The simulation of dedicated demand computer systems

System performance analysis is an area of interest affecting most everyone associated with computer systems. However, it is an area which is often neglected by many analysts responsible for system development and maintenance. Simulation is one of the most powerful and flexible tools available for system performance evaluation, which has seen limited use in the applications environment. Today a very important product class which is marketed by many small and large system houses and OEM firms are dedicated demand interactive systems. Simulation of these type systems would be a powerful development tool for these companies, and in addition provide them with a marketing and customer support bonus. This thesis will present a structured approach to dedicated demand system simulation that will be flexible enough to 'grow' with a target system both in hardware and software configuration.