Alpha Replacement
Migration Specialties has utilized the CHARON-AXP virtual Alpha solution to replace legacy Alpha AXP systems. We are in the process of developing our own virtual Alpha solution, with a target release date of early 2010. Click the Virtual VAX & Alpha link to view current developments.
Alpha Emulation Advantages
- Fast deployment.
- No software migration or conversion.
- Binary compatibility; application source code is not needed.
- Modern, standardized server hardware.
- Lower operating costs, energy savings.
- Negligible user retraining, continued leveraging of vested employee knowledge.
- Preservation of investments in software applications.
- Supported by HP with software license transfers.
Virtual Alpha Solutions
CHARON-AXP
CHARON-AXP is a commercial product. It is also marketed as VirtualAlpha. A 32-bit version called PersonalAlpha is available for personal computers. CHARON-AXP supports some, but not all Alpha processors. It is sold by a limited set of resellers. Migration Specialties is not a CHARON-AXP reseller and by manufacturer request we do not link to the CHARON-AXP web site. We provide competitively priced third party installation and support services.
ES40
ES40 is an open source effort to develop an Alpha ES40 emulator. Migration Specialties has participated in the project in the past. ES40 is not yet stable and is not at this time a suitable Alpha replacement solution. More information on the ES40 project is available at www.es40.org.
Coming Next Year
Migration Specialties is working on its own commercial Alpha emulator. We plan on an initial release early in 2010 hosted on OpenVMS and Windows servers. Click the Virtual VAX & Alpha link to view current developments.
Porting to a Alpha Emulator
Migrating your applications to an Alpha emulator is similar to migrating them to a new physical Alpha system. The emulator installation is first configured to look like the Alpha system it is replacing. The O/S, software applications, and data are then copied to the emulated Alpha system. With the O/S and applications in place, the emulated Alpha is ready to boot and run.
Software-based Alpha emulators create a virtual Alpha environment within the context of the host O/S. The operating environment is indistinguishable from the Alpha being replaced. The emulated Alpha environment is so accurate it can even be forced to bug check like a genuine Alpha.
Turnkey Solutions
Trouble-free Alpha emulation installations require correct initial configuration of the product. Configuration is a one-time process that requires knowledge and experience in Alpha hardware and its mapping within the emulated Alpha environment. Migration Specialties offers turnkey installation as part of our Alpha replacement solutions to make configuration quick and easy. Turnkey services include system construction, software porting, and onsite installation. More information is available on our Emulator Services page.
Obtaining a Quote
- VMS_INFO.COM system configuration reporting procedure.
- Request an .
Alpha History
Digital Equipment Corporation introduced the Alpha series of computers in 1992. Alphas represented the first commercially viable 64-bit systems and set 64-bit computing standards and benchmarks for the next decade. The series was produced for 14 years, with final new hardware orders scheduled to end in 2006. Like their VAX predecessors, Alpha systems ranged from desktop workstations to mainframes. The system was offered with two operating systems, VMS and Tru64 UNIX (formerly Ultrix), which were supported across the entire range of Alpha platforms. Alpha systems were well received and deployed in a broad range of environments.
Compaq Computer obtained the VAX and Alpha product lines when it purchased Digital Equipment Corporation in 1998. Compaq's subsequent merger with HP in 2002 placed the Alpha line in the hands of Digital's former competitor, HP. Alpha systems are now being supplanted by Itanium-based Integrity systems.
