DAP addresses a fundamental problem in client-server and n-tier systems: partitioning distributed object applications, i.e., determining the machine (from high-end servers to tier-0 devices) on which each object should be placed and executed for best overall performance of the application.

The DAP tool is based on communication dynamics (a history of all relevant object interactions in representative runs of the application) modeled as a graph. It employs multi-way graph cutting algorithms to automatically determine near-optimal object placement. It also incorporates visual feedback (graphic animation of object clustering) to guide programmers in manually refining the partitioning, as well as to guide them in refining the design of the application to achieve even greater performance improvements.

This is the only commercial system of which we are aware that supports automated partitioning for application logic components, as well as GUI and data access components in distributed object applications. Further, it is the only system of which we are aware, in either the product or research community, to employ object dynamics for automated partitioning, and to include graphic animations as a guide to design refinement.