Lessons from capacity planning a Java enterprise application: how to keep capacity predictions on target and cut CPU usage by 5x  - CMG 2015 Best Paper
Paper by Stefano Domini,  presented by Renato Bonomini
Abstract
Java applications are ubiquitous in mission-critical enterprise and online settings. Java automatic memory management brings safety and development efficiency benefits, however at the same time adds complexity for the capacity manager in terms of how to effectively predict the capacity and manage the efficiency of such environments. We describe actionable methodologies and key metrics that enabled us to highlight the hidden bottleneck of many Java applications; devise a business-oriented capacity model that represents Java memory bottlenecks; detect poor memory usage patterns and anticipate memory leaks; determine that the garbage collector drives the CPU usage of your servers; and show how the garbage collector might be your first scalability bottleneck.
Renato's Bio
Renato was a data scientist before it became cool to be one.  His goal is to help companies understand how to use data to provide insight and actionable intelligence by leveraging Moviri software solutions and consulting services.  Renato is currently the Director of Business Development for Moviri.
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Improving Performance…Without Developers: Part 1 – Compression and Caching
Presented by Andy Graverson
Abstract
As a performance engineer, one of the first places we tend to look for performance optimization opportunities bottlenecks is in the application code.
There are many challenges with code based optimizations, including:
• Changing Code takes FOREVER

-You need to account for coding, builds, deployments, testing, debugging...then rinse and repeat until you get it right.

• Changing Code is expensive

-In addition to the technical tasks listed above, you have to complete the production install, which includes roping in member of QA, PMO, and often the Business

• Return on Investment is challenging

-Let’s be honest, we all have jobs because our employers value what we do, but since Performance Engineering doesn’t show up as ‘revenue generating’ on the financial report, we have to be cost conscious

• YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH DEVELOPERS

-Need I say anymore?

In this session we will review implementing compression over http and browser based caching, and how a few minor tweaks can significantly improve your end user experience.
Andy's Bio
Andy has always had a passion for speed; whether he was: Stealing bases as a little leaguer (Not even Salvy would have thrown him out), racing down the highway in excess of 120 mph in his Camaro (1989 IROC-Z, thank you very much!)  as a teenager, or tuning enterprise applications as an adult (he always sketchy if he’s really an adult); he always wants to go faster.
With over the 15+ years in the IT industry, Andy has developed and supported applications in the Ecommerce, Health Care, Financial Services, and Insurance sectors. 
He is currently an Architect and the Manager of the (newly created) Application Performance Engineering team with Sun Life Financial’s United States business unit.