre(CClTel
`
`HZDI
`
`Che
`
`vre
`
`OLe
`
`Lv?
`
`
`
`
`
`qs"aSuRyo/sidtios/yeTn/owou/)[ed/uiq/qinuos/isn/
`
`
`
`(189},,210)S[OVIO/UTG/9[SBIC/YP||N/swoU/
`
`
`
`slaspUsISSY‘LP
`
`megepqensaxq
`
`Io[euUOnIppyeuTjeaqd°¢
`
`
`
`BUNSIXYO0[OCAIPA
`
`PROPFIOM
`
`JOnUEDsuONEsOTTY
`NdDwnsiyUoD“Z
`
`fz
`
`O1é
`
`cll
`
`are
`
`
`
`PeopyIOMSUE“|
`
`
`
`salquinoaxyUsIssy(1
`
`Aynuepy(1
`
`oZzUOLg(HT
`
`
`Betae
`
`971
`
`
`
`pyeZIMLOEINDYUODWAMXA-dHBd
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 12 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`987
`
`
`
`PeoTPIOAAOU)SZNTOLG
`
`“pROPLOMSiuy10}AOUBjag
`
`PEOPONAOUYSQ“|
`
`Ayquep}—(
`
`JEUIO
`
`SARSPURMBIA
`
`uoneinBbyuod
`
`
`
`slasnuBissy
`
`{OUOD/UONESO]
`
`Addaunbyuosg
`
`
`
`azo,(11!
`
`(O0L)MO7
`
`
`
`JOJeuonippysued
`
`
`
`Buysixge19/eqAlpy
`
`PEOPIOAA
`
`cI?
`
`
`
`
`
`991
`P8ZAWOLPEOPOAA¢
`
`
`
`0c?‘SpeOpPOM
`0€2HO![Peopnom|SPEOPIOM
`
`8877sales
`
`811oflzl
`
`
`JeOquoBiol0}(|0}Jaso|9)AyJoudJayBiyeubissy
`
`pzeziuoqesnByuogWIMXf-dHOd
`
`sajqeynoexgubissy(I!
`
`HZ‘Dla
`
`lel
`
`QOURU‘OWENPROPOM
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 13 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Aotfog[ONUOD/UOHOO][YdOa800y
`
`ledpIeZIAAUOREINBYLODWIMXArdH
`
`
`auLJod
`
`
`OC?‘Kovjod[oNUOSJoUOTJEIOTTeaIsroads
`
`CSCassesAddOquaWaNUTpexiy©peseg
`
`
`
`OLNOUI-UOUJOpasesUJOUrBeJURMNOKJoyJayMoploepISIE
`
`BOg/asey)Jay“Aotjodjouog/uoreoo]jendopeseq
`
`dAloalqgQ[PAegf-ad1AlIgOINIA]Jad
`
`saieys@)
`
`oINe-UON©
`
`V8Old
`
`
`
`
`
`[oroGoneYNdDsnsiyuo5
`
`
`
`io[euOnIppysuljod
`
`
`
`SUNSIXYA9fOqAPY
`
`PEOPYION,
`
`PeopPOAy
`
`DIALSPULMITA*
`
`uoneimsyu07
`
`
`
`SIasy)USISSY*
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 14 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`9S¢
`
`8
`
`O¢e
`
`OMSD9[8S
`
`PROPFION
`
`fonUuOD/UOTeS.OTTY
`AddWNsyYUD*7
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`[cePIEZIM\UOREINOYUODWIMXA-dHOd
`0CZ‘oteurmunJadisanbor
`
`SZSUIBEKONALpaqoe[ss
`
`“UALATIHUA§,PLOPFLOASBY}BSUqO1YOIYAUOSEOULB19935
`
`0}PEOP"OMayyJO]sareysJoraquinueAyloads‘uayy,
`
`
`dM]Jadsareys:uonesoy[VNd]
`
`
`
`Sptodsoreys(iODE|20€
`
`
`DOURUIT]:OWIRNYPLOPTIOANtoz!
`
`Jo[PUOMIPpySUTjod“€
`
`sunsixqa9[q/PA
`PROPONUIC]“|
`
`uOlwINSTWOD
`
`BABSPURMITA‘CS
`
`slasp)USISSY“Pp
`
`O12
`
`ell
`
`cl?é
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 15 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`ItpleZIMuoweINnByuooWWXM-dH
`
`SUTFEC,~
`Oe-gIajawWunJadysanber
`
`
`SZDUIBNSLNSJA]Pae[es
`
`
`UAWApTASsPROPLOMdU]aseq0]YOIYUOINOWBI99]3ag
`
`
`
`
`
`0}PROPPOA34]JOFSareYsJosaquinuvAyisads‘uy,
`
`
`
`omaJadsareygsuonesoilyNd
`
`jonuoD/uONeso[[V
`AdDemBrywoD°
`
`PROPAIONM
`
`
`
`Jo[eUOnIPpyeuljaq
`
`
`
`TIAJedsareys(1
`
`sw]Add(i
`00€Lzoe
`
`ae
`
`O8“DIA
`
`8 Z
`
`[|
`
`|omneyJedsareysJoaquinN
`
`9S¢
`
`0&7
`
`
`
`“OMNIA!09125
`
`
`
`
`
`SUNSIXYB9[9CIPA
`
`BARSPUPMOIA*
`
`uoOnBINsTJUOD
`
`
`
`SIoSf)UBISSY°
`
`PEOPHOM
`
`OIz
`
`a
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 16 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`02?
`
`C97
`
`
`suljod.
`
`09¢
`
`99¢
`
`p97
`
`O€¢
`
`
`
`
`
`Ad224}JO}STUNT]TUOWA_USWNLXBWpueWINUUTUTUJolUg
`
`PROPoA,
`
`SMW-JONUODMdO
`
`
`
`PIEZINUOHEINDYUODWIMXN-dHBd
`
`
`
`SOTBUSdDSIBOOT[e0}AN}[IMJayONUOSoYJoTJONUOS
`
`“SILTasayyUTGITIAASutAnys
`
`
`
`jonuoD/UOnes0/[¥
`AdDansyUoD*
`
`a
`
`ndoWW
`
`d8‘Old
`
`SAA]Jadsarrys
`STUNTdD(1
`
`BuNsIxYaaMPA
`
`
`
`JoyeUOMIppYSUIgEq
`
`PeopyIOM
`
`DABSPURMIA*
`
`uoneInsIjuo;
`
`
`
`SIosf)USISSY°
`
`cl
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 17 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`DULJOC* OLI
`
`SIT
`
`
`
`SUNSIXYNaaCTAIpA
`
`PROTON
`
`SARSPurMLA
`
`uoneIns1fuos
`
`$iasr)UsISsy
`
`
`
`
`
`quowapnugadd10JeuONNppYysua
`
`are
`
`
`
`
`
`WUOWAPHUpaextyUpHesoTV¥Ado
`
`
`
`“PROPPION$14]OFWOLUDTINIUSqopaxlyayyAjloads
`
`PBOLYIOAA
`
`yuoUTEHUYPoxty(1
`
`JONUOD/NOnRIOTTY
`
`dDemsyuoD
`
`
`
`DIEZUOREINDYUODWIMXN-dHDO
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 18 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`PEZIMUONRINDYUODWAMXN-dHBd
`AdDay}JO}SMUT]JUSWAPHUeWINLUTXeWpukeWNWUTUNU49]PROpPOAAeuljeq°
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SaBYSqdaRooTfe02Ay[iarJOTJONUOSsy“Jop[ouUOS,
`
`“STUMT]esauuryTasBuLAE]sAddansyU0D°
`
`
`
`
`
`NdoOUABunstxys69qApa
`
`PeoPoM
`
`DABSPURMOTA*
`
`uoneingiyuo)
`
`
`
`slasf)USTSSY*
`
`
`
`SWAT7JONUODNd
`
`Jonueg/UOnRIOTTV
`
`spayasesf)(1
`
`
`
`JO[PUOTIPPYsuljod*
`
`CI?
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 19 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`Oe?
`
`col
`
`b6l
`
`861
`
`961
`
`Oe
`
`
`
`“OLN,109[2§
`
`
`
`SWENOa]peeyas
`
`
`
`uey)13}83IDQOCuel}SS2’T@)
`
`
`
`uosuvdwogjoodAy
`
`
`
`CEant,ostmdiuo
`
`D8‘Dl
`
`“SMBS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘onskrysuorssardxauosieduiosay}Jey}Os
`
`sued] toc
`
`Addaeoojye0}AN[flaALTAA“pozeduiooaq[[iaanpea
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UySUE9g}yoIyanJsuTeSesaquinueAploadswag],
`
`
`
`
`
`‘uostzeduroaJoadAqay}Ajioedspuronnat&ajearDsasooyD
`
`
`
`
`
`aAnoalgg[aag-eatalagwouRoOTTYNdD
`
`
`
`pleziiuoReNByUODWIMXA-dHBA
`
`
`
`
`
`QOURULT:SWENPBOPOA\'
`
`JoNUOD/UOTWIOTTY
`AddsNsyU0D
`
`PAd-BOTATIS(I
`
`sATaTGO
`
`smurTAdo(Hu
`
`PeopyloM
`
`
`
`JoFeuOTppYySUTjaq
`
`
`
`BUNSIXAO19[9C/MPA
`
`peopyIOM
`
`DARPULMTA*
`
`uoyemsyUo0s
`
`
`
`$1asc)UBISsSY*
`
`OI¢
`
`ell
`
`¢ I
`
`c
`
`COS
`00S
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 20 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`jonuoD/uONe0T[VUeNddens1ZW0D
`
`/MPHqo[euonIppysuged
`
`
`39speopyioyySunsixqWCAIPAO
`
`
`
`
`
`“peopyJOMmau&payealoAl[NjssaconssavyNOL
`
`ICC
`
`es
`
`
`
`UOTIOVIX9N
`
`
`
`pIeZIMAUOReINBYUODWIMXN-dHOd
`
`O¢
`
`
`
`PROPIONJOYIOUYPPYO
`
`dajg1X9dN0}p9dd01g©
`
`
`
`
`
`‘MOTaqsuoNdoayjJOQUOss00Y>
`
`
`
`WASIX9999
`
`PeOPION
`
`DABSPURMIA,
`
`uoneINSiyUuoO;
`
`
`
`sIasp)USISSY
`
`
`
`peopoAySUIZEC*
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 21 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`UOeINBIUODWIMXfedH
`
`
`
`
`‘TWajafapJONipsUIy]PUePROLYIOMpeasPRLOPLIOAASULJaq*
`
`aed@
`
`SARSputMATA|
`
`uOoTZINsIJUCD
`
`
`
`SJ9SF]USISSY-
`
`
`
`PROPHOMPROTO
`
`TO[RUONIPPYOued
`
`WHISKYSepC/TPA
`
`c1z
`
`JONUOD/UONRSOTTY
`Oddamsiyuos-
`
`
`
`
`
`SPROPHOASuNSIXANOaqTIPY
`
`puez|/
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 22 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`91
`
`el¢
`
`OE?
`
`
`
`PAUSISseSs]JOSNIY]‘peoTyxIOMAuv0]PoUsisseJOUSIJosN
`
`‘aui@udnossyjauay)s10jaq+,@UysdnosdyoueAjroadsa
`
`
`
`
`JoTeuonippysuyjoq°
`
`
`PeopyIOM,PEOLIOA,
`
`
`SuNsixgseaP|c1Z
`
`
`
`
`
`ADOUBLYSINS]USISSY
`
`aaoula
`
`
`
`[soneae
`
`
`
`dnoidyeN/aWweUulessy
`
`JasneJo
`
`SARSPURMOIA
`
`uOneIMsUD
`
`OL“OI
`
`|
`
`
`
`Os
`
`
`
`PsBZIMUOREIND'UCDWIMXN-dHXd
`
`
`OIUOD/UOTEIO02“PRO|YIOMI[NeJapBy}0}eeneo3imgryuo5
`TS|reul
`SITOS,80¢,9IIt1lcelprg[él
`
`
`
`
`BIT“Speoyioaso}sdnolsjowrosiosnusisseAypeuondopropor,sua
`
`
`Zunsixqssmeig’\SoueuryowenpropyoAyIseTtoc
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(TeuotydgQ)peopyJoay0}sIOSy]USIsSY
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 23 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`uonesNByUoDWIMXf-dH
`“UOHBINSIYUOSay)SAvSO}SteYedsJo[dUIODBAploadg
`
`
`
`
`“g19[dwWodsiUOTesNd1YUODMOApeopylor,auyaq*
`plezin
`
`
`
`
`ismeig’SOUR]“OUIRN]PROLAIOAA1SCTfozl
`
`
`
`WOHVINSIFUCSJABS
`
`ps1
`
`
`
`$eUONBINGIJUODBABS
`
`ITDJA
`
`SUNSIXg
`
`JOnUOD/UOTIBDOTTY
`
`NdDsnsyuo0D
`
`
`
`JoFeuoTIppYauljod
`
`
`
`sunsixyae[aqppa
`
`
`
`SJ9S()UBISSY
`
`PEOPIOA,
`
`
`
`ABSpuesMATA
`
`WonvINsIyuOT
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 24 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`8gI
`
`
`
`
`
`pieziyuoeINBYUODWIMXN-dHba
`
`uonBINsIJUOSTMXN-dH#
`
`
`
`XBJUASUONeINSTZUOD
`
`
`
`=sdde
`
`SZ1}SQuUeUL
`
`=sdnor
`
`}wud
`
`
`
`‘QOUBUL“Iasnses
`
`
`
`SSOUBUITT-JasneIO
`
`=siasn
`
`{
`
`
`
`
`
`‘Q¢=ud}gouBUlyOjsOTs
`
`
`
`
`
`“QM01SUIPIOIIEsarEUSsIDayqeTIeaesesolpyF
`
`'¢z=ndoxew
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘[yaudoLaurJadfeio1Z|=sereysndo
`
`9ST
`IPoRIO/UIG/a}IBIC/YRTTA/OWOY/:eourut)‘Lapisagueys,,[d-urapysosueysysiduasyyeyfnyewoyy,[redsurq/quiuoayisn/:aoueuy*801,810,
`
`
`
`
`
`“O'ISSty)1OJsareysndoxeutueY]aIOWOUJURID#ty=ndounm
`dnois“saleysaIqE[IBAeJondoumuUeY)sozOUsanbay#‘souvuyJang=Ajaue
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 25 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`0€Z‘A[LEUOTBINTTJUOSJATAA&PayeasoAy[Nyssasonssavyno
`
`
`
`
`OC“UOTPINSIJUOSa4)
`
`SULjoC
`‘adedueur(C)UITMat998‘ATAAXA-dHUovONPULOjUla0UI107YPUM#pueuros
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UONRINTYUOSNOK3yBATdeO}JOOISBUSO]JIxaNOABUCO
`PULA#SBUIMO][OJBU}0}IE[TUUISPUBLULODBYT
`
`
`<OUIBUS[IJ>B-
`
`
`
`
`
`"UOISSISPIVZIAASIU}PUDO]UOYNGYSTULssalg
`
`
`
`
`
`pleziAyuoneIBYUODWIMXf-dHbd
`
`
`
`
`
`UOISSagPAeZLM,YSIUT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`jsuonempelsuoz
`
`
`
`
`
`AJIpoulpueyorq080}JURANOAJIWONGYougssoig
`
`
`
`
`
`0}HONVINSIYUOSJUaLINSoy)WpspureyoerqOH-
`
`
`
`SUOHBINSIFUODMSUSATIOp
`
`
`
`Iaqua‘WTA,doysOL,
`
`elOld
`
`BARSPULMITA,
`
`uoTRINSUD
`
`
`
`PACZTASTUDUXA-
`
`:MOUURDNOX
`
`
`
`sIasp)USISSY*
`
`jonUOD/UOHROO||Y
`AdDens1yUOD
`
`PROPOAA
`
`
`
`
`
`suTjaqBUNSIXYA19]9CPAJofeUONIppy
`
`PeOopPyIOA,
`
`Cl?
`
`OI
`
`cll
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 26 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`SIT VblDid
`
`
`
`“PILZIMSY]JOUOISSOSJUSTINay}JOJ9[QuU[LeAwaqATUO[TAJJOUOY
`“paqwasdBUG‘aUOMAUE318919JOISIEOU}WOTSUOULB1932S
`
`DIPAIDJO192gOMIA
`
`PABZIAA-QNSOU)S1]
`
`OLNSUNSIXSUBJO9[9S
`
`auityasuodsay
`
`OIvilell
`
`DOUMAUBAWwAID[F]
`
`809
`
`O19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 27 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`PJEZINA-GNSSUIEd eT
`
`
`
`
`
`SOINOSPULSUIBNYOMSLIXON
`
`
`
`dvl‘Did
`
`“QUMNOSSH1Dal[9SPULITOMOU9]JOJAWBUBSplAdIg
`
`aweWN
`
`BOINOSOIA)
`
`
`
`jndingpurwwogoO
`
`SNIqOURLD@)
`
`uOCO
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 28 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`jaour?)
`
`
`
`requoneorddyoytoads-Nydsnpqeoue,HO
`
`BIEuOnoUsURLLWYSM[qsouetgOC
`
`
`
`BleduoneoyddysnqsouryHoO
`
`
`
`BIE[EGO]DsnfqsoueX}H
`
`
`
`
`
`sodA],IME]SN[Gsouer[H:omMeayAl1XeN
`
` Ol“DIA
`SitSITbilcll
`
`
`
`
`‘9SNO1SY]P[NOMNOAJey)OLEWsN{qsoue[HjoadAyoy]19]9S
`
`
`
`Lel991
`
`
`
`DIEZIM-GNSIEWGd
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 29 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`8"ISIOU.MO[9qPlaly9u1UTUWadA2‘YSI[OY]ULJOUSIOLNOW
`
`
`OWENBd Le]rg
`
`
`PaHsepyiJ]‘ISIBY)WIZDIPAY[BQOpDsnjqeour[HBssooyD
`
`dr!Old
`
`
`
`SOLNIW[BGO[Dsnqaoueyp
`
`gagAnNoONawWp
`
`wasnWON149
`
`
`
`JS]OU]UlJOUJioWIeUoIOWadAy
`
`p19
`
`919
`
`
`
`
`
`DAW[BGO[DSNqsouR]HIs9]9ag‘OLEMON
`
`PIBZIAA-ANS
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 30 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`‘Ys1]OY)UTJOUSIworRso(T¥dOLUaaOMIPaNsapINOAJJ“IST]OY)WOOLNOW[eqo[HkJeT3SIVnaoopt
`
`
`
`uoHesnByuoDWIMXf-dH2 rr
`
`Ofploy‘Mauv1O9T9SapOJ,“ISI]SU}UTpajogpasstoUjOWeB]|foLNePyMANCI
`WAYPaty1X9}oY}UlatuvUDuaBodA}JouUBDNOXALON!|fomeyyMeNO
`
`
`
`
`oUtOY}JOAOyoro-1Ja]pueuaopAdyTALO||OEMONC]asNOU!moA
`“JSI]OY}MOTIQPlat}ay}ULouBUsptadAq
`
`
`OY}JOJUN]OU)IvUTpossoysJasnJoJoquINUSUT,SOLE6YHSNWANTADJOS/OWAnuapySrl
`spear]OtayMONOJosassaoord,ajqeuuns,JOJaqtunuSdeIOAROU],sneau;I&ANANONNW189«“OLNMONCJ
`
`
`OO]eeeSN]9OUR]HJOIJagOLNOJA]MONPy(ISHPIPZIANCeO
`
`
`
`
`
`ASO[OUTUIO]<Bojourmaewry][2142009WIAreeOUD)ATA,
`
`
`‘TEAIQ\UIOY]SULINP
`.‘uonesonl¥NdOU-OPNPOUTSOLOUTPoyst’]uoreooTT¥Ado
`
`
`
`
`
`-giduues[earoqutrog[agmayCI
`VSIDid
`djaHPieziyy
`‘gure||a/PEHSALMON
`DILYdOANSYUODEg
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 2, 2007
`
`Sheet 31 of 31
`
`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`
`
`ONOHBPelhH«
`
`IS2Pk1Q«
`
`dqdstDi
`
`
`
`
`MORICBpJOJIquuvayuoUUONAUsWOHAIOVUOay}AploadsJenBiyUoDaaegpuesataL-O
`
`
`peoTISMUIJGULIBASIT)“peOpylOMqaLndoy}ULsoeyd0}aouRIsUTast51-0
`
`
`
`
`
`QORICI)JO}aquuwaJusuUOMAUACISATOVUOapAqloadsypeqpeed(|vor}ejuaWTD0gC]CIS2PeIO
`
`aseqeyepdU}eID‘SaNTBAAsaU])MOUYJOUOPNOKJ]LON]“|
`
`
`
`
`‘sanpeaa[qissodJoyqeyeI0/9}2/12YOO]40JOyeNsTUTLUpE{tt—__1___IQt]
`
`
`(SojourunayW‘AIOJIIPUTBAPISUI3]qGuINIOXAaa[ORIOUL0}AsojoumeeL
`
`
`‘peOppOMJuaLINSoy)ursour0}souRIsUT
`UONPULLOJUTa[9eIQ)SuLMoT[oyau]ApToadg||FPOPOPTAPHAMads|]
`
`
`sugagL14ASOJOUTUWIO}TAIATMsidaouop[]|S}doou09
`
`
`
`(9[0BIO/UIG/AWOHATOVAOS
`
`
`SUOH219219slasp)udissyEJ-O
`
`suonemaljuo?s[dwuexgC]
`
`
`di8}PleZiAUOeINBYUODWIMXN-dH
`SI9S(][BUOHIPPYsuljyoqL_]-O
`
`
`
`
`
`sarmea.[RUONIPPY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UOTRUIOJUTsIVIQAyrood
`
`diaypaezi4,uonemsyuogEI
`
`
`
`peopyonynuaptl|peopyio,
`
`
`
`sayquinoaxgudissy(|
`
`
`
`PLOTHOMa2NUOL[|
`
`MONRIOLLYdOansyuogLJ-O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`1
`METHOD AND GRAPHICAL USER
`INTERFACE FOR CREATING A
`CONFIGURATION FILE USED TO
`ALLOCATE COMPUTER SYSTEM
`RESOURCES AMONG WORKLOADS
`
`
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The technicalfield relates generally to software for man-
`aging allocation of computer system resources, and more
`particularly to a graphical user interface used to create a
`configuration file for such software.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`For computer systems operating multiple workloads,it is
`desirable to specify how computer system resources, such as
`central processing unit (CPU) resources are allocated to the
`workloads. As used herein, a “workload” refers to any
`process or group of processes that accesses computer system
`resources. For example, a number of workloads may operate
`on a server, performing functions for a number ofusers at
`remote terminals connectedto the server via a network. Each
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`of the workloads may require a certain amount of system
`resources to execute. It is therefore desirable for a user to
`
`25
`
`specify parameters for allocating resources.
`Various software applications (resource allocators) are
`known for allocating system resources among workloads.
`Such existing applications include the Workload Manager™
`(WLM) product manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Com-
`pany. Existing resource allocators, such as the WLM prod-
`uct, use a configuration file to specify how resources are
`allocated. To specify parameters for existing workload
`resource allocation, users of existing systems must under-
`stand the syntax of the resource allocator in order to create
`the configuration file. This requires that the user, such as a
`system administrator, spend time not only specifying param-
`eters for workload resource allocation, but also learning the
`program syntax. In this sense, many existing systemsare not
`user-friendly.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`A methodis disclosed for creating a configuration file for
`use with a resource allocator that allocates computer system
`resources, such as CPU resources, among workloads oper-
`ating on the system. A software application referred to as a
`“wizard” implements a graphical user interface (GUI) hav-
`ing multiple linked input screens that prompt a user step-
`by-step to enter specifications for the workloads. The GUI
`displays a prompt for a user to define a workload and to
`configure a resource allocation policy for the defined work-
`load. The CPU resource allocation policy specifies how
`resources are allocated to the defined workload. The wizard
`
`receives the requested specifications from a user input
`device. Based on the received specifications, a configuration
`file is created and may be used by a resource allocator to
`allocate resources among workloads according to the speci-
`fications.
`
`is also disclosed for
`A computer-implemented GUI
`prompting a user to enter specifications used to create a
`configuration file, which configuration file may be used to
`allocate computer system resources, such as CPU resources,
`among multiple workloads. The GUI
`includes multiple
`linked input screens that guide a user through steps in a
`process of creating the configuration file. The input screens
`include an input portion that prompts the user to enter the
`
`2
`specifications. The input screensalso include a guide portion
`that displays the steps of the process and indicates a current
`step for which specifications are requested in the input
`portion. The input screens also include an explanatory
`portion that displays information related to the current step.
`A methodis also disclosed for creating a configuration file
`for use with a resourceallocatorto allocate computer system
`resources among workloads operating on the computer
`system. The method uses a GUI to display prompts for
`specifications to be entered by the user using a user input
`device. The GUI includes multiple linked screens that guide
`the user through a process of creating the configurationfile.
`The GUI prompts the user to identify a workload, to assign
`one or more executable files to the workload, and to assign
`a priority to the workload. The GU]also prompts the user to
`select a resource allocation policy for the workload. The
`resource allocation policy governs how computer system
`resources are allocated to the identified workload. The
`specifications are received from the user input device in
`response to the prompts, and a configuration file is generated
`based on the received information. The configurationfile is
`displayed on the display and is stored in a memory, where
`the configuration file may be accessed by the resource
`allocator to allocate resources among the workloads.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`30
`
`The detailed description will refer to the following draw-
`ings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements, and
`wherein:
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`FIG. 1 showsa block diagram of a computer system that
`implements a graphical user interface (GUI) to create a
`configuration file for workload resource allocation;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a
`computer system, which includes terminals connected to a
`server by a network;
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of allocating CPU
`resources among workloads using a GUI;
`FIG.4 is a flow chart of one implementation of the step
`of prompting the user for specifications for resource alloca-
`tions;
`FIG. 5 is a flow chart of one embodimentof the steps of
`prompting the user to define a workload and prompting the
`user to configure CPU resource allocations for the defined
`workload;
`FIG. 6 is an example introductory screen of the GUI;
`FIGS. 7A—7F are example input screens of the GUI used
`to define a workload;
`FIGS. 8A-8Gare example input screens of the GUI used
`to configure a CPU allocation policy;
`FIGS. 9A—B are example input screens of the GUI used
`to prompt the user to define additional workloads or edit or
`delete existing workloads;
`FIG. 10 is an example input screen of the GUI used to
`assign users to workloads;
`FIG. 11 is an example input screen of the GUI used to
`view and save the configuration file created by the wizard;
`FIG. 12 is an example configuration screen of the GUI
`displaying the configuration file created using the wizard;
`FIG. 13 is an example final screen of the GUI;
`FIGS. 14A-14D are example screens of a metric sub-
`wizard of the GUI; and
`FIGS. 15A-15B are example help screens of the GUI.
`
`

`

`US 7,159,184 B2
`
`3
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 1 showsa block diagram of a computer system 10
`that implements a graphical user interface (GUI) 60 to create
`a configuration file 90 for workload resource allocation. The
`computer system 10 has a processor 20 that receives signals
`from a user input device 30 and outputs data to a display 50.
`In use, the processor 20 executes workloads 40-43. As used
`herein a “workload” refers to any process or group of
`processes operating on the computer system 10 and using
`system resources. The workloads 40-43 maybestored, for
`example, in memory (not shown). Workload execution by
`the processor 20 is controlled by signals received by the
`processor 20 from the user input device 30. The display 50
`displays the GUI 60 to assist
`the user in creating the
`configuration file 90 used by the system 10 to allocate
`resources among workloads 40-43.
`In use, the workloads 40-43 use central processing unit
`(CPU) resources. As used herein, “CPU resources” include
`the processor 20, and any other processors (not shown)
`available to the workloads 40-43 operating on the system
`10. In a system 10 executing multiple workloads 40-43
`using one or more processors (e.g. 20), the CPU resources
`may be allocated to the workloads 40-43 as timeslices,
`whereby each workload 40-43 is given access to the CPU
`resources for a duration specified by the user. The CPU
`resources are allocated among workloads 40-43 by a
`resource allocator 70, which may be implemented using the
`processor 20. The resource allocator 70 includes an execu-
`tion file 80 that causes the CPU resources to be allocated
`
`among, the workloads 40-43 according to specifications set
`by the user. The execution file 80 accesses the configuration
`file 90 containing the specifications set by the user, and
`allocates the CPU resources based on the specifications.
`To create the configuration file 90,
`the user specifies
`parameters for execution of the workloads 40-43, using the
`user input device 30 to interact with the GUI 60 shown on
`the display 50. The GUI 60 includes a plurality of linked
`display screens (not shown) that provide step-by-step assis-
`tance to the user for specifying resource allocation. The
`screens maybetraversed using the input device 50 to select
`on-screen options to move forward or backward in the
`configuration process. The GUI 60 is implemented by a
`software application, referred to as a “wizard” 95. As used
`herein, a wizard 95 includes any application that generates
`the GUI 60 for prompting the user to enter specifications
`used to create the configuration file 90. The GUI 60 allows
`the user to create the configuration file 90 and displays the
`configuration file 90 on the display 50 for the user to view
`before the configuration file 90 is implemented by the
`resource allocator 70. The resource allocator 70 may be
`stored in memory (not shown).
`FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a computer system
`11 having a plurality of terminals 100-104 connected via a
`network 12, to a server 22. The network 12 may be, for
`example, a local area network (LAN)or a wide area network
`(WAN). In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a resource allocator
`71 is stored in memory 23 of the server 22 where the
`resource allocator 71 is accessed by a processor 21, which
`processor 21 is also part of the server 22. The resource
`allocator 71 includes an execution file 81 for implementing
`the allocations specified by the user. The execution file 81
`accesses a configuration file 91 created by a user using the
`GUI 61 generated ona display 51 portion of the terminal 100
`by a wizard 96.
`In the embodiment of FIG. 2, workloads 44-47 are
`executed by the processor 21 of the server 22 for use by one
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`4
`or more terminals 100-104. One of the terminals, such as the
`terminal 100, includes the display 51 on which the GUI 61
`is displayed. The terminal 100 also includes a user input
`device (not shown) that is used to interact with the GUI 61
`to create the configuration file 91. The configuration file 91
`created by the user through the GUI 61 controls the alloca-
`tion of CPU resources to the workloads 44-47, which may
`be used by the terminals 100-104.
`FIG. 3 showsa flow chart of a methodof allocating CPU
`resources among workloads using a GUI(60 in FIG. 1). The
`method 400 begins 402 by prompting the user for specifi-
`cations 410 for workload resource allocation using the GUI
`(60 in FIG. 1). Specifications are received 420 by the wizard
`(95 in FIG. 1) from the user input device (30 in FIG. 1). A
`configuration file (90 in FIG. 1) is created 430 based on the
`received specifications. System resources are allocated 440
`among workloads (40-43 in FIG. 1) based on the configu-
`ration file 90 in FIG. 1), and the method ends 442.
`FIG. 4 showsa flow chart of one implementation of the
`step for prompting the user for specifications for resource
`allocations 410. The step 410 begins 403 by prompting the
`user to define a workload 411. The GUI (60 in FIG. 1) then
`prompts the user to configure CPU resource allocations for
`the defined workload 412, using the GUI (60 in FIG.1).
`The example of FIG. 4 allows the user to define work-
`loads or to edit or delete previously defined workloads using
`the wizard (95 in FIG. 1). The GUI (60 in FIG. 1) prompts
`the user to define any additional workloads or to edit or
`delete existing workloads 413. Based on a response from the
`user, the wizard (95 in FIG. 1) determines 414 whether there
`are additional workloads to be defined or edited/deleted by
`the user, or if the user has selected the option to proceed to
`the next screen. If there are additional workloads (“Add”
`branch at block 414), the wizard (95 in FIG.1) returns to the
`beginning 403 of the step 410 and again prompts the user to
`define a new workload 411.
`
`If the user has selected an option to edit or delete an
`existing workload (“Edit/Delete” branch at 414), the GUI
`(60 in FIG. 1) prompts the user to select an existing
`workload to edit or delete 417. The GUI (60 in FIG.1) then
`prompts the user to either edit or delete the selected work-
`load 419. If the user selects the edit option, the wizard (95
`in FIG. 1) then loads the data for the selected workload 418,
`and returns to the beginning 403 of the step 410 and again
`prompts the user to define the selected workload 411. In one
`embodiment, when the user is editing a selected workload,
`data previously entered for the selected workload is dis-
`played on the GUI (60 in FIG.1) so that the user can view
`the data that has already been specified, in deciding how to
`edit the workload.If the user selects the option to delete the
`selected workload (“Delete” branch at block 419), the defi-
`nition for the selected workload is deleted 420, and the
`wizard (95 in FIG. 1) determines whether there are any
`defined workloads remaining 421. If there are no more
`defined workloads, then the wizard (95 in FIG. 1) returns to
`the beginning 403 of the step 410 and again prompts the user
`to define a workload 411. If there are any defined workloads
`remaining (“yes” branch at block 421), then the example
`shown in FIG. 4 again prompts the user to select one of the
`defined workloads for editing or dele