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Cloud Spectator is a cloud computing consulting firm based in Boston, MA. Since 2011, we have measured server performance and provided analyses into pricing and industry competition, helping enterprises make informed cloud purchase decisions. We currently focus on IaaS offerings.
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CPU Performance
Below is a summary of three open-source tests we use to benchmark CPU performance. Tests are automated to run 4 times a day, 365 days a week. At the beginning of every month, we update our list with the best cloud IaaS performer from the previous 30-day period. We congratulate all IaaS providers that make it on our list for their dedication in performance, but we do not endorse any these cloud providers.
For a full copy of available CloudSpecs Cloud Benchmark Reports for free, please visit our Industry Reports section.
To gain access to our CloudSpecs Performance portal please visit our Cloud Benchmarks section.
Compression (Using 7-Zip): RazorServers
Description
This is a test of 7-Zip using p7zip with its integrated benchmark feature, measured in million instructions per second (MIPS). The test consists of compressing a file with random data using the 7-zip program and then dividing the number of CPU instructions executed during the compression by the number of seconds. The result is then divided by 1 million to calculate the value in MIPS.
The 7-zip compression test results are important in comparison because the 7-zip compression algorithm uses many kinds of CPU instructions, resulting in an accurate overall score reflecting the performance of the CPU. The fact that it is a compression program is irrelevant in the test.
Linux Kernel Compilation: Cloud Provider USA
Description
This test times how long (in seconds) it takes to build the Linux kernel. Unlike the 7-zip compression, this is a compilation source code. Though many compilation tests exist, an advantage of the Linux Kernel compilation is the portability and compatibility with a majority of Linux distributions.
Because of the variety of CPU instructions and the length of time for the test, the Linux kernel compilation can accurately measure a CPU’s performance.
Encoding (Using x264 H.264/AVC encoder): RazorServers
Description
The x264 test benchmarks the speed it takes a server to encode a movie file using the x264 H.264/AVC encoder.
When results are shown alone, they have little meaning, but the process requires a large amount of computations, so when compared side-by-side using results from several cloud providers, the test provides an accurate insight of CPU performance.