Hp = Everything Is Possible

Excerpts of Technical Connections An Electronic Publication edited for HP Certified Professionals

Volume 4, Issue 1 November 2003

The Technical Connections Newsletter is published for and distributed to HP's System Integrator and Reseller Channel Partners by the Technical Leadership Team within HP’s Solution Alliances Organization. This particular version has been edited to provide information appropriate for the HP Certified Professional community. This newsletter contains articles about: HP products and solutions Competitive positioning information HP news, announcements and upcoming events Links to HP reference material, product collateral, white papers and partner websites

IN THIS ISSUE Page

General News 2-3 Storage News 4-5 JAVA and Application Development News 5-6 HP 9000 Server News 7 Integrity Server News 8-9 Non-Stop Server News 9-11 Linux Server News 11-12 Industry Standard Server News 12 Alpha Server News 12-13 And In This Corner – A Competitive Update 14-16 Recently In The Press 17 Calendar of Events 18-19

MANAGING EDITOR: Marilyn Garwick / 408-447-2778

ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Dave Donia / 856-638-6248 and James Redlinger / 281-514-5044

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Steve Geary / 408-447-2783

This newsletter contains references and links to HP information resources (such as ESP) that are intended for HP Channel Partners. Not all Partners or HP Certified Professionals may be authorized to access these resources. Contact your local HP representative for assistance. Technical Connections 2 + hp = everything is possible General News

HP Fuels Standards-based Computing with Expanded Server Line

HP announced new HP Integrity and ProLiant servers and Linux clustered systems, further expanding the company's reach to emerging markets as well as traditional enterprise computing customers. From simplifying the needs of growing businesses to delivering high performance for technical computing and enterprise datacenters, HP is setting the standard in the industry for 32- bit and 64-bit computing.

"The rules of the game have changed in the server market, and it's clearly 'advantage HP,'" said Scott Stallard, executive vice president, Enterprise Storage and Servers, HP. "Record numbers of customers are choosing HP servers as the basis for an adaptive infrastructure. It's a stamp of approval for our approach of focused innovation based on industry standards, and today's announcements build on that approval."

Read the complete announcement at: http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031103b.html

Technology Webinars Available

As part of the on-going Technology/Knowledge Transfer activities, the HP Technical Leadership Team is offering a series of webinars for HP’s Partner community. We are also recording and archiving these shows and making them available on- demand for replay at your convenience.

Adaptive Infrastructure for HP-UX – Thursday, 20 November 2003, 11:00 a.m. EST. The next session will be on the Adaptive Infrastructure for HP-UX. This session will cover the features of HP-UX that can be used to provide an Adaptive Infrastructure Solution TODAY. These technologies include the Partitioning Continuum (nPars, vPars, Resource Partitions), On-Demand (iCOD, Pay-per-Use, iCOD Temporary Capacity), and the Workload Manager. If you’d like to attend this session, please send an e-mail message to Marilyn Garwick at [email protected] to register for the Adaptive Infrastructure for HP-UX webinar. This will ensure that you receive the login and dial-in information.

On-demand Webinar Archive Portfolio The HP Technical Leadership Team is developing an on-demand portfolio of webinars that covers a number of topics. These webinars will be accessible by HP’s Partners from anywhere, at anytime.

Currently, we have posted webinars covering the following topics: Itanium, HP Proliant Blade Systems, HP Grid Computing and Security for the HP-UX Environment. More sessions are in the works including Storage, Partitioning, Linux, Server & Storage Consolidation, HP Servers, Cell Board Technology, the Nimbus Console and HP quote and configuration Tools such Sales Builder for Windows (SBW); we will be adding these and other, additional sessions as they’re recorded.

To access the Portfolio, please visit: http://presentplus.com/hp/shows/ and use the password “tltarchives” (without the quotes). Please take a minute to fill out the feedback form you’ll receive after each show. These help us gauge the effectiveness of the sessions and provide you with an opportunity to let us know what other topics you’d like to see us cover. Please make sure you provide an e-mail address if you would like us to respond to any of your comments.

Please remember, these webinars are only open to HP’s Partners who have properly executed Non-disclosure Agreements in place.

Technical Connections 3 + hp = everything is possible "Fast Facts" Tools Updated

"HP-UX 11i Fast Facts" – This three-page sales and marketing tool highlights recent analyst reports, benchmarks, awards, and customer results. This information can be used in presentations to press, analysts, and customers. It was recently updated to include the latest SPEC benchmark data.

For more information go to: ESP, keyword 090017AD8176E832

"Linux on Integrity Server Fast Facts" – This two-page sales and marketing tool highlights recent analyst reports, benchmarks, awards, and customer results. This information can be used in presentations to press, analysts, and customers. It will be updated regularly to ensure that you have current information.

For more information go to: ESP, keyword 090017AD8182EBFF

HP's Continuity and High-availability Products Can Protect Your Customer's Operations

HP is the industry leader in providing business continuity and high availability solutions for its customers. Recent events along the eastern seaboard, such as the blackout and Hurricane Isabel, have been a wake-up call for businesses without business continuity protection, and can provide an opportunity to showcase HP's clustering products-Continental Clusters, Metro Cluster, and Extended Campus Cluster. All of the clustering products use Serviceguard as the foundation and protect HP 9000 servers. These products are designed to protect business operations from major interruptions that impact the whole data center. The U.S. centers in Atlanta, GA, and King of Prussia, PA, are staffed with expert recovery personnel 24 x 7 and house uninterruptible power supplies and diesel generators. They are equipped to serve companies in the event of local interruptions or widespread disasters. HP's continuity and high-availability products can help your customers weather the storm without any downtime.

HP has been in the recovery services business for 20 years, and with over 12,000 clients worldwide, has 50 recovery facilities located in 37 countries. HP’s decades of experience in clustering, data replication, hot site capabilities, recovery center capabilities, and infrastructure design have helped produce "best practices" in the industry. HP's Remote Clustering products are currently experiencing a growth rate of 35 percent on geographically dispersed clusters. There are 100 implementations per year, with an average deal size of US$4 million.

HP UDC Cost Justification – Customer Financial White Paper Now Available

HP Services has created a TCO and return on investment (ROI) cost model for the Utility Data Center solution. Based on numerous Business Value Assessment (BVA) engagements completed thus far, the model identifies savings in sixteen specific areas resulting in a potential reduction of 40 percent in the customer's overall IT budget. Use this paper to back up your cost-savings strategy in talks with your customers.

For more information go to: ESP, keyword SELLHPUDC

HP Enhances Mobile Printing SDK for Developers

HP is helping to meet the growing need to easily and reliably print from Pocket PC applications with the availability of enhancements to its HP Mobile Printing Software Developer's Kit (SDK) for Pocket PC, first released in May 2003. With this software tool, developers can easily enable printing from mobile devices and applications. The Mobile Printing SDK for Pocket PC is intended for use with native applications. In addition to a C++ version, there is a plug-in for use with the Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003 environment that enables developers to add printing to Microsoft .NET Compact Framework based applications. HP has packed Release 3.0 with added functionality that makes this tool HP's next- generation mobile printing SDK. Enhancements include Pocket PC 2003 support, a Pocket Excel plug-in capability that enables developers to provide printing to Pocket Excel documents, enhanced print management capabilities, expanded PostScript support, and localized resource files for support of nine languages. HP invites developers of mobile devices and applications to download this SDK, which is free to all Solution Provider Program members. An affiliate membership is free, so join now if you have not already done so.

Technical Connections 4 + hp = everything is possible For more details on the Solution Provider Program, HP Mobile Printing tools, or to download this developer toolkit, visit the HP Developer Solution website.

Storage News

Windows-based Replication with HP OpenView Storage Mirroring

Are you in need of a low-cost replication solution for your Windows servers and/or MSA1000 environment? Now HP is delivering a Windows-based replication product - HP OpenView Storage Mirroring. This product is an OEM version of NSI's Doubletake product. This product will not only continue to provide replication for HP’s NAS appliances, but now for standard Wintel servers (ProLiant!) as well -- providing another product in HP's replication portfolio along with CA EVA, CA XP, and CASA. No competitor has a replication offering that includes products that provide remote replication at the host, network, and array.

Storage Mirroring provides asynchronous replication that can be scheduled to a fine granular level-Logical Unit Number (LUN), file or byte level. Other features include multiple replication configuration options including peer-to-peer, one-to- many and many-to-one. In addition, Storage Mirroring is a very cost effective disaster recovery alternative from one host to another within a LAN or data center. Other use options include replication of direct attached storage between metro or branch offices and regional centers.

Storage Mirroring offers low initial investment costs compared to alternative enterprise class storage-based and fabric- based replication products. This is supported in Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 environments.

For more information see http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storage/software/sm/index.html or contact your HP Alliance Team.

HP StorageWorks EVA Wins Innovative Technology Award

The HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) solution has won an Innovative Technology award from IDG's Computerworld. In order to be considered for the awards program, vendors had to be nominated by IT end users that do not produce or sell technology.  A panel of outside experts and Computerworld editors reviewed the surveys and chose 30 winners in 10 categories based on the following criteria:  The company's technology is innovative and original  It offers demonstrable value to corporate IT operations in Fortune 1000 companies  It creates a new advantage or opportunity for customers  Customers have successfully implemented the technology and are getting measurable payback or competitive advantage from it  The technology will change the way companies do business or solve technology problems into the future

Read more at the Computerworld site.

HP StorageWorks Backup Sizing Tool Available Now

The downloadable version of the StorageWorks Backup Sizing Tool (SWBST) will size and configure a customer's complete backup solution in direct-attached storage (DAS), NAS, and storage area network (SAN) environments. Using HP tape and tape-automation devices, the SWBST will recommend a backup solution and display the complete backup schedule that will support performance and business requirements based on information the customer provides.

For more information, visit: the ActiveAnswers website

Technical Connections 5 + hp = everything is possible Alpha Customer Assurance Program Delivers More with Storage Upgrade

The Alpha Customer Assurance Program (ACAP) is delivering more to AlphaServer system customers through the addition of an exciting new storage component planned for worldwide availability in 2004 and scheduled to launch in the United States, Canada, and EMEA within the next 10 weeks. HP customers running Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS on their AlphaServer systems can upgrade their HP StorageWorks HSG80 storage system (Modular Array 8000, Enterprise Modular Array (EMA) 12000, and EMA16000) to a new HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Array (EVA) system, including Fibre Channel disks, and receive an incremental discount of 8 percent toward the purchase of a new EVA storage system. Additionally, Data Replication Manager (DRM) customers upgrading to an EVA solution through this program are eligible to upgrade to HP StorageWorks Continuous Access EVA software at a discount.

Find more details on the storage offer here.

ACAP is part of the HP Alpha RetainTrust program, HP's commitment to provide long-term business continuity for easing the evolution from AlphaServer systems to HP Integrity servers

For more on ACAP's investment-protection options, including trade-in, leasing, and upgrades for both hardware and software, go here.

JAVA and Application Development News

HP Acquires Talking Blocks

HP has acquired Talking Blocks, a privately held service-oriented architecture and web services management software company. This acquisition accelerates HP's Adaptive Enterprise (AE) strategy to help enterprises measure, architect and manage change by creating a tighter linkage between business and IT.

Read the press release at http://www.openview.hp.com/news/press/pr/2003/pr_0053.html

HP Acquires SelectAccess, an Identity and Access Management Company

HP extends its Adaptive Enterprise Strategy with its acquisition of SelectAccess from Baltimore Technologies by enabling enterprises to reduce the cost and complexity associated with managing their IT resources. The technology will be integrated into HP's management software portfolio and will provide customers with more secure user access to network services and enterprise resources.

Read the press release at http://www.openview.hp.com/cgi-bin/pf-new.cgi?IN=ov//news/press/pr/2003/pr_0054.html

HP C3 Outfitters Training Event

Get outfitted for OpenView and OpenCall sales success at HP’s C3 Outfitters. Featuring over 30 business and technical sessions, this four-day event will equip you with training for going beyond what you thought possible.

Boundaries? Limits? Forget about them. You will be outfitted with all that's necessary to reach the extreme, and extend your business into new directions. Find new partners for your journey. Assemble a team of action-oriented peers. Learn about hot new areas to explore like emerging programs, tools and solutions. And raise your HP OpenView and OpenCall sales to a higher level.

When: December 7-22, 2003 Where: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix, AZ

Who should attend: Channel partner sales reps, solution architects and managers, along with HP direct, channel and inside software sales, sales managers and solution architects

Technical Connections 6 + hp = everything is possible Don't miss this once a year opportunity to:  Find new ways to generate revenue in selling software, service, support, training and consulting.  Learn new strategies in consultative selling to line-of-business and executives, linking solutions to business results.  Take full advantage of the strong partnerships between HP and our partners.  See the newest in HP software solutions including IT Service Management.  Discover new sales and business management soft skills.  Fill your equipment bag with new tech tips, tricks and tools.  See the newest sales, technical and marketing programs you can leverage.  Exercise your networking abilities!  Learn how to protect and leverage your investment in selling and implementing OpenView solutions.

To register and learn more about this event please visit http://www.hpswtraining.com/index.cfm

Decoupled Development using XSLT This paper describes a simple scenario where XSL transformation can ease the development process. In this scenario, you'll see how a developer and a web designer can work simultaneously on a project without interfering with each other's work. This paper also walks you through a simple example of this process.

Read the rest of the article at http://devresource.hp.com/drc/technical_white_papers/xslt/index.jsp.

Dynamic Attributes and Meta Information: Web Services Management Framework Attributes capture specific and important management information about managed objects in Web Services Management Framework (WSMF). Depending on the nature of an attribute information and its access model (whether it is readable, writable or both), WSMF currently allows interactions with attributes through get and set operations for each attribute.

These operations will have to be defined in the WSDL and located within the WSDL interface that relates to the requirement that this attribute provides. This approach to exposure of attribute information is simple and initially sufficient for the use cases that WSMF has considered. However the approach has limitations and should be enhanced to support other more dynamic deployment environment models.

To read the rest of the article please visit http://devresource.hp.com/drc/technical_papers/WSMF-attributes-metainfo.pdf.

NonStop XML Parser 4.0 now available

NonStop XML Parser (product ID SX20v4) is a validating XML parser written in a portable subset of C++ and is a basic building block of Web services, providing a way to “open” XML documents and then pass them on to processing modules. NonStop XML Parser with IEEE support is IEEE floating point compatible. This version, NonStop XML Parser 4.0, is a port of Apache’s Xerces-C++ version 2.2.0 XML parser. NonStop XML Parser 4.0 supports building an XML application that can now execute in the Guardian environment (in addition to the Open System Services, or OSS, environment). The NonStop XML library is provided as an archive in this version. ICU support is available only in the OSS environment and not in the Guardian environment. NonStop XML Parser 4.0 software has been qualified to run on D48.00 and later or G06.00 and later RVUs. As a basic part of the Web services infrastructure on the NonStop platform, the product is a no- cost item.

Technical Connections 7 + hp = everything is possible HP 9000 Server News

Twelve-month License for BEA WebLogic Server 8.1, Advantage Edition Available to New Customers

Customers can now receive a downloadable, 12-month license for BEA WebLogic Server 8.1, Advantage Edition, with their new HP 9000 servers running the HP-UX 11i operating system. Customers with current HP-UX 11i support contracts can receive this offer with their HP-UX 11i CD media kit. BEA WebLogic Server 8.1, Advantage Edition, for the HP-UX 11i operating system is different from the Enterprise Edition of BEA WebLogic Server 8.1, which is a full-priced, licensed product. With this offer, customers are eligible for a 12-month license when they join the BEA subscription program and they will receive the benefits offered at the Platform subscription level, which include  Five concurrent users with 15 database connections  Free non-expiring developers' license for WebLogic Platform 8.1  Regular updates of developer resources (including the BEA WebLogic Platform)

For more information go to: ESP, keyword QRASO

Transition Tru64 UNIX Customer Applications to HP-UX Operating System with New Tools

The tru64man utility is now available on the external application migration site. This utility allows HP-UX users to display a select set of Tru64 UNIX reference pages on their systems. The tru64man utility complements the suite of tools being made available on the Web to help Tru64 UNIX customers transition to the HP-UX operating system on the Itanium platform. A new edition of the porting guide and Frequently Asked Questions about the application transition tools, are also available at the migration site.

Find the tool here under Transition Tools in the navigation bar on the right.

End of Sales for HP-UX 11.0 Operating System is March 31, 2004

The HP-UX 11.0 operating system will be reaching the end of sales phase (obsolescence) on March 31, 2004, the last date on the Corporate Price List. Support for HP-UX 11.0 will continue until December 31, 2006. HP-UX 11.0 is easily updated to the HP-UX 11i operating system on the PA-RISC platform and customers will find that there are many benefits to the latter, such as the operating environments it supports, virtual partitions (vPars) capability, enhanced security, and networking.

For more information about the HP-UX 11.0 to 11i transition, visit the HP-UX Software Transition Kit (STK) home page.

This is a great opportunity to talk with your customers about the HP-UX 11i v2 operating system for the HP Integrity server. The newest release of HP-UX 11i v2 is now shipping and ready for production deployment, with 95 percent feature and function parity with the HP-UX 11i v1 operating system for the PA-RISC platform. The HP-UX 11i v2 operating system seamlessly integrates with the customer's existing infrastructure because of its source and data compatibility, and with the Aries technology for binary compatibility with legacy applications.

For more information go to: ESP, keywords 090017ad815dda30, 090017ad815dda3e, and 090017ad8160c56a

Technical Connections 8 + hp = everything is possible Integrity Server News

First Ever – HP and Microsoft Certify Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition on HP Integrity Superdome Server

HP and Microsoft have posted the first-ever certification for a Microsoft Windows system-based server running 64 processors. The HP Integrity Superdome server is certified to run Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 Datacenter Edition on up to 64 processors and 512 gigabytes of RAM, providing customers with the ultimate in scalability, performance, and flexibility in the Windows environment. In conjunction with the Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition (64-bit) database, customers can now build large databases and data warehouses and support line-of-business application environments with the added benefit of the superior return on IT investment that Windows and standards-based Integrity Superdome servers can provide.

HP and Microsoft have posted this record achievement on the Windows Server 2003 Catalog website.

HP Integrity Superdome Servers Outperform Sun and IBM Once Again

HP has published 16-way and 32-way SPECfp_rate2000 and SPECint_rate2000 benchmark results for HP Integrity Superdome servers that once again beat IBM and Sun. SPECint2000_rate and SPECfp2000_rate are "throughput" measurements of system performance while running a number of similar tasks. Traditionally, the rate metrics have been used to demonstrate the performance of multiprocessor systems. The 32-way Integrity Superdome server has outperformed the IBM p690 server with the same number of processors by 20 percent on SPECfp_rate2000 and 40 percent on SPECint_rate2000: 32-way SPECfp_rate2000 SPECint_rate2000 base peak base peak Integrity Superdome (1,500-MHz) 428 470 453 453 IBM p690 (1,700-MHz) 358 372 322 339 Sun Fire 12K (1,200-MHz) 281 338 206 232

The 16-way Integrity Superdome server produced similar results, beating the Sun Fire12K server with the same number of processors by 48 percent on SPECfp_rate2000 and by more than two times on SPECint_rate2000:

16-way SPECfp_rate2000 SPECint_rate2000 base peak base peak Integrity Superdome (1,500-MHz) 215 236 229 229 IBM p670 (1,500-MHz) 181 187 149 156 Sun Fire 12K (1,200-MHz) 145 174 105 119

More information on the SPECint_rate2000 and SPECfp_rate2000 benchmarks can be found at here.

New Early Access Program for HP Integrity rx1600 Servers

Customer registration is open for the upcoming Early Product Shipment (EPS) program for the HP Integrity rx1600 server. Fill out the registration form to nominate customers for participation in this no-cost, early-access program that features the new Deerfield processor-based server (codenamed Nemesis). The program runs from late November 2003 through February 2004. Registered customers will be invited to test-drive prototype systems deployed in HP Solution Centers in Cupertino, Shanghai, Tokyo, Boeblingen, and Grenoble that will support both the HP-UX and Linux operating systems.

To view the registration form, go to: ESP, keyword EPSREGISTRATION

Technical Connections 9 + hp = everything is possible New Customer Collateral Now Available for HP Integrity Servers

HP is ready today to take customer orders for the new models of the HP Integrity server family. To help you close deals for Integrity server-based solutions, many new collateral pieces have recently been completed and posted to ESP. This new collateral, which can be shared today with customers under NDA, covers both high-level business issues as well as in-depth technical detail. It provides your customers with extra information on Integrity server-based solutions and will help them learn that Integrity servers are a great foundation for building their adaptive enterprise. The new collateral includes:  HP Integrity Servers Customer Presentation (for commercial customers)  HP Integrity Server Family brochure  Data sheets for the HP Integrity rx4640 and rx5670, rx7620, and rx8620 servers  Technical white papers for the Integrity rx4600 server and rx7620 and rx8620 servers  Technical presentations for the Integrity rx2600, rx4600, rx5670 servers

For more information go to: ESP, keyword SELLINTEGRITYSERVER

Roadmaps for the HP-UX 11i Operating System Have Been Updated

The public roadmap for the HP-UX 11i operating system and one that can be shared under nondisclosure agreement (NDA) have both been updated and are available for use with your customers.

To view the roadmaps, go to ESP, keywords 090017AD81692CF6 (general roadmap) and 090017AD8186B633 (roadmap to be shared under NDA)

NonStop Server News

RVU G06.21 of the HP NonStop Operating System Ships

G06.21 is a generally available release version update (RVU) of the HP NonStop operating system for NonStop S-series servers. Some highlights of RVU G06.21 include new or enhanced functions such as HP ServerNet Cluster R4 (controlled availability), linear tape option (LTO) (controlled availability), Measure software, and online disk remirroring. The NonStop Technical Library (NTL), a replacement for HP Total Information Manager (TIM) and the NonStop System Console (NSC), is also introduced with RVU G06.21.

For more information go to: website

HP Safeguard Software Now Enhanced with ACL Diskfile Persistence

Access Control List (ACL) diskfile persistence, a new feature for Safeguard software, is being released with the general availability of RVU G06.21 of the NonStop operating system. Safeguard ACL diskfile persistence allows users to create an ACL before the disk file exists and retain it after the file is purged. This feature is desirable because there are operational situations in which files are deleted and recreated during each run of an application. When many files are frequently affected, it is advantageous to reuse the existing Safeguard protection record. The commitment made by HP to implement the Safeguard ACL diskfile persistence enhancement is the result of work done by the ITUG Security Special Interest Group (SIG) to develop a list of the six most desirable enhancements to Safeguard software. In response to the Security SIG's work, the NonStop Enterprise Division has added additional developers to the Safeguard team, and this release is the first of their efforts to implement the Security SIG's changes.

For more information go to: website

Technical Connections 10 + hp = everything is possible HP Ultrium LTO 460 Tape Storage for NonStop S-series Servers Now Available

HP announces the availability of HP Ultrium LTO 460 (Gen 2) tape drives for use with HP NonStop S-series servers. The HP Ultrium LTO 460 tape drive delivers the highest performance and capacity of any tape drive offered for use with NonStop S-series servers to date.

For more information go to: website

New Generation of NonStop System Console Products

HP is introducing a new generation of system console products based on the Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system and featuring the Open System Management (OSM) interface. With general availability of NonStop Kernel operating system Release Version Update (RVU) G06.21, the OSM interface is a controlled availability product for use only with the NonStop ServerNet Switch (model 6780) and the HP Ultrium Linear Tape-Open (LTO) tape drive. OSM is expected to be generally available as software product revisions (SPRs) prior to RVU G06.22. OSM runs on either Windows 2000 or XP, but HP recommends migrating to OSM and Windows XP at the same time. This will allow customers to prepare for the end of Windows 2000 support and to take advantage of improved third-party tools (Carbon Copy and OutsideView) that are supported on Windows XP and not Windows 2000. New product offerings include a new NonStop System Console for new applications, a hardware and software upgrade to existing consoles (no monitor), software-only upgrades, a software-only package (new), and memory upgrades for existing consoles. The OSM Migration Guide and OSM User’s Guide are not yet complete, but you can bookmark their location at the NonStop Technical Library home page for future reference by visiting: http://www.hp.com/go/ntl.  Select “G06 RVUs” from the navigation bar at the left.  Select “G06.21” under “Categories.”  Select “Publications.”  In the alphabetic index, select “O.”  Scroll to find the OSM Migration Guide and OSM User’s Guide.

NonStop System Console Installer CD Now Available as Independent Product

The NonStop System Console (NSC) Installer CD (previously called the HSSC Installer CD) is available to order as an Independent Product (IP). As of RVU G06.21, customers must order an upgrade package for an existing NSC or must purchase a new bundle (S7X-NSC3) to become licensed for their new NSC software suite. Once licensed, customers are entitled to free upgrades to the NSC suite. Note that the NSC Installer CD will not ship automatically with G06.21 site update tape (SUT) requests; customers must place a separate order. Customers ordering G06.20 and earlier RVUs will be shipped the HSSC Installer CD Version 19 with their SUT.

NonStop CORBA 2.3 Update 10 now available

NonStop CORBA 2.3 is an implementation based on the Object Management Group’s version 2.3 Component Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). This update for NonStop CORBA 2.3 is a maintenance release and provides only defect repair. This product has been qualified to run G06.00 and later G-series RVUs. NonStop client software runs on Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 operating systems.

NonStop RSC/MP Release 7.0 Software Now Shipping

NonStop RSC/MP Release 7.0 is now shipping. This new SPR (product ID SM55V1-SM67V1) includes:  56-kilobyte message capability  Intelligent device support (IDS) session types  A new application program interface (API) function utility program to check the integrity of Piccolo configuration files  Sample code delivered with product components  Improved IPC error detection and reporting

Technical Connections 11 + hp = everything is possible This product has been qualified to run on releases D3x, D4x, and G0x of the NonStop Kernel operating system (D38.00, D45.00, G06.00, and later) as well as the following platforms: Windows NT 4.0; Windows 2000 Server TSE; Windows 2003 Server TSE; Windows 95 or 98; Windows ME; Windows 2000; Windows XP; Solaris 2.6, 7.0, and 8.0; IBM RS/6000; IBM AIX 4.2.1 and 4.3.3; NCR 3450; UNIX® Release 3 Version 1; Integrity S4000; HP-UX 10.2 and 11.0; SCO Unix 3.2.2 Version 5; SCO UnixWare 7.1.1 and 7.1.3; and Red Hat Linux 6.2.

Linux Server News

HP Indemnifies Linux Customers Against SCO Lawsuit

HP made an important announcement to protect its customers and reaffirm its leadership and commitment to Linux. Effective October 1st, HP will offer to indemnify enterprises against lawsuits from SCO relating to the SCO claims of copyright and other intellectual property infringements within Linux. HP is making this offer to protect customers and to allow them to continue their Linux deployment plans without unnecessary risk and distraction.

This offer will be made at no additional charge to qualified customers. To qualify, customers must acquire Linux software and services directly from HP or obtain HP authorized copies of Linux software and services from an authorized HP resellers, make no modifications to the Linux source code and run the Linux operating system solely on HP hardware. To accept the offer, customers must sign an indemnification agreement addendum with HP detailing obligations and potential actions in the event of a lawsuit by SCO.

To learn more about this offer, visit: http://www.hp.com/go/linuxprotection

There is also an FAQ set up to answer questions at http://www.hp.com/wwsolutions/linux/download/sco-indemnify-qa.pdf

HP Integrity Server Certification Matrix for Linux

To ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction, HP has established collaborative support relationships with Linux distributors whenever possible. In situations where a customer is using an open-source version of Linux not obtained directly from HP or a version that is no longer supported by the Linux manufacturer, HP cannot guarantee support or resolution for all issues or problems, but support will be provided in a commercially reasonable effort.

For the latest on Integrity server certification for Linux, go here

Gartner Gives Positive Review of HP's Linux Strategy

According to a new report from Gartner, businesses continue to regard Linux as a worthy alternative to the UNIX® and Microsoft® Windows® operating systems, despite all the recent headline-grabbing copyright issues raised by the SCO Group. Rather than slowing the upstart operating system's momentum, vendors have been expanding their Linux activities with hardware, software, and integration services. Indeed, Gartner says Linux has evolved well beyond its early role on the back end as "a tactical solution without the approval or support of corporate IT," where it pulled "limited duty for departmental Web, file, and print serving, often right under the nose of an unsuspecting CIO." Gartner goes on to give a positive review of HP's Linux strategy: "With its acquisition of Compaq, HP has solidified itself as one of the leading providers of Linux solutions, and has been a founding member on many open-source projects and continues to be an advocate of open source, open standards, and open protocols. HP and its key partners offer Linux solutions for financial services, telecommunications and the technical computing markets. And, HP offers Linux hardware, software, support services, training, and consulting services and supports Red Hat, SuSE and United Linux distributions. HP's Linux platforms include IA-32 and Itanium Processor Family (IPF) systems, appliances, desktops, and storage devices. For developers, HP offers Linux and UNIX Portability Kits for both HP-UX and Tru64 UNIX that include the Linux development

Technical Connections 12 + hp = everything is possible and transition tools. In addition, HP offers a binary emulator that allows apps built on Linux to be run on its HP-UX system." Please note that HP does not have reprint rights to this article.

Storage Array Certification Matrix Now Available

For the latest on storage array certification for Linux, go to this Linux solutions website.

Industry Standard Server News

InfoWorld Says HP ProLiant ML370 G3 Server "Makes Life Easier"

The HP ProLiant ML370 G3 server received a very positive review in InfoWorld in an article by Wayne Rash entitled "5U servers are big, but flexible," September 26, 2003. InfoWorld looked at a pair of dual Xeon processor-based general- purpose computers: the HP ProLiant ML370 G3 and the NetFRAME 600 from MPC. HP's featured redundancy drove the ProLiant to a first-place score in the test. Quotes included  "HP's ProLiant is clearly designed for long-term ease of use and ease of management."  "The physical design is well thought out."  "Operation and management of the server is relatively easy."  "This server was loaded for bear."  "HP has a couple of nice features that make life easier for the folks down in the server room."  "HP's ILO (integrated lights-out) Web-based utility, which gives you control over every aspect of management, is straightforward, intuitive, and easy to use."  "Because it's quiet, well designed, and highly flexible, the ML370 will fit well into department-level environments, larger remote offices, and in areas where you need a server on the edge of the network."

To read the full article, visit: the InfoWorld website

Alpha Server News

Tru64 UNIX and TruCluster Server Software Version 5.1B-1 Deliver New Enhancements

On October 20, HP introduced Tru64 UNIX and TruCluster Server software Version 5.1B-1, a minor update to Version 5.1B, delivering results from HP's continued investment in operating system quality and capability expansion. Version 5.1B-1 delivers complete binary compatibility with existing Tru64 UNIX Version 5 applications, with no need for recompilation or recertification. Version 5.1B-1 expands support for EV7 processor-based AlphaServer systems to include the 64-processor GS1280 server, and supports the new EV68 processor-based DS15 server. Shipments with these new AlphaServer systems began in October; kit shipments to customers with Rights to New Version contracts will begin in November. In addition to supporting the new AlphaServer systems, Version 5.1B-1 delivers enhancements that improve scalability and performance, expand storage capability, and broaden the applications shipping with the operating system while updating previously shipped applications.

For more information go to: ESP, keyword 090017AD81860E46

Find the announcement here. For information about TruCluster Server software Version 5.1B-1, go here. For information about binary compatibility, see "Binary Compatibility Statement for Tru64 UNIX V4.x to V5.x"

Technical Connections 13 + hp = everything is possible HP Announces the Most Powerful High-end AlphaServer Systems, New Cost-effective Entry- level Systems and Enhancements to Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS Operating Systems

On October 20, 2003, HP announced shipment of its most powerful high-end AlphaServer system -- the 64-processor AlphaServer GS1280 system-and the new cost-effective, entry-level AlphaServer DS15 system. The AlphaServer GS1280 system completes the rollout of the new generation of AlphaServer systems based on the Alpha EV7 processor that began in January 2003. The new single-processor AlphaServer DS15 system offers an updated replacement for the very successful entry-level AlphaServer DS10 system and provides more performance and reliability for the same low price in the same form factor.

The announced release of the HP Tru64 UNIX V5.1B-1 operating system provides improved scalability and performance enhancements, including virtual memory management with application-tunable big pages, and expanded storage capabilities. The new release of the HP OpenVMS 7.3-2 operating system offers expanded storage area network (SAN) offerings, improved system availability, increased I/O and symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) performance, as well as enhanced security, UNIX® portability, and system management features. Alpha EV7 processor-based system support for OpenVMS Galaxy soft partitions with dynamic system resource allocation was also announced. "Today's announcement is a key component of our Adaptive Enterprise strategy, allowing us to meet the demands of our customers with more agility and better return on IT," said Rich Marcello, senior vice president and general manager, HP Business Critical Systems. For more information, visit this AlphaServer product website.

New OpenVMS Version 7.3-2 Operating System FAQs Available

On October 20, 2003, HP announced the release of OpenVMS version 7.3-2 for AlphaServer systems, delivering on its product roadmap. In response to the bevy of questions on the new enhancements to the operating system, HP posted a new OpenVMS v. 7.3-2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on the OpenVMS website. Among the many questions addressed are:  What is the future of HP OpenVMS?  What are the key new features in the OpenVMS V7.3-2 release?  What is the maximum number of soft partitions or instances of OpenVMS supported on the EV7 processor-based AlphaServer systems?  What resources are available to OpenVMS software developers?

For answers, go to this OpenVMS website

“ QUOTE OF THE MONTH “What lies behind us, what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Technical Connections 14 + hp = everything is possible A Competitive Update

HP Servers Faster Than IBM, SGI, and All Others

HP continues to demonstrate leadership in HPTC, achieving top performance results for the SPEC OMP benchmark suite, and the industry-standard benchmark for compute-intensive, OpenMP shared-memory parallel processing. These results show HP Integrity servers and HP AlphaServer systems are faster than systems offered by IBM, SGI, or any other vendor.

The HP Integrity Superdome server, running 64 Itanium 2 processors at 1.5 gigahertz and the HP-UX operating system, now maintains the official leading score of 257,702 for the SPEC OMPLbase2001 benchmark and the official leading score of 271,659 on the SPEC OMPLpeak2001 benchmark. These results are 33 percent and 37 percent higher, respectively, than those posted by SGI's Origin 3900 system.

The HP AlphaServer GS1280 system, running 64 Alpha EV7 processors and the Tru64 UNIX operating system, maintains the fastest SPEC OMPM2001 results, with a score of 35,895 for the SPEC OMPMbase2001 and 50,305 for the SPEC OMPMpeak2001. The SPEC OMPMpeak20001 score is 30 percent faster than that posted by IBM's p690 system.

The size and run time of the SPEC OMP tests reflect the demands of scientific and engineering applications to model large, complex tasks. The SPEC OMP benchmarks specifically measure the shared-memory multiprocessor performance of the computers' processors, memory architecture, operating system, and compiler. The SPEC OMPM2001 benchmark measures system performance running scalable OpenMP applications with medium-sized workloads. The SPEC OMPL2001 benchmark measures the performance of computing systems running scalable OpenMP applications with larger working sets and longer runtimes. The benchmark suites run 11 and 9 different application tests, respectively, covering everything from quantum chromodynamics to finite-element crash simulation to shallow-water modeling.

For more information, go to hp.com and www.spec.org

Gartner's "Magic Quadrant" – Competitive Brief Reveals Strength of HP's Portfolio and Strategy

In September 2003, Gartner released updates to its "Magic Quadrant" analyses for servers. Previously, Gartner maintained two Magic Quadrants to address the server market, the Intel Magic Quadrant (focused on IA technology- based servers up to 8-way) and the Midrange Server Quadrant (focused on applications and suitability of the systems for the enterprise market). The strength of HP's portfolio and strategy becomes evident when reviewing these quadrants relative to the competition.

A competitive look at each of the quadrants is posted on ESP, keyword: GGMQ

HP Partitioning Options Are Still the Best Resource Utilization Alternative

Recently, IBM has begun touting its future sub-CPU partitioning capabilities as a competitive advantage over HP, even though this is a capability that sources indicate will not be available until mid to late 2004. Note that while sub-CPU partitions can increase granularity, they may not necessarily increase system utilization, and can actually have a negative impact on performance and availability.

Customers interested in maximum isolation would probably be better off running multiple small, low-cost blades or servers in combination with partitioning, or larger PA-RISC processor-based servers that support virtual partitions (vPars) and hard partitions (nPars). And, with PA-8800 technology coming soon, customers will be able to double the number of processors and vPars. On the Intel® Itanium® platform, HP's Process Resource Manager (PRM) and Workload Manager (WLM) solutions, working alone or in conjunction with electrical isolation (nPars), can actually provide better resource

Technical Connections 15 + hp = everything is possible utilization and more granularity and flexibility with less complexity and without performance degradation. The bottom line is that HP's methods are actually a better fit for today's customer environments. With greater workloads running on fewer operating system images, the customer achieves better efficiency and consolidation at a lower cost.

For more information go to: ESP, keywords: SUBCPULPARS, LPARCOMPETE, and FUD10603

UltraSPARC IV Processor: Will this "upgrade" really benefit users?

Sun has unveiled more specifics about its UltraSPARC IV processor, but will this approach benefit users? The UltraSPARC IV technology is simply two UltraSPARC III cores, with the following attributes:  Dual core UltraSPARC III processors at 1.2 gigahertz (UltraSPARC III frequency today)  8-megabyte L2 off-chip cache per core  130-nanometer process manufactured by Texas Instruments  On-chip memory controller (like the UltraSPARC III) with up to 16-gigabyte DRAM  In-box system board upgrade from UltraSPARC III to UltraSPARC IV

In a case of throughput or "stay-put," will this "upgrade" benefit customers? The following are some questions your customers might ask when considering Sun:  If the UltraSPARC IV processor is simply a dual core UltraSPARC III at the same frequency, how will its single- core performance be an improvement over the single UltraSPARC III processor?  If the UltraSPARC IV per-processor core performance isn't improved, won't software license fees remain higher when compared to better-performing processors?  Will doubling processor count in a system whose bandwidth is already constrained actually negatively impact overall performance? How will this be addressed?  Could software costs go up if double license costs are the result of double processor counts and performance does not scale up accordingly?

For more information, go to: ESP keyword USIVBRUTEFORCE

Compete Against Unisys ES7000 with HP ProLiant and HP Integrity Servers

Unisys, a maker of large, Microsoft® Windows® operating system-based SMP systems, competes with both HP ProLiant and HP Integrity servers. Unisys's niche is providing large Windows-based systems that can scale up to run large, single SQL databases, or be partitioned for consolidating many small servers. Unisys ES7000 servers come in several models based on either Intel Xeon or Itanium processors. Unisys ES7000 servers try to be a one-size-fits-all solution, with subsequent limitations to their potential to scale up and scale out.

HP offers servers designed to scale up or scale out, beating partitioned Unisys ES7000 servers on performance density and high-availability features such as hot-plug RAID memory and integrated "lights-out" remote management. HP ProLiant servers also have superior manageability tools that support both the Windows and Linux operating systems. (Unisys management tools support only Windows.) HP ProLiant servers have excellent 8-way performance at a fraction of the cost of larger Unisys systems. HP Integrity servers outperform large SMP Unisys ES7000 servers when scaled up, and beat both their Itanium and Xeon technology-based large systems on price/performance by a significant margin. Unisys ES7000 shortcomings include the following:  Can't scale up past 16-way with Itanium technology  System performance throttled by the Intel E8870 supporting chipset  Can't scale up past 32-way with Xeon technology  Primarily competes in a narrow market niche for large, single SQL databases  Mainly full-sized cabinets with poor rack performance density numbers  Dependent on the Windows operating system, with a bare minimum of Linux and SCO UNIX operating system support  Much-hyped "self-healing" management features are basic system reboot, fault handling, cluster fail-over  Minimal services and support when compared to HP Mission Critical services

For more general information on competing against Unisys ES7000 servers with both HP ProLiant and HP Integrity servers, see ESP Keyword UNISYS+ES7000.

Technical Connections 16 + hp = everything is possible For additional information, go to: ESP, keywords UNISYSCOMPETITION

HP Integrity rx2600 Server Still Outperforms IBM p615

Starting October 24, IBM made 1.45-gigahertz POWER4+ processors available in their p615 2-way server (these processors have already been shipping in the p650 and p630 models). When the p615 server was announced in May, it was only able to run the 1.2-gigahertz processor. "IBM has been having minor yield issues with the POWER4+ processors, which is why the company only announced the p615 with the 1.2-gigahertz" (Timothy Prickett Mogran, Computerwire). Note that even with the faster processors, to date there are still no benchmarks to prove the p615 server can deliver performance anywhere near that of the HP Integrity rx2600 server. In fact, IBM's own rPerf internal benchmark shows an improvement of only 10 percent with the 1.45-gigahertz processors. This puts a 2-way p615 server at the same level as a 1-way Integrity rx2600 server in estimated online transaction processing (OLTP) performance and in current audited SPECcpu_rate2000 results. For this reason and because of its much smaller form factor (half the size), the Integrity rx2600 server has a clear advantage in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO), with savings of 20-45 percent, and overall price/performance.

Customers can buy a 1-way Integrity rx2600 server and get the same performance and core functionality as a 2-way p615 server, with the advantage of being able to upgrade in-chassis to a 2-way Integrity rx2600 server. This in turn can give the customer performance similar to that of a 4-way p630 server. IBM cannot do an in-chassis upgrade from the p615 to the p630 server, which means HP's performance growth path with the Integrity rx2600 server yields a superior return on investment (ROI). Plus, customers receive Windows support, which isn't an option for the p615 server, and can run Linux on the Intel platform, which has generated greater ISV enthusiasm than Linux on proprietary architectures such as IBM's POWER. With the Integrity rx2600 server, customers have the possibility of multiple in-chassis upgrades with future Intel Itanium® processor releases, but IBM customers are facing a serious CEC or full box swap with a move to POWER5 technology. And, given how long it took IBM to announce an entry-level POWER4 server (two years after Regatta), who knows how long it will take before they even make POWER5 available in the entry space? The p615 server even competes to a degree with IBM's own 2-way Itanium and Opteron based servers (although they don't run AIX) ... so HP is the customer's clear and easy choice for the UNIX, Windows, and Linux operating systems.

For more information go to: ESP, keywords P615COMPETE and P615BEATSHEET

Sun Ports Solaris to 64-bit Opteron Processor

Sun recently revealed that they would be supporting the 64-bit extensions in the Opteron platform on a new release of their Solaris operating system. This new release will now put Solaris on three different hardware platforms (SPARC, x86, and 64-bit Opteron). Sun's previous single-platform strategy, with SPARC at its center, has given way to a multiplatform strategy with Solaris at its center. When Sun decided to reinvigorate Solaris on x86 instead of killing it off (and started selling x86 based systems), the SPARC product took a major hit illustrating its inability to successfully underpin competitive systems. Now Sun is porting Solaris to 64-bit Opteron technology and making it available to support yet another platform family (at this time Sun says they have no intentions to sell Opteron hardware).

Why is Sun porting Solaris to another hardware platform? SPARC based systems, especially in the low end where the Linux and Windows operating systems are much more popular, have faced stiff competition-hence the introduction of x86 based systems and a reinvigoration of Solaris to run on these and other x86 based hardware. Sun does not offer a 64-bit Linux solution, but Solaris on the 64-bit Opteron platform could help plug that hole. Sun won't indemnify customers who want to run Linux and they have flatly stated that they don't believe that Linux plays a role on the server. A key Sun strategy is to try replacing Linux with Solaris as the preferred operating system in this space. This would explain the Solaris on x86 and Solaris on Opteron initiatives. Sun knows that customers who buy Solaris and want to scale up can only do so on SPARC based systems. However, offering Solaris on x86 or Solaris on the Opteron platform is a far cry from offering a complete solution. This is a "Trojan horse" strategy designed to benefit Sun, not customers.

A competitive brief posted at ESP, keyword SOLX86AMD examines the Sun Solaris x86 on Opteron strategy and products, the impact of Solaris support for the 64-bit Opteron platform, and the effect that platforms other than SPARC running Solaris will have in the marketplace against the current range of competitive choices.

Technical Connections 17 + hp = everything is possible ESP keyword SOLX86AMD

“ QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” John F. Kennedy

Technical Connections 18 + hp = everything is possible

HP Retakes Lead in U.S. Server Shipments, Repeats as No. 1 Worldwide http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031031a.html

Nora Denzel Talks About Adaptive Enterprise on hp.com http://h71028.www7.hp.com/enterprise/cache/8338-0-0-0-121.aspx

HP Launches Construction Automation Solution http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031022a.html

HP Partners with UNESCO to Provide Grid Computing Access to Eastern European Universities http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031021b.html

HP Taps New Microsoft Office System to Deliver Solutions and Services that Streamline Business Operations and Improve Collaboration http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031021a.html

HP Ranked as Leader in Event Management Software, Launches Pilot Program for Business Service Management http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031014a.html

HP Leverages IT and Telecom Leadership to Drive Next Wave of Mobility Mainstream http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031012a.html

HP Launches Worldwide Microsoft .NET Solutions Partners Program http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031010a.html

HP Enhances Business Value of Enterprise Virtual Array Family http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2003/031009a.html

Technical Connections 19 + hp = everything is possible Technology Webinars Available

See the full article under General News.

HP Itanium Webinar Series Update

On July 25th, HP's System Integrator Technical Leadership Team presented the first in a series of webinars designed especially for System Integrator and Outsourcing Partners. The webinar provided an overview of HP's offerings in the Itanium 2 space. Agenda items included:

 HP Integrity Servers Overview and Roadmap  HP Differentiators - Why HP  ISV's and Itanium® 2 Solution Landscape  Performance Overview  Partner Resources

A second webinar was presented on Friday, September 5th and built upon the information presented in the first webinar. Agenda items included:

 Itanium 2 Architecture  Architectural Comparisons (between other chips)  Operating Environments (HP-UX, Windows and Linux)

Both webinars were designed for those responsible for recommending and architecting HP server solutions.

To view a replay of each Itanium webinar, go to the following URL:

http://presentplus.com/hp/shows/ and use the password “tltarchives” (without the quotes)

BCS, ISS and NSS Audiocast Schedule

Mark your calendars for the following Americas server and storage audiocasts:

Date Time Call ID Chairperson Dial-in Tue Nov 4 10am PT Business Critical 877.847.4191 2509898 Manuel Martull 11am MT Servers 706.634.0196 Tue Nov 11 12noon CT Industry Standard ID "ESSA 2509901 Randy Anderson 1pm ET Servers Audiocast" Tue Dec 2 Business Critical 2509899 Manuel Martull Servers Tue Dec 9 Industry Standard 2509902 Randy Anderson Servers Tue Dec 16 Network Storage 2509905 Quentin Steele Solutions Tue Jan 6 Business Critical 2509900 Manuel Martull Servers Tue Jan 13 Industry Standard 2509903 Randy Anderson

Technical Connections 20 + hp = everything is possible Servers Tue Jan 20 Network Storage 2509906 Quentin Steele Solutions

Technical Connections 21 + hp = everything is possible