Mesquite Software Newsletter
Volume 9 - Fall 2008
CSIM 20 Coming in Q1 2009
Have you been wondering when you'll be able to get your very own copy of CSIM 20? The beta phase has gone well and is now drawing to a close. We expect to release CSIM 20 in the early part of 2009!
The latest version of our long-proven CSIM simulation software features:
- A native 64-bit version of the CSIM library, allowing larger and more complex models
- Optimized core routines
- Additional Process classes for Storage and Buffer objects
- Improvements to Facilities, Mailboxes, Random Number generation, and many other objects and functions
CSIM 19 code will run on CSIM 20 without requiring modifications.
If you need a preview version before the general availability release, please contact Mesquite and we'll see what we can do to help.
Newsletter Contents
CSIM 20 Coming in Q1 2009
Renew Extended Support to Receive CSIM 20 Discount
Book Review: Queueing Networks and Markov Chains: Modeling and Performance Evaluations with Computer Science Applications
CSIM 18 Retiring with Release of CSIM 20
Seeking Participants for CSIM Training in Stuttgart, Germany
CSIM for Java Student Edition Now Available
Just Released: Mac Intel Version of CSIM
Call for Papers - SimuTools 2009 - March 2-6, Rome
Renew Extended Support to Receive CSIM 20 Discount
It's a good idea to check now and make sure your CSIM Extended Support contract is up to date. With an active support plan, you receive a 50% discount on your CSIM 20 upgrade. If you don't know when your Extended Support expires, contact us and we'll be happy to check.
Book Review of Queueing Networks and Markov Chains: Modeling and Performance Evaluation with Computer Science Applications
By G. Bolch, S. Greiner, H. de Meer, and K. Trivedi
Published by Wiley-Interscience
Review by Herb Schwetman
There are many situations in which we need to predict the performance of a complex system such as a computer system. One of the most common approaches to meeting this need is to develop a model of the system that gives useful insight to the behavior of the system over time. Models can show system performance in a variety of operating conditions and configurations. By studying model behavior, system designers can best design a system to most efficiently perform its function.
Two fundamentally different kinds of performance models are commonly used today:
- Analytical models - models that represent the system through a set of mathematical equations, and
- Simulation models - models that represent the system through simulation by a computer program, such as a program written with CSIM 19.
CSIM 19 is a library of routines that many programmers have used to create simulation models of complex systems. Most of the readers of this review are likely very familiar with CSIM and the features, constructs, etc. that have proven to be useful in creating these models. |
The book, Queueing Networks and Markov Chains: Modeling and Performance Evaluation with Computer Science Applications (2nd edition), provides a detailed, comprehensive description of almost all of the known techniques for creating analytical models to help discover bottlenecks in a computer system. I cannot begin to cover all of these in a short review. For me, the most useful methods are those based on networks of queues, but other readers will doubtless find various other techniques of value to them, depending on their applications.
Almost all of the analytical techniques are presented in complete detail, using consistent notation. Most important for the would-be implementer of a technique: each description is followed by a helpful example, complete with numerical values and the solution.
In addition to the chapters on different types of models and solution techniques, the book contains a chapter on discrete event simulation, with a section on Applications using some well-known tools. It even features a section on CSIM 19, including an example of a Web Cache system in CSIM 19 (pages 640 - 647).
Some readers may wonder when it is appropriate to use analytic models and when it is appropriate to use simulation models. In my experience, a simulation model is usually more realistic than an analytic model; it requires fewer assumptions and captures the behavior of important details. Of course, there are some situations in which a simulation model cannot be used, such as cases in which a large number (maybe thousands) of configurations must be evaluated. In other cases, the size of the model taxes the limits of the simulation environment, so analytic models are better suited. In still other cases, a short, quick-and-dirty analytic model provides sufficient information to understand system behavior. Given the right technique and the right tools, analytic models can be efficiently applied to model these and many other kinds of systems.
Queueing Networks and Markov Chains is so big and so comprehensive that reading from cover to cover is probably not recommended. It is also a bit pricey (tonight, there are new copies for sale on Amazon for about $115.00). However, I believe there are many situations in which the techniques presented in this book would be invaluable, and it's extremely useful as a reference.
CSIM 18 Retiring with Release of CSIM 20
If you need any more copies of CSIM 18, contact us to get them soon! We will be retiring CSIM 18 once CSIM 20 releases, which means we will no longer distribute or support it.
CSIM 19 will continue to be available, but will not be available for purchase on Mesquite.com. If you need a copy of CSIM 19 after CSIM 20 releases, please contact Mesquite.
Seeking Participants for CSIM Training in Stuttgart, Germany
We've had some requests for CSIM training in Stuttgart, Germany, so we're considering scheduling a CSIM class in that region. If you're interested in learning how to write CSIM programs from the experts, let us know!
CSIM for Java Student Edition Now Available
The CSIM for Java Student Edition is now available! A limited yet very powerful version of the Professional CSIM, the CSIM Student Edition allows students affordable access to CSIM's powerful simulations. In addition to the Java version, the CSIM Student Edition is available for both C and C++ on the Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. Students and educators using the software for instruction (not research) are eligible to purchase the CSIM Student Edition.
Note: The CSIM for Java Student Edition is not yet available online - please contact us directly if you'd like a copy.
Coming Soon: Mac Intel Version of CSIM
We now have a CSIM version specifically for the Mac Intel platform. Contact us if you'd like a copy now. The software will soon be available on our website when we update to CSIM 20.
Call for Papers - SimuTools 2009 - March 2-6, Rome
SIMUTools 2009 is the Second International Conference on Simulation Tools and Techniques. The conference focuses on all aspects of simulation modeling and analysis, and is seeking high quality papers on simulation tools, methodologies, applications, and practices.
If you'd like to submit a paper, visit the SimuTools website.
Our very own Herb Schwetman is a member of the technical program committee and will be attending the conference, so look for him if SimuTools is part of your 2009 travel plan. He'll be delighted to answer any CSIM questions you have and to share some of his personal tips and tricks.
As always, Mesquite Software would love to hear your feedback, questions, and thoughts. We encourage you to send us an email or give us a call! As 2008 draws to a close, we wish you and your families a marvelous holiday season and the very best in 2009.
Best regards,
Nan Schwetman, President
Mesquite Software, Inc.
8500 North MOPAC, Suite 825
Austin, TX 78759, USA
Tel: (800) 538-9153 (US) or +1 (512) 338-9153
Fax: +1 (512) 338-4966
E-mail: nhs@mesquite.com
www: www.mesquite.com
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