OpenVMS Cluster Software

This Software Product Description (dated November 1995) details the OpenVMS Cluster Software (VMScluster), an integrated environment allowing multiple Alpha and VAX CPUs to share resources, including processing power, mass storage, and management domains, while maintaining individual system independence.

Key Features and Capabilities:

• Resource Sharing: Enables clusterwide read/write access to files, shared batch/print queues, and a unified lock manager.
• High Availability: Supports failover capabilities for storage and system nodes, allowing users to continue work on alternate CPUs if one fails.
• Connectivity: Supports various interconnects including CI, DSSI, SCSI (multihost), FDDI, and Ethernet.
• Management: Includes the DECamds availability management tool for real-time monitoring and administrative control.
• Compatibility: Allows mixed-architecture configurations (VAX and Alpha) and supports staged upgrades, enabling different versions of OpenVMS to coexist within a cluster.

Configuration & Ordering:

• Supports up to 96 CPUs in a single VMScluster.
• Includes "OpenVMS Cluster Client" functionality for systems with restricted server roles (e.g., no voting or disk/tape serving).
• Requires specific licenses for Alpha (QL–MUZA) and VAX (QL–VBRA) servers, while client software is bundled with the NAS150 package.
• Outlines strict configuration rules regarding interconnect limitations, star coupler usage, and SCSI-2 compatibility.