One post tagged with "general-purpose"

Hello, we are sharing updates about the BCS (Beyond Compute Service) instance family.
KakaoCloud released t1i burstable instances last September. In this post, we will look at the credit feature and burstable performance applied to t1i instances starting January 25, 2024.

Understanding t1i instances​

Before taking a closer look at burstable performance, it is helpful to understand t1i instances in KakaoCloud Beyond Cloud Compute (BCS).
t1i instances, a type of KakaoCloud general-purpose instance, are designed for workloads that do not require consistently high CPU performance but need to deliver high performance in specific situations. These instances provide burstable CPU performance controlled by credits, offering an appropriate balance between high performance and cost.

How burstable performance works​

The English word "burstable" is a compound of "burst" and "able." In cloud computing, burst means the ability to temporarily exceed a defined baseline performance level and deliver higher performance. Therefore, equipping an instance with burstable performance means that the instance provides baseline CPU performance but has the ability to burst beyond that baseline.

In KakaoCloud, the t1i general-purpose instance provides this burstable performance. It demonstrates its value by offering a cost-effective solution for workloads where the CPU is usually idle but occasionally requires high CPU performance.

Then how do KakaoCloud t1i instances provide this burstable feature?
The answer is CPU credits. t1i instances continuously receive CPU credits, and the credit rate varies depending on the instance size.

(Example of credit rate)
1 CPU credit = 1 vCPU x 100% utilization x 1 minute = 1 vCPU x 50% utilization x 2 minutes = 2 vCPUs x 25% utilization x 2 minutes

Credits are consumed when an instance runs above its baseline CPU utilization, and unused CPU credits during low workloads are saved for future bursts. This makes it possible to handle unexpected loads smoothly.

(Credit consumption relationship)
CPU utilization below baseline: accrued credits > consumed credits
CPU utilization equal to baseline: accrued credits = consumed credits
CPU utilization above baseline: accrued credits < consumed credits

For a detailed explanation of credit calculation, see the user guide.

Example use cases for t1i instances​

t1i instances that provide burstable performance can be an optimal choice in terms of cost efficiency and flexibility. They are especially useful in the following business situations.

• Variable workloads: When workloads are inconsistent and CPU usage fluctuates over time, t1i instances provide baseline performance while offering the flexibility to increase performance when needed.
• Development and test environments: Development and test environments often require high performance only at certain times. t1i instances can be a cost-effective choice for these environments.
• Low-latency interactive applications: For applications that require user interaction, response time is important. t1i instances can instantly adjust performance when needed and improve user experience.
• Small and medium-sized databases: Suitable for databases that require consistent performance but occasionally need high performance. Burstable performance can be used during database maintenance tasks or unexpected traffic increases.
• Background processing jobs: For scheduled batch jobs or background processing jobs, t1i instances can reduce costs when consistently high performance is not required.

Best practices​

To use t1i instances smartly, several strategic management and planning practices are needed. We hope the following best practices help you use t1i instances and maximize application performance.

• Monitor CPU credit balance: You can collect and view key metrics through KakaoCloud Monitoring. Monitor CPU credit balance regularly so that instances can burst when needed.
• Choose an appropriate instance size: Select an appropriate t1i instance size, such as t1i.nano, t1i.medium, or t1i.2xlarge, according to different workload requirements to optimize cost and performance.
• Understand workload patterns: Analyze CPU usage patterns of workloads and improve operational efficiency by balancing CPU credit accumulation and consumption rates for the instance.

Closing​

On January 25, 2024, the powerful feature of "burstable" performance was added as a milestone for KakaoCloud t1i instances, providing more flexible and cost-effective compute performance.
The burstable feature is especially meaningful because KakaoCloud is the first domestic CSP to release it. We want to emphasize that KakaoCloud t1i instances are not just an instance type, but a strategic asset that can use resources cost-effectively. Use the power of burstable performance to experience operations that ensure high performance during peak hours while avoiding unnecessary costs during idle time.
For detailed specifications and information about t1i instances, see Burstable instances in the user guide.