What does Performance Analysis Facility do?
Performance Analysis Facility (PAF) was a tool designed to analyze the performance of z/VM systems. It provided statistical information and interactive graphics to help users understand system behavior and identify potential bottlenecks.
Is this a system, application, or tool?
PAF was primarily a toolset, offering a range of functions for performance data processing, analysis, and visualization. It was not a complete system or application in itself, but rather a collection of utilities focused on performance management.
What types of organizations used this?
Organizations that relied on z/VM for their mainframe environments and needed to understand system performance were the primary users of PAF. These organizations typically included those in finance, government, and other sectors with significant mainframe investments.
When should we have considered Performance Analysis Facility?
PAF was considered when organizations needed detailed insights into z/VM system performance, particularly when diagnosing performance issues or optimizing resource utilization. It was valuable for those already using VM Performance Reporting Facility, Realtime Monitor, or VM Monitor Analysis Program, as it processed data from these sources.
What are the alternatives to Performance Analysis Facility?
Alternatives to PAF include modern performance monitoring and analysis tools that support z/VM, such as IBM Z Performance and Capacity Analytics, or other third-party solutions designed for mainframe performance management. These tools often offer more advanced features and integration capabilities.