A novel architecture for utility driven management

Abstract

In this paper, we specify and implement a framework for utility driven generation and scheduling of management actions based on Business context and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). SLAs are compiled into low level management policies; as well as sets of performance metrics and utility functions. These are subsequently used to drive the scheduling of the low level policy actions. Each action is associated with a utility participation value based on parameters relevant to the contract(s) it is related to; as well as the run-time context of its triggering and execution times. A Web hosting company case study is used to illustrate the benefit of taking into account business level implications when scheduling the execution of management tasks. We measure the overall business profitability as a pondered linear function of other business metrics such as overall raw financial profit and overall customer satisfaction. Finally, we discuss the difficulties and challenges related to the correct estimation of utility costs associated with the low level management/control actions