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 CFL is proud to announce the release of a multi-processor version of VetlinkSQL - VetlinkSQL MP. The VetlinkSQL MP and the database upgrade can now harness the power of multiple CPU's and multiple cores within a CPU to spread the workload of VetlinkSQL more efficiently.
Most new servers have multi-processors or one processor with multiple “cores”. For the non-technical, it is like a car either having multiple engines or a large engine with multiple sets of cylinders.
Does This Affect You?
If you are a large practice with 'current technology' servers but experience performance issues at peak loads then it is VERY IMPORTANT that you read this and plan for an upgrade. Over the last year or so, we have been slowly re-writing a number of UDF (User Defined Functions) to support future versions of the database. This is now complete, which means two things. One is that users are able to move to a newer version of the database (under CFL supervision only), with future plans to move to even newer versions. It also means that we are now able to harness the power of multi-processor and multi-core servers.
The multi-processor version has already undergone testing at several clinics. This is typical feedback.
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Historically when I have wanted to run large and complex reports, I would ensure that these were done before the clinic opened or between consults to avoid affecting the speed of VetlinkSQL for other users. Since CFL upgraded us to the multi-processor version of VetlinkSQL and database , and tuned our database settings, I have been able to run complex reports while the clinic operates normally with minimal or no alteration to the speed of VetlinkSQL. This is a significant advancement and we are very pleased with this upgrade!
Korrina Cracknell, Practice Manager, Auckland Veterinary Services Ltd
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The Current Problem
When a single processor or a single core is used on your server, all the workload is put through that one “engine”. The application and database is therefore competing with all other workload to satisfy your demands. The memory on your server is also shared so each task gets only a share of this resource. If multiple processors or multiple cores were able to be utilised, the workload could be spread across these resources thereby avoiding peak loads on the one single processor or core. In certain cases multiple processor support can also be counter-productive if the amount of memory on the server is not sufficient as the “overhead” of distributing tasks will be higher than the gains made. Specialist memory tuning and database configuration is therefore required with each installation to achieve optimum settings based on numerous parameters such as the number of users, server hardware, memory, etc.
Below is a before and after screen shot of the processors in task manager from one of the test sites. The first image (left) shows VetlinkSQL running without the multi-processor upgrade with the bulk of the processing being done on one core. The next image (right) shows the VetlinkSQL multi-processor version running with the workload spread over all four of the available cores.
For more detailed analysis and information on how VetlinkSQL MP functions in task manager please click here.
Facilitation and Costs
There will be a cost for this upgrade. Practices that will want to harness the power of the multi-processor version will have to bear the research and development, configuration, implementation and associated upgrade costs for their practices. Note that it is not compulsory to upgrade if you do not wish to migrate to this new version.
Each installation is very different in terms of server power, network configuration, number of processors/cores, server memory and the number of active users. For this reason, we have written a special application that simulates these conditions which then allows us to come up with optimum settings for the database parameters. For each site that will want to upgrade, we will provide a quote and carry out this simulation and then the migration followed by 3 weeks of server monitoring taking user feedback into consideration. An upgrade to the latest version is included as well.
It is very important to note that ONLY CFL, and only its technical staff (not helpdesk staff) are qualified to carry out this upgrade. It is important to appreciate the need to maintain strong continuity, control, documentation, and monitoring ability to provide the best possible support and outcome long term to your business. It has taken us a year to get to this stage with specialist consultancy services being commissioned before implementation.
Test Results
Once support for multi-processors was implemented, we needed to be sure that real benefits would result provided the server had adequate memory. A special test application was written by our developers to “simulate” usage over several workstations and under Terminal Servers. Several heavy queries taking several minutes were loaded and times were measured on a standard server that is similar to what is in use at many clinics. The table below shows some of the results.
| SQL DATABASE CONFIGURATION |
TEST 1 |
TEST 2 |
| VETLINKSQL |
872.715 secs |
839.404 secs |
VETLINKSQL MP
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309.872 secs |
349.104 secs |
| Percentage Difference |
64.49% |
58.41% |
Test Conditions: Hardware: 2.33GHz Intel Xeon Quad Core with 4GB RAM
Data: Multi-Branch Database Size: 2.5GB, 20,000 clients, 56,000 animals, 6,700 products, 490,000 bills.
Apart from the increase in performance, the distribution of load across the queries was a lot more even with processors reaching only around 40% usage as opposed to 100% seen regularly at peak demand times on the single processor version.
Below is another quote from one of the trial sites.
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After having increasing users on our network we suffered some speed limitations with VL2. We arranged for Goran to come on site and he worked his magic with the VetlinkSQL Multi Processor Version upgrade. We noticed an immediate 20% increase in speed. A very worthwhile excercise.
Paul Bonini, Clutha Vets |
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Will There Be Any Problems?
We do not believe that there will be any problems. The VetlinkSQL MP version has been under testing for a year at CFL and has now been in use at several clinics, both large and small, for a number of months.
How to get a Quote and Book your Upgrade?
To get a quote for full migration and a three week monitoring and “tuning” program, please email goran@cfl.co.nz. He will then be able to dial into your server and retrieve the number of users, CPU type, operating system, memory, and other relevant information to be able to provide a quote.
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Did You Know?
If an application were to use a Microsoft SQL database for example, a free “express” version will have limits such as a cap on memory usage (1GB only), single CPU capability only, and a database size limit after which you have no option but to purchase the expensive paid version. This exercise can be expensive.
VetlinkSQL does not use a Microsoft SQL database as costs for clinics as their databases grow can be significant. We use an open-source SQL database that is provided as part of VETLINKSQL at no charge.
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Disclaimer
CFL tests under simulation and at trial sites have shown significant improvement in performance at peak loads when adequate memory is available. CFL cannot however provide any guarantee as such. All charges are for incurred R&D, professional time and monitoring, plus CFL's IP (Intellectual Property). Third party conversion attempts will void any support agreements and naturally, assistance will not be able to be provided by CFL staff. Any repairs and restorations will be billed as incurred.
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