Video streaming is an easy-to-understand workload from the I/O perspective, right? It’s pretty obvious that it’s a workload heavy on long, streaming reads. The application can be modeled with a consistent read flow, and the software tests should be easy. However, an analysis of the real-world workload shows something very different. At the disk level, the reads turn out to be a rapid flow of 4k and 8k block reads from a solid-state-disk. Further, other processes on the system also add in a small amount of 4k and 8k writes in the midst of the reads. All of this impacts the application –and an SSD — which was likely heavily tested on the basis of long, streaming reads.
Understanding the real-world characteristics of a workload can be a significant advantage in the development of new hardware, new systems, and new applications. 
The SNIA Solid State Storage Initiative (SSSI) and SSSI member company Calypso Systems are providing an opportunity to build a repository of workloads for the industry to use for real-world testing, as outlined in a new SSSI white paper How to Be a Part of the Real-World Workload Revolution. This paper is also available in Chinese at the SSSI Knowledge Center White Papers page.
By going to the TestMyWorkload site, anyone can participate by providing a trace capture of an I/O workload that can be used by others to develop better products. The capture itself traces the block transfers, but does not capture actual data. Any workload replay would use representative blocks, so there are no concerns about data security or integrity from these captures.
The repository can be used by any participant to test hardware and software, and can help system vendors and users optimize configurations for the best performance based on real-world data. By participating in this effort, organizations and individuals can provide insight and gain from the knowledge of all the contributors.
Follow these three steps to be a part of the revolution today!
1. Read the white paper.
2. Download the free capture tools at TestMyWorkload.com.
3. Mark your calendar and register HERE to learn more in the free SNIA webcast How to Be a Part of the Real-World Workload Revolution on July 9 at 11:00 am Pacific/2:00 pm Eastern.