Lights Out Computer Room

This document explores the innovative 'Lights Out' management approach implemented at Digital's Westford, Massachusetts, data center. Faced with the challenge of supporting hundreds of users while reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency, management adopted a strategy of extreme automation and process re-engineering. By minimizing physical operator tasks—such as manual tape handling and local printing—and leveraging centralized system management tools like the VAXcluster Console System, the facility was able to operate almost entirely without staff on the floor. The document highlights how this approach transformed the role of computer operations staff from manual laborers to proactive system and user support managers, resulting in significant efficiency gains and cost savings while effectively supporting a complex, mission-critical environment.