Finding a Replacement for Alpha DS20 Server

Articles

Are you running mission-critical Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS applications on an aging Alpha DS20 Server and looking for a modern infrastructure, but unsure how to proceed?

If you answered yes, then this is the article you need right now.

The AlphaServer DS20E once provided high performance with the Alpha 21264 processor, but it is now obsolete and has reached end-of-life status. This leads to risks of downtime, higher maintenance costs, and security vulnerabilities.

In contrast, the applications it supports are still operational, often running for over 20 years and performing business-critical tasks. They consist of millions of lines of code and contain thousands of workflow processes.

As a result, decision-makers are looking for alternative solutions to protect business-critical legacy applications. In this article, we will explore the AlphaServer DS20E and the need for its replacement and equip you to choose the best strategy tailored to your business growth.

Understanding the Alpha DS20 Server and Its Specifications

The AlphaServer/AlphaStation DS20e is a dual-processor computer that employs the EV6 architecture. It is the final version of the DP264 family. Developed around 1999 by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), this model is part of the AlphaServer series and belongs to the Tsunami family of servers.

Designed with space-saving in mind, the DS20e can be configured as a small pedestal or a standard 19-inch rack-mount server. It features enhanced application support thanks to its 64-bit very large memory (VLM64) and advanced clustering technology.

Processing Power

• It is available with processors that can run at speeds of up to 500 MHz, 667 MHz, or 833 MHz
• Peak processing performance enhanced by advanced crossbar-switch capabilities
• Includes 4 MB ECC onboard cache for improved data integrity

Memory and Storage

• It comes with advanced crossbar-switch capabilities for better data flow, achieving a peak memory bandwidth of 5.2 GB/s
• Supports up to 4 GB of ECC-protected memory
• Features 16 DIMM slots for flexible memory configurations
• Accommodates up to 7 SCSI storage devices
• Includes a 5.25-inch CD-ROM drive and 1.44 MB diskette drive

Expansion Capabilities

• Alpha DS20 server offers 6 expansion slots: 5 PCI slots and1 PCI/ISA slot
• Two 64-bit PCI buses running at 33 MHz
• Maximum throughput of 266 MB/s per bus

Operating System Support

The server demonstrated versatility by supporting multiple operating systems:

• Tru64 UNIX
• OpenVMS
• Windows NT

Strategies & Options for Replacing AlphaServer DS20

It is clear that the aging AlphaServer DS20 hardware needs to be replaced. The next crucial step is determining how to approach this. Here are the strategies available for decision-makers.

Strategy	Key Features	Pros	Cons
Alpha Emulation (Charon-AXP)	Runs Alpha OS/apps on x86 hardware	No code changes, fast migration	Licensing costs, potential performance tuning
Refurbished Alpha Hardware	Replacement DS20/DS20e units and parts	No migration needed, minimal change	Still legacy, limited lifespan
Migration to Modern Platforms	Rewriting/porting to new hardware/OS	Future-proof, modern support	High effort, possible downtime

1. Hardware Emulation on Modern Platforms (Charon-AXP)

Emulation solutions such as Charon-AXP work on the principles of lift and shift or hardware emulation. It emulates an AlphaServer DS20 environment in modern x86 hardware without modifying your existing applications or operating system.

Basically, Charon-AXP eliminates the need to modify or convert application source code, irrespective of the Alpha AXP hardware platform on which your software previously operated.

It provides a seamless transition to virtual Alpha environments without requiring additional development effort.

That means your business-critical OpenVMS or Tru64 Unix applications will run as if they were still running on the original hardware – but with the reliability and performance of contemporary servers.

Advantages:

• There’s no need to rewrite or port applications, which saves millions of dollars.
• The frictionless process guarantees 100% business continuity
• Minimizes the downtime risk associated with the old AlphaServer DS20
• It also promotes improved performance, reliability, and supportability
• Users benefit from transparent access to modern storage and networking while still maintaining legacy interfaces

Disadvantage:

• The chances of performance overhead can be seen

2. Refurbished Hardware or Replacement Alpha Hardware

Some vendors provide refurbished AlphaServer units or replacement parts, which can be a suitable option for businesses with very tight budgets.

But there is a catch: this solution is often temporary and primarily aimed at ensuring operational continuity. This approach may include next-day replacement systems and onsite service contracts to ensure ongoing support.

Advantage:

• The only advantage here is the psychological comfort of maintaining the status quo, knowing that you still have the familiar hardware with you.

Disadvantages:

• Keeping outdated hardware can hinder long-term growth and innovation
• Maintenance costs are rising rapidly, putting additional strain on resources
• Relying on old systems can jeopardize business continuity and operational efficiency
• Limited ability to leverage and integrate with modern cloud platforms can restrict agility
• Finding qualified experts for managing decades-old technology can be increasingly difficult and costly

3. Application Migration or Porting

This option requires substantial effort in rewriting, recompiling, or adapting software. It is regarded as a long-term strategy, provided that the efforts are successful.

Because there is no guarantee that the modified application will perform in the same way as your existing business applications.

Advantages:

• Leverages modern hardware and software ecosystems
• Reduces long-term operational risk

Disadvantages:

• Porting is a high-risk, multi-year, multi-million dollar project
• It involves retraining employees to ensure they are proficient in the new system
• Additionally, the process of migrating data carries the risk of losing some information during the transition

So, here is this the thing: refurbished hardware as a solution can give you immediate financial relief but it is not a long-term solution. On the other hand, application migration requires extensive retraining for both administrators and end users. This often leads to significant change management challenges for organizations. And these issues arise when people are already overwhelmed with their daily responsibilities.

Implementation Process

If you have chosen the lift and shift approach as your modernization strategy, we are pleased to inform you that Stromasys is a leader in this area. Stromasys offers a proprietary product called Charon-AXP, which emulates the aging Alpha DS20 Server on modern x86 platforms or in the cloud. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Assessment

• Engage with Stromasys to discuss your organization’s needs and objectives
• Consult with a Stromasys specialist who has expertise in your specific hardware and legacy operating system
• Conduct an inventory of your existing systems to understand their configuration and requirements
• Define performance acceptance criteria and project goals to guide the process

Step 2: Planning

• Analyze your environment to identify the best product and host system for your needs
• Collaborate closely with the specialist to ensure that recommendations align with your business objectives
• Create a detailed project plan that outlines steps, timelines, and responsibilities

Step 3: Deploying Charon-AXP

• Install Charon-AXP on your chosen industry-standard server or the public cloud platform you prefer
• Restore a complete backup of your legacy system to the new environment
• Ensure all components are set up and configured for optimal performance

Step 4: Lift and Shift

• Transition your applications to the Charon environment without modifying them

Step 5: Testing and Go Live

• Conduct thorough functional and performance testing to validate application behavior in the new setup
• Analyze and address any discrepancies or issues identified during testing
• Once testing is successful, move forward with the official go-live of the applications on Charon-AXP

Are You Ready to Replace Alpha DS20 Server?

Don’t let your aging Alpha DS20 servers hold back your business growth.

With extensive experience in enterprise-level projects, Stromasys can extend the life of your business applications.

Charon products significantly lower total ownership costs by minimizing computer footprint, energy consumption, and cooling costs – all while eliminating risks associated with aging hardware.

Furthermore, the Stromasys Charon environment delivers a significantly higher level of platform stability.

Are you interested in knowing how Charon can help secure the future of your business applications?

Explore how Stromasys can transform your aging infrastructure into a competitive advantage.

Talk to an Expert