History of AlphaServer ES45. Is it obsolete? What Does the Future Look Like?

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Yes, the AlphaServer ES45 is obsolete. The product was discontinued in 2007, and official support ended in 2008. Before we delve into the core essentials of this legacy server, here is a quick summary of the details:

Feature	AlphaServer ES45
Launch Year	2002
CPUs	1-4 Alpha EV68CB (1.0/1.25 GHz)
Max RAM	Up to 32 GB
Operating Systems	Tru64 UNIX, OpenVMS, Linux
Discontinued	April 27, 2007
Official Support Ended	April 2008
Status (2025)	Obsolete

The AlphaServer ES45 was known for its strong processing power and reliable performance. It could run mission-critical operating systems like Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS. This made it a solid choice for institutions needing robust and scalable solutions.

However, after its discontinuation, these servers continue to disrupt businesses silently. Even if they appear to be functioning well, they are not.

In this article, we will discuss the AlphaServer ES45, its evolution over time, the reasons enterprises are actively replacing it, and how to execute a seamless modernization.

About AlphaServer ES45 and Its Evolution

The AlphaServer ES45 is a powerful server for mission-critical applications. It was first developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Later, Compaq took over, and then Hewlett-Packard (HP) managed it after acquisitions.

It featured the high-performance Alpha 21264C 68/1000MHz CPU. This scalable enterprise server catered to business, technical, and scientific needs.

AlphaServer ES45 served as a high-capacity database server, high-performance application server, Network File System (NFS) server, and Internet server.

Let’s discuss how it has evolved over time:

Year	Event/Development
2002	AlphaServer ES45 launched by Compaq
2002	Deployed in supercomputing and enterprise settings
2007	Discontinued by HP
2008	End of official support and upgrades

Introduction of AlphaServer ES45

• As discussed, the AlphaServer ES45 was launched by Compaq in 2002
• The code name is Privateer
• The server uses the Alpha EV68CB processor and supports one to four CPUs at 1.0 or 1.25 GHz

Technical Advancements and Impact

• The ES45 excelled in performance, especially in mid-range server benchmarks
• It outperformed competitors in both integer and floating-point operations
• The system offered advanced clustering and high-availability features

For example, it was used in major research institutions, like the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. There, 760 ES45 nodes powered one of the largest non-military supercomputers of its time.

Discontinuation and Legacy

• The AlphaServer ES45 was discontinued on April 27, 2007, as HP shifted focus to Itanium-based systems
• Official support and upgrades ended in April 2008

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

These specifications outline the notable features and capabilities of the AlphaServer ES45

Processing Power

• Features up to four 1.25 GHz Alpha processors (EV68C type)
• Each CPU includes up to 16MB of cache
• It can hold up to 32 GB of memory

Memory and Storage

• Supports up to 32 Gigabytes of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory
• Includes hot-swappable RAID storage for enhanced data redundancy
• Features 10 64-bit PCI I/O expansion slots for hardware flexibility

Operating System Support

Compatible with OpenVMS 7.3-1 and Tru64 UNIX 5.1B

Target Applications

• Mission-critical applications such as high-performance technical computing, telecommunications, etc.

Clustering and Performance

• Advanced clustering support for enhanced performance

Why is there a Rising Demand for Replacement?

Due to their retired status and the absence of hardware maintenance options, AlphaServer ES45 requires replacement with a modern environment.

While the hardware may be failing, the applications themselves are still running strong. Businesses must protect their currently running software, which is crucial for mission-critical applications.

Business-critical legacy applications have been operating for decades and contain millions of lines of code along with thousands of workflow processes. Over the years, it has undergone hundreds or even thousands of modifications. The company relies heavily on the application’s effective operation to maintain its operations.

In fact, these systems are among the most reliable, secure, and durable in any data center, delivering top performance and uptime. However, they still rely on expensive, proprietary hardware platforms such as AlphaServer ES45.

How to Find the Right Replacement Path?

There is a balanced approach: enterprises can advance their data center transformation while still preserving their legacy applications through hardware emulation (lift and shift).

This approach allows you to recreate a virtual version of your legacy hardware (AlphaServer ES45) on modern hardware. The virtual hardware mimics the original, enabling mission-critical applications and their native operating systems to run seamlessly.

The outcome is a modern, cost-effective hardware infrastructure that delivers enterprise-level performance. Once a workload is virtualized on standard x86 Linux or Windows hardware, upgrading or replacing commodity hardware becomes simple and more affordable.

Additionally, hardware emulation helps organizations avoid the expenses of new software licenses, except for the virtualization package itself. It also reduces downtime risk by keeping existing applications intact, minimizes the need for retraining, and allows business processes to continue uninterrupted.

Replace AlphaServer ES45 with the Leading Hardware Emulation Solution

With over two decades of unwavering commitment and excellence, Stromsys possesses expertise in hardware emulation that no one can match.

The Charon-AXP AlphaServer emulator offers a simpler, cost-effective solution for businesses. It virtualizes the AlphaServer ES45, enabling legacy applications to run unmodified on modern, industry-standard servers.
There’s no need to search for spare parts for outdated hardware, as Charon operates seamlessly on contemporary systems. Unlike full-scale migration, Charon provides a low-cost, low-risk alternative with a quick implementation process—typically completed within days, often under a week.

This allows businesses to maintain their reliable applications without pressure. Charon doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. While many clients adopt it as a long-term solution, others use it for temporary relief as they explore future projects.

Companies understand the importance of protecting their software investments. Charon alleviates the stress of a ticking clock, allowing for thoughtful decision-making. Implementing Charon-AXP can remove concerns related to legacy hardware, safeguarding business interests for the future.

Learn how to phase out your aging AlphaServer ES45 while ensuring that your critical Tru64 and OpenVMS applications run more efficiently than ever.

Consult our experts