Load balancing batch and interactive queries in a highly parallel environment

It is pointed out that resource-intensive batch query processing can adversely affect the performance of concurrently executing response time-critical interactive workloads such as online transaction processing. This is especially true in loosely coupled client-server multiprocessor architectures without centralized scheduling or load-balancing mechanisms such as the Tandem NonStop system. In this environment, a low-priority batch query may be able to monopolize high-priority database servers in several processors in parallel at the expense of high-priority interactive work. This problem, known as priority inversion, requires special treatment if mixed (batch and interactive) workloads are to be viable. Relevant features of Tandem´s Guardian 90 operating system are described.<>