Alpha Virtualization Overview
With the retirement of the Alpha computer range by HP in 2008 the owners of such equipment are forced to find a solution to replace the computer platform that carries their valuable application software. Migration of this custom software to another computer seems the most obvious solution, however it is a labor intensive, expensive and high-risk operation.
So, how else can you protect the investment in your software?
CHARON-AXP offers a very attractive alternative to migration, because it rebuilds the hardware environment of the old Alpha computer inside a totally different computer system, hiding that new system from the original Alpha software. Therefore no application migration effort is required, just copy the software from the original Alpha to its virtual equivalent and continue to run it like before. This is valid for both OpenVMS and Tru64 installations.
With CHARON-AXP replacing your Alpha is a matter of days instead of months or years.
The CHARON-AXP product family is a set of Alpha computer replacement products, running as software that creates an Alpha hardware “replica” on a newer (non-Alpha) general purpose computer. This special layer provides the Alpha software the exact interface of the Alpha computer that it used to run on. Therefore no software changes are required, so there is no migration effort as such; the transition is quick, inexpensive and effective.
Copy the disk content from the hardware Alpha to the virtual version and continue using the software as it was. As far is the Alpha software is concerned the “hardware” it runs on hasn't changed, so the software does not need to be modified either.
This method also allows you to use equipment with significantly lower cost of ownership, better supplier maintenance warranty and lower energy consumption bills. Combining multiple AlphaServers onto a single host computer delivers even better operational and financial prospects.
Stromasys offers virtualized AlphaServer and AlphaStation systems, from the earliest DEC3000 to the latest AlphaServer GS systems. CHARON-AXP maintains software integrity, operating processes and protects your original investment in the Alpha environment. CHARON-AXP supports both OpenVMS and Tru64 Alpha operating systems and all application software that runs on top of it. No application source code is needed, no conversion is required.
To cover the complete portfolio of AlphaServers, multiple CHARON-AXP products are available. This table indicates which CHARON-AXP product is best suited to replace your current Alpha:
| Alpha Hardware Model | Alpha Virtualization Software |
|---|---|
| AlphaServer GS160 | CHARON-AXP/GS160 |
| AlphaServer GS80 | CHARON-AXP/GS80 |
| AlphaServer ES40 | CHARON-AXP/ES40 |
| AlphaServer DS20 | CHARON-AXP/DS20 |
| AlphaServer DS10 | CHARON-AXP/DS10 |
| AlphaServer 4100 AlphaServer 4000 AlphaServer 2100 AlphaServer 2000 | CHARON-AXP/4100 |
| AlphaServer 1200 AlphaServer 800 AlphaStation 500/600 AlphaStation XP900/XP1000 | CHARON-AXP/SMA+ |
| AlphaServer 1000 AlphaServer 300/400 | CHARON-AXP/SMA |
| AlphaServer 200 | CHARON-AXP/station |
| DEC3000AXP | CHARON-AXP/3000 |
Benefits
- Proven and robust CHARON architecture and technology for an accurate and reliable virtualization of the hardware
- Rapid implementation on industry standard hardware with increased performance
- Replaces old hardware and reduces cost of ownership
- Preserves the current application investments. Application’s sources not required.
- Permits consolidation of multiple AlphaServers on a single host server.
- No change required in current and proven business processes or operational skills
- Extend on new platforms, create room for future growth
- Product variations available to match different application needs
- Accepted as legitimate (VMS; Tru64) Alpha replacement at affordable cost
- Adaptable product design and flexible support, licensing and pricing conditions to satisfy the defense industry, OEM or high-volume end user needs
Using CHARON-AXP to replace your AlphaServers guarantees continuity of your software and preserves the investments that were made in it.
CHARON-AXP runs on general purpose host systems, which likely fit very well in your existing company IT-policy.
The host system can be a multi-core Intel or AMD processor based server that supports 64-bit operation, with Windows x64 2003 Server as operating system.
Alpha storage space can be virtual disks and tapes using container files in the Windows directory structure; or physical drives on the host system, or on a storage server allowing back-up with standard tools. The Alpha operating system will see them as normal devices. The standard storage device is SCSI, however other options are available for OpenVMS users, contact us for more details. The use of virtual disk devices allows combining multiple smaller disks on 1 host disk or the use of a company SAN.