Figure 9-16. Shown is the response-time graph for this exercise. It shows the service time, queue time, response time, and the arrival rate as reported from the AWR report.

With the key queuing theory calculations performed and the response-time graph created, we are nearly ready to move on to anticipating the performance improvement impact of our various solutions. However, before we get to that topic, it is important to understand the ways we can alter the users' experience.

When it comes to improving performance, the bottom line is to get out of the elbow of the curve. As I have mentioned, when presenting a response-time curve, even nontechnical audiences quickly grasp that being in the elbow is "bad" and being out of the elbow is "good." Use this intuitiveness to demonstrate-even at a very high level-your performance-improving strategies. This will build confidence in your solutions and also help more effectively rank them.