| Abstract: | This paper addresses the problem of the measurement of efficiency in heterogeneous distributed computing systems. After a discussion on the unsuitability of the traditional notion of efficiency for such systems, a new efficiency metric (generalized efficiency) is introduced by finding the analytical expression of the maximum speedup that can be achieved for a given problem in a heterogeneous system. Generalized efficiency takes into account the heterogeneity of computing resources and is consistent with the definition commonly used for homogeneous systems. The main characteristics of this metric are illustrated, and the problem of performing practical measurements is dealt with thoroughly. Four case studies exploring the whole spectrum of heterogeneous computing systems and of possible classes of applications are presented. Finally, the proposal is compared to related work, and the utility and the limits of generalized efficiency are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
