An approach for providing guidance and management of a data processing system. A processor stores at least one design pattern corresponding to a plurality of components of the data processing system. A processor generates a behavioral model of the data processing system based, at least in part, on the stored at least one design pattern. A processor monitors actual behavior of the data processing system. A processor compares the actual behavior of the data processing system to the behavioral model of the data processing system. A processor recommends a solution, based, at least in part, on the comparison.