ArticlesAlphaStation served as a vital computer workstation during it’s halcyon days and played a pivotal role in important projects. One of its most notable use cases was in NASA’s space state design.
But today, it has become a thing of the past, driving the need for modernizing the infrastructure so that the critical applications can run efficiently.
This article explores the legacy workstation’s history and its impact on crucial workloads and how modernization offers a seamless path forward.
As discussed, AlphaStation Computers were workstations based on DEC Alpha 64-bit Microprocessor. They were launched in 1994 and were typically used for high-performance servers.
AlphaStations supported various operating systems, including:
The AlphaStation series evolved over time, incorporating something distinct to meet the growing demands. Let’s take a close look at them:
On February 23, 1995, the Alpha 200 4/100, or Mustang, was launched as an entry-level workstation. It housed a single 21064 (EV4) CPU at 100 MHz – ideal for basic desktop computing tasks.
Another variant was the Mustang+, or Alpha 200 4/233, which was launched in 1994. This was meant for professionals who wanted higher processing speed without a major increase in cost.
Things in common for both the servers: A cache of 512 KB and memory expandable from 8 MB to a robust 384 MB. One PCI slot and options for PCI/ISA expansion enabled users to customize additional peripherals efficiently.
The Alpha 205 4/xxx (codenamed LX3) was a shift toward more versatile performance. Its 21064A (EV45) CPU could scale between 133 MHz and 333 MHz, allowing users to select a configuration that matched their workload.
Another model of this series was the Alpha 250 4/266 (also known as the M3). It was in a desktop case and had multiple expansion slots: one PCI, one PCI/ISA, and one ISA slot for extensive customization.
By featuring a 266 MHz processor, the Alpha 250 4/266 was launched on 3rd April 1995. Equipped with advanced graphics and multiple expansion slots, it was built for high-demand tasks. The architecture made it easy to upgrade, offering long-term value.
The Alpha 255/233, known as LX3+, achieved an ideal mix of performance and cost-effectiveness. It came with a 233 MHz 21064A (EV45) CPU with a substantial 1 MB cache. Memory options spanned from 32 MB to 512 MB. Featuring two PCI slots and ISA support, it gained traction among users desiring a dependable and efficient workstation solution.
On the other hand, the Alpha 255/300 catered to those demanding superior performance. It featured a robust 300 MHz 21064A (EV45) CPU and a 1 MB cache. Like the 255/233, it offered similar memory and expansion capabilities but with enhanced processing power for intensive tasks. Its adaptability was ensured through versatile PCI and ISA slots that made it suitable for complex workloads.
The AlphaStation 400 series offers multiple configurations with processors from 166 MHz to 300 MHz. Memory ranges from 8 MB to a scalable 384 MB, accommodating growth. It was designed with two PCI, one PCI/ISA, and three ISA slots.
Driven by the 21164 (EV5) processor, the AlphaServer 600 was released on August 2, 1995. This series provided CPU options at 266 MHz, 300 MHz, or 333 MHz with onboard cache between 2 MB and 4 MB. It’s memory capacity ranged from 32 MB to an impressive 1 GB.
Expansion options included three PCI-X slots, one PCI slot, one PCI/EISA slot, and three EISA slots.
Powered by an Alpha processor, AlphaStation DS10 offered 466-MHz or 600-MHz CPU options and a 2-MB onboard ECC cache for reliability. It’s memory ranged from 256 MB to 1 GB of SDRAM, expandable to 2 GB.
The dual IDE controller facilitated efficient storage management, while dual 10/100 BaseT Ethernet ports ensured dependable networking capabilities. With four PCI expansion slots, three at 64-bit and one at 32-bit, the DS10 provided upgraded flexibility.
AlphaStation computers were celebrated for their ability to perform high-end computing tasks. But over time, the aging hardware is causing serious problems that are directly impacting business sustainability and growth.
Firstly, outdated AlphaServers are prone to downtime, which is not only detrimental to business continuity but also costs millions of dollars. Additionally, this business disruption can result in loss of customer’s trust.
Secondly, there is a huge cost involved in maintaining the classic hardware. Spare parts are often scarce and expensive, and the shortage of skilled professionals makes finding help even more costly. Additionally, these systems consume a lot of power, leading to higher energy bills. Finally, the large workstations take up a considerable amount of space in data centers – adding to the overall expense.
On the flip side, mission-critical legacy applications are extremely valuable in terms of the knowledge they contain about organizations’ business processes. In fact, businesses rely on them for day-to-day operations.
Given the importance they have – replacing them is risky, expensive and time-consuming. This is what drives businesses to look for a modernization solution so that they can remove the AlphaServers and still run their legacy applications.
Instead of rushing to replace their entire legacy systems, businesses should explore a faster, less disruptive strategy that combines the best of both worlds.
Enter Charon-AXP by Stromasys. With its lift and shift emulation, it emulates a wide variety of DEC AlphaServer systems allowing the original operating systems OpenVMS and True64 Unix and all host applications to run on modern Linux or Windows on modern hardware. This solution addresses compatibility challenges, preserving operational integrity without extensive re-engineering.
As a result, organizations can keep their familiar processes and still enjoy the efficiency of modern hardware!
Do you want to experience the proven benefits of Charon for your business?
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