Sequent Computer Systems Inc is now shipping the second version of its NumaCenter server, which runs Unix and Windows NT on the same machine (CI No 3,523, 3,553). NumaCenter 2 is the second phase of Sequent’s three phase plan for dual Unix and NT servers. Phase one was a simple packaging together of the main system elements, which first shipped in the late spring. A couple of dozen have been sold, says the company. This second phase adds new management, serviceability and availability features, most notably Adam, the Advanced Detection Availability Manager, for single point monitoring of system components and storage. Phase three, which will probably emerge at the same time as Intel Corp’s Merced chip, will add dynamic resource capabilities between the two operating system environments. NumaCenter 2 includes a framework of the hardware, Unix and NT operating systems, middleware, diagnostics, management tools and services. Pentium II Xeon Unix and NT nodes are consolidated within the same hardware. There is a single login and access to Unix files and print queries from Windows desktops, and a single point for mixed node management, event viewing and performance monitoring. It also includes thin client support for Citrix MetaFrame, Windows Terminal Server and Java Web clients, and shared EMC storage and Storagetek backup facilities. Computer Associates International Inc and Tivoli Systems Inc have provided hooks in their systems management products, and Sequent is using Facet Corp’s FacetWin for Unix to NT integration software. Sequent is aiming the box at new application deployments, and says the box reduces the risk and cost of mixed mode development, and gives the option of redeploying the server as a pure Windows or Unix machine in the future. Benchmarked mixed mode performance using TCP-C was logged at 86,252 TpmCs. Pricing starts at $250,000 for an eight processor Pentium II Xeon system with console and Adam software, running NT and Unix – that’s $100,000 less than similarly configured pure Unix servers from major vendors, says Sequent. BMW, Europcar, Hollywood Entertainment and ICG Communications Inc are among the early customers.
