Workshop on Challenges in Performance Methods for Software Development

New challenges to assuring software performance arise as new software development methods emerge. In addition to using middleware and database platforms, new applications may be implemented using environments such as Software as a Service (SaaS) and Service-Oriented Architectures. The performance characteristics of these services will inevitably influence the performance and scalability of the applications that use them. The use of DevOps means that new components will be introduced to existing systems while they are running. The new components must allow the performance existing components to continue to be met.

In this third edition of WOSP-C, we will explore the performance implications of this evolution in architecture and development and their impact on the inclusion and development of performance. We seek to do this by including research and experience papers, vision papers describing new initiatives and ideas, and discussion sessions. Papers describing new projects and approaches are particularly welcome. As implied by the title, the workshop focus is on methods usable anywhere across the life cycle, from requirements to design, testing and evolution of the product. The discussions will attempt to map the future of the field. They may occur in breakout sessions related to topics chosen by the participants. The discussions will be moderated and summaries posted on line for future reference. This is in keeping with the spirit of the first Workshop on Software and Performance, WOSP98, which successfully identified the issues that were current at the time. The acronym WOSP-C reflects this. There will be sessions which combine papers on research/experience/vision with substantial discussion on issues raised by the papers or the attendees. At least a third of the time will be devoted to discussion on identifying the key problems and the most fruitful lines of future research.