VAX Emulation

CHARON-VAX is a software product family that creates virtual VAX hardware inside a standard Windows-based or OpenVMS/Integrity host system. For almost every VAX that was ever manufactured, Stromasys offers a CHARON-VAX version. Continue to use your VAX applications as if nothing ever happened; no migration, retraining, or reorganisation is required. The only thing the users will notice is the incredible increase in performance!

How does it work?

The picture explains the principle. The CHARON-VAX software loads as an application. It creates a layer on top of the host hardware components that make them look like VAX devices. This includes the VAX CPU(s), network and storage, and all other components of a complete VAX system. Such technology is known as a "hardware abstraction layer".

The result is a range of medium to very high-performance (currently 750+ VUPs) replacement platforms for Digital Equipment Corporation's (now HP) VAX computers, running on industry-standard systems. The compatibility is so exact that we run the original VAX hardware diagnostics during the design, and the CHARON-VAX products are certified using the original AXE hardware verification test suite of Digital Equipment Corporation's VAX engineering group.

The CHARON™-VAX Emulation Concept

You can install your VAX operating system (such as VAX/VMS, NetBSD or VAXELN) directly from its original distribution kit on the virtual VAX created by CHARON-VAX, or in many cases even copy a system disk image from the original VAX. The applications can be copied in binary format via the network, tape, floppy disk or CD. You can transfer your LMF license keys in the same way. Due to the fact that the VAX hardware is replaced and not the VAX operating system, all original software functionality is maintained, and CHARON-VAX even runs the VAX diagnostic bootstrap at system start-up at a very high speed. For a detailed product overview, go to VAX Virtualization Overview.

HP provides extension licenses for the CHARON-VAX environment, which provide a continuation of the existing HP software warranty agreements when running on CHARON-VAX.

Click here to learn how to access the CHARON-VAX online demonstration (70+ VUPs and 150 GB of storage).

Benefits

• Rapid implementation on industry-standard hardware with increased performance
• Replaces old and expensive hardware and reduces cost of ownership
• Saves floor space and less electricity consumption in the computer room
• Runs much faster than the original VAX hardware
• Preserves the current application investments
• No change in current business processes or operational skills
• Extend on new platforms, create room for future growth
• Product variations available to match different application needs
• Accepted as a legitimate VAX replacement at an affordable cost
• Adaptable product design and flexible support, licensing and pricing conditions to satisfy the defense industry, OEM or high-volume end-user needs.