ICC 4 IT Blog

HP enhances key attributes of OpenVMS with version 8.3 supporting the latest line of HP Integrity servers and AlphaServer systems. Now, you can achieve higher levels of performance and price/performance.

OpenVMS version 8.3 delivers even greater flexibility and investment protection along with lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and additional virtualization capabilities for HP Integrity servers. New clustering and data-shadowing functions further increase performance levels in disaster-tolerant environments, and additional security capabilities enhance the OpenVMS reputation for secure, rapid application delivery.

With OpenVMS version 8.3, you can choose to deploy HP Integrity servers as your business needs require. The mixed architecture clusters of Integrity servers and AlphaServer systems are fully supported, promoting the integration of HP Integrity servers into an OpenVMS environment at the pace directed by your business needs.

Licensing and service plans for OpenVMS on HP Integrity servers offer reduced complexity, increased cost-effectiveness, and greater flexibility. OpenVMS version 8.3 also supports the full line of HP AlphaServer systems.

Today, more than 1,000 applications are, or will soon be, available on OpenVMS on HP Integrity servers. And the number of available applications is continually growing. The enthusiastic base of HP OpenVMS partners are ready to help you deploy the applications that keep your business running smoothly.

HP OpenVMS is the operating environment of choice for many of the world’s most demanding enterprises because it delivers these no-compromise attributes every day, year after year:

• Up to 100% application availability
• Unyielding security
• Robust disaster tolerance
• Scalability to millions of users
• Steadfast reliability
• Ease of management
• Exceptional price/performance

Hewlett-Packlard has introduced a new version of the HP-UX 11i operating system and a new range of HP Integrity servers to help make mission-critical virtualisation practical for businesses of all sizes.

The latest release of HP’s Unix operating environment, HP-UX 11i v3, makes virtualisation easier to deploy and delivers mission-critical virtualisation by combining virtualisation and mainframe-class availability, said HP. Also, with HP-UX 11i v3, important applications, including business intelligence and datawarehousing, are now simpler to secure and manage.

Additionally, HP has strengthened its HP Integrity server line-up with a model for BladeSystem c-Class environments and a new rack-optimised unit, the Integrity rx2660 entry-class server.
The HP Integrity BL860c Server Blade is the first Integrity model designed for the HP BladeSystem c-Class portfolio, HP’s new blade architecture. And the HP Integrity rx2660 is the lowest-priced Integrity rack-mount server and the most flexible and versatile unit in its Unix server class, said HP.

HP claimed the rx2660 beat similar entry-level offerings from Sun Microsystems on performance when it came to Java application and Java business workloads.
A base configuration of the HP Integrity BL860c Server Blade has a starting US list price of $3,827 (£2,015) and is expected to begin shipping in March. A base configuration of the HP Integrity rx2660 entry-class server has a starting US list price of $4,931 (£2,600) and is shipping now.

HP OpenVMS v8.2 is a new release for both HP Integrity servers and AlphaServer systems. This new OpenVMS version enhances its key properties of security, scalability, availability, performance, and interoperability with UNIX.

The ability to deploy various generations of AlphaServer technology while incorporating Integrity servers offers bottom-line investment protection. The combination of HP Integrity servers and AlphaServer systems can enhance your computing environments by capitalizing on the economies of an industry-standard architecture while adding value through HP innovation.

You now have the choice of staying with the AlphaServer platform for years to come, or moving to Integrity servers. Your application investments are protected because the vast majority of Alpha-based OpenVMS applications need only be recompiled, relinked, and tested in order to run on Integrity servers. Moreover, mixed architecture clusters of HP Integrity servers and AlphaServer systems is fully supported, promoting the incorporation of Integrity servers into an OpenVMS environment when you determine it should be done.

OpenVMS v8.2 is now available for HP Integrity rx4640-8, rx2620-2, and rx1620-2 servers as well as for the entire family of AlphaServer systems. OpenVMS will be available on the full line of entry-level, mid-range, and high-end Integrity servers, including the HP Superdome Server, by the first half of 2006.