Performance of a multi-stage service within an information technology network

摘要

A multi-stage or process operation, such as the printing of a document from a data file in the form of a word processing document may be performed either by passing the document directly along a relatively fast network link to a printer 300, or by passing the document along a relatively slow link to a printer 200, where the document is ripped, and then passing the ripped data along a further relatively fast link to printer 300. To determine the optimum course of action in view of a policy demanding speed of printing the probable speed of each course of action is determined, and the course of action most likely to yield a result in conformity with the policy is selected.