Skytap on Azure Storage Architecture and Performance Tuning

This technical report discusses the storage architecture for Skytap on Azure (SOA) and outlines best practices for tuning IBM Power workloads, including IBM i, AIX, and Linux on Power. It emphasizes the differences between cloud-based storage architectures and traditional on-premises solutions. The report details how SOA's cloud-native and multi-tenant storage architecture balances performance with high availability, utilizing native iSCSI for IBM Power and a scaled-out architecture based on ZFS. Extensive performance testing and benchmarking were conducted using standardized tools to assess IOPS and data throughput while minimizing latency. Key findings include optimal queue depths, block sizes for different application types, and the importance of multiple disks and controllers for achieving high performance. Additionally, the report explains the role of ZFS in managing storage, providing features such as snapshots and caching, which enhance performance and resiliency in cloud environments.