A minimum of 64 MB of memory is required for each client, although in most cases 128 MB is needed. Requirements are detailed in the SFS 2.0 User's Guide. To facilitate accuracy of reported vendor results, SFS 2.0 includes an entire NFS implementation. Examples of typical load-generating configurations can be found on the SPEC Web site . Hardware setup and software installation time depend on the size of the server and the complexity of the test beds.
Many servers require large and complex test beds.
The SFS 2.0 software installs relatively quickly. A SPECsfs97 submission from a vendor includes at least 10 data points, with each data point taking about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Shared resources that might limit performance include disk controllers, disks, network controllers, network concentrators, network switches and clients. SPEC's CPU95 benchmark defines compiler optimization flags that can be used in testing. When submitting results for SPEC review, vendors are required to supply a description of all server tuning parameters within the disclosure section of the reporting page.