2. USAGE GUIDELINES › 2.2 Management Support Applications › 2.2.2 CA MICS Capacity Planner

2.2.2 CA MICS Capacity Planner

The CA MICS Capacity Planner addresses two key areas in
capacity planning: workload characterization and workload
forecasting.  Using data that is maintained in the CA MICS
database, you are able to perform key capacity planning
studies and to obtain related reports.

Based on current work activity, workload characterization
helps you establish a workload baseline that will make future
analyses more meaningful.

Workload forecasting helps you to estimate growth in existing
applications and in resources required by new applications,
and to track and revise these estimates.  It uses data from a
special capacity planning database that is built using data
elements that you select from the CA MICS database.

In addition to providing helpful forecasting techniques, the
product provides the capability for producing presentation
graphics utilizing the information you obtain using these
techniques.  You can then develop a capacity planning
strategy that is based on both past history and projections
of future resource demand.

In addition to direct support for the CA MICS Space Analyzer
within the CA MICS Capacity Planner, additional extensions
are provided within the Capacity Planner to specifically
assist in capacity planning activities within the storage
subsystem. These extensions, known as Standard Applications,
provide a predefined set of variables that we consider
important for starting a capacity planning function in the
storage arena.  The Standard Applications that directly
support the CA MICS Space Analyzer are:

    o The SMS Planning Standard Application
    o The DASD Planning Standard Application