Model Interchange Format Specifications for Experiments, Output and Results

Abstract

XML-based interchange formats for performance models provide a mechanism whereby performance model information may be transferred among modeling tools. Formats have been defined for the interchange of queueing network models (QNM), layered queueing networks, UML, Petri nets (PNs) and others. These formats specify the model and a set of parameters for one run. For model studies, however, it is useful to be able to specify multiple runs, or experiments, for the model; to collect model output; and to present it in a useful, readable format for analysis and presentation. This paper presents a performance model interoperability framework that brings together performance model interchange formats and experiment specifications with the automatic generation of performance analysis results for presentation and publication. We present the output specifications, the requirements for the types of results to be supported, the issues in the output-to-results transformation, the results specifications and several prototype implementations that demonstrate the viability of the approach. We apply the approach to two distinct modeling paradigms: QNM and PN models. Several proof of concept experiments demonstrate the framework.