It is widely recognized that the complexity of parallel and distributed systems is such that proper tools must be employed during their design stage in order to achieve the quantitative goals for which they are intended. This volume collects recent research results obtained within the Basic Research Action Qmips, which bears on the quantitative analysis of parallel and distributed architectures. Part 1 is devoted to research on the usage of general formalisms stemming from theoretical computer science in quantitative performance modeling of parallel systems. It contains research papers on process algebras, on Petri nets, and on queueing networks. The contributions in Part 2 are concerned with solution techniques. This part is expected to allow the reader to identify among the general formalisms of Part I, those that are amenable to an efficient mathematical treatment in the perspective of quantitative information. The common theme of Part 3 is the application of the analytical results of Part 2 to the performance evaluation and optimization of parallel and distributed systems. Part 1. Stochastic Process Algebras are used by N. Gotz, H. Hermanns, U. Herzog, V. Mertsiotakis and M. Rettelbach as a novel approach for the struc tured design and analysis of both the functional behaviour and performability (i.e performance and dependability) characteristics of parallel and distributed systems. This is achieved by integrating stochastic modeling and analysis into the powerful and well investigated formal description techniques of process algebras."

Analysis and Synthesis of Computer Systems presents a broad overview of methods that are used to evaluate the performance of computer systems and networks, manufacturing systems, and interconnected services systems. Aside from a highly readable style that rigorously addresses all subjects, this second edition includes new chapters on numerical methods for queueing models and on G-networks, the latter being a new area of queuing theory that one of the authors has pioneered.This book will have a broad appeal to students, practitioners and researchers in several different areas, including practicing computer engineers as well as computer science and engineering students.

Probabilistic modeling is the most cost-effective means of performance evaluation of computer systems. This book is a major revision of Modelling of Computer Communication Systems (CUP, 1987), one of the standard introductions to the area. Changes to the content reflect the change in the subject itself. Professor Mitrani has amplified the treatment of queues, reliability and applied probability. This book will be welcomed by students and teachers for its no-nonsense treatment of the basic results and examples of their application. The text includes the necessary fundamentals in probability and stochastic processes, making the book ideal for students in computer science or operations research taking courses in modern system design.

Probabilistic modelling is the most cost-effective means of performance and reliability evaluation of complex dynamic systems. This self-contained text will be welcomed by students and teachers for its no-nonsense treatment of the basic results and examples of their application. The only mathematical background that is assumed is basic calculus. The necessary fundamentals of probability theory are included, as well as an introduction to renewal, Poisson and Markov processes. Models arising in the fields of manufacturing, computing and communications, involving single or multiple service stations and one or more customer classes, are examined in some detail. Both exact and approximate solution methods are discussed, including recent techniques such as spectral expansion. Special attention is devoted to models of systems subject to breakdowns and repairs. Throughout the book, strong emphasis is placed on explaining the ideas behind the results and helping the reader to use them, making the book ideal for students in computer science, engineering or operations research taking courses in modern system design.