Embodiments of the present invention provide a workload optimization approach that measures workload performance across combinations of hardware (platform, network configuration, storage configuration, etc.) and operating systems, and which provides a workload placement on the platforms where jobs perform most efficiently. This type of placement may be based on performance measurements (e.g., throughput, response, and other such service levels), but it can also be based on other factors such as power consumption or reliability. In a typical embodiment, ideal platforms are identified for handling workloads based on performance measurements and any applicable service level agreement (SLA) terms.