Understanding Queuing Theory and Software Performance

Understanding Queuing Theory and Software Performance

Kevin Kotowski

December 08, 2021


What do McDonald’s drive-thru lines, highway on-ramp metering lights, and stadium beer service all have in common with software? They’re all bound to the same laws of queuing theory.

In this talk, 8th Light’s Head of Delivery Kevin Kotowski introduces the key concepts that apply queueing theory to software, and explains the differences between terms like “system time and throughput” and “concurrency and parallelism”. Throughout this presentation, Kevin leans on these real-world examples to cut through the jargon and make these lessons more digestible for you and your team.

Kevin finishes the presentation by going a step further and outlining a systematic approach for applying these concepts to your software system. By observing telemetry latency, mapping the critical path, and improving performance on nodes along that critical path, your team can achieve impressive performance improvements.

For more from 8th Light University, check out this Friday’s Meetup where Eric Smith will demonstrate how to build software games in Rust!

Join the Dialogue

Here are a few background resources shared during the talk:

About 8th Light University

8th Light University (8LU) is a virtual event series curated by 8th Light, a global software consultancy that partners with clients in creating software solutions. Topics focus on improving the craft of software product, design, and development. Software professionals of all skill levels are welcome! Watch past event videos on YouTube, join us at our next 8LU event, or sign up for our newsletter to to find out about upcoming events.

Kevin Kotowski

Executive Consultant

Kevin Kotowski has been a driving force in software development across a wide range of industries and roles for more than 25 years. Currently serving as 8th Light's Executive Consultant, Kevin partners with clients as a successful advisor rooted in his fundamental belief that people are happier when their work is connected to their organization's vision in an authentic way.