Selecting a target design based on criteria

A system and method for selecting a preferred design for a multi-tiered architecture of components based on a set of established criteria is provided. The system and method receive a model describing different design constructions and a set of performance and availability requirements and produces a design or set of designs that best meet these requirements. The system and method include a model for representing the infrastructure design space for multi-tier systems and their properties appropriate for judging performance and availability properties of services as well as associated cost. The method and system further include a method for searching the design space in an efficient manner.