Benchmarks to focus on network storage performance

A new suite of benchmark tests will be the first of their kind to help predict the performance of CPU subsystems in storage applications.

The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC) has unveiled plans to develop a new suite of benchmark tests that will be the first of their kind in the network storage industry to help predict the performance of CPU subsystems in storage applications such as network attached storage (NAS), storage area networks (SANs), virtual tape libraries (VTLs), and direct attached storage (DAS) RAID systems.

EEMBC has appointed David Solina, Principal Engineer at Adaptec and an expert in RAID architecture and performance, as chair of the new subcommittee to oversee the development of these specialised benchmarks, which will provide manufacturers with the performance data they need to design and build higher-performing storage systems for their customers.

The CPU subsystems used in RAID and other storage systems are subject to unique workloads.

As a result, there are no certifiable benchmarks that measure items such as raw data movement, peripheral I/O performance, and the effects of core-to-memory latency.

Existing benchmarks aimed at storage applications tend to be specific to only one operating system or are limited to measuring the performance of the processor and memory subsystem.

Storage vendors need a comprehensive new suite of performance benchmarks to more effectively highlight the nuances of storage subsystems in different operating environments.

The new EEMBC subcommittee will drive the development of more effective benchmarks for networked storage.

"Many of our processor and third-party software members have customers in the network storage market, and with this new benchmark suite we aim to give them a powerful tool to analyse and validate new processor architectures and optimise products for storage applications", said Markus Levy, EEMBC President.

"We are particularly fortunate to have the participation and support of David Solina and Adaptec, a leading storage vendor, to maintain the momentum of this effort and ensure that the benchmarks we develop are fully relevant to the needs of all storage product manufacturers".

"Based on its success in developing several respected benchmark suites, EEMBC represents the best opportunity for storage systems builders to obtain the benchmarks they need in order to design, develop, and deliver reliable, high-performing systems for their customers", said Solina.

"EEMBC has the process and structure to bring together all interested parties, and the consortium's commitment to developing only fully certifiable benchmarks means that vendors can rely with confidence on the resulting benchmark scores".

"I am very pleased to be chairing this committee and helping to create a tool that I believe will help manufacturers take the design of their storage systems to a whole new level".

EEMBC invites manufacturers of network storage systems and their processor and associated chip set suppliers to become members of its Network Storage subcommittee.

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