OpenVMS Cluster Software

This Software Product Description (dated November 1995) details the capabilities and configuration requirements for OpenVMS Cluster Software (Versions 6.2-1H1 and 7.0), designed for use with Alpha and VAX systems.

Key features include:

• Clustering Benefits: Allows multiple Alpha and VAX CPUs to share mass storage, peripherals, and batch/print queues while maintaining a single security and management domain.
• High Availability: Provides failover support for disks and tapes, automated data/application caching, and the ability for CPUs to boot and shut down independently without impacting the rest of the cluster.
• Component Monitoring: Includes the DECamds availability management tool for real-time monitoring and diagnostic reporting via a DECwindows Motif console.
• Supported Interconnects: Supports CI, DSSI, SCSI, FDDI, and Ethernet. The document includes specific configuration rules regarding the number of supported CPUs, cabling limitations, and adapter requirements.
• Client Functionality: Describes "OpenVMS Cluster Client" software, which provides limited clustering features for client systems (e.g., no voting rights, no MSCP/TMSCP serving).
• Licensing and Support: Licenses are architecture-specific (Alpha or VAX) and managed via the OpenVMS License Management Facility (LMF). The software is designed to facilitate staged upgrades in mixed-architecture environments.