Abstract:
Sequent Computer Systems, Inc. manufactures and delivers large scale, multiprocessor computer systems that address the needs of large data centers. There are two areas of relevant focus:
NT on cc-NUMA
The Sequent Symmetry product line has been based upon a Symmetrical Multi-Processor (SMP) architecture (2-32 processors) leveraging commodity components (e.g., Intel Pentium CPUs). These systems were delivered with a Sequent-developed scaleable UNIX, DYNIX/ptx.
Last year, Sequent introduced a new product line called the NUMA-Q 2000. In contrast to a large bus SMP architecture, the NUMA-Q 2000 is a scaleable hardware product based upon a Pentium Pro cache-coherent Non Uniform Memory Architecture (cc-NUMA) using a 4-processor building block. Dynix/ptx was modified and enhanced to efficiently support the NUMA-Q 2000 architecture. NT scaleability and performance is being investigated with respect to cc-NUMA architectures. Of particular concern are issues of I/O distribution and scheduling, memory management, and processor allocation.
Mixed NT and Unix (DYNIX/ptx)
Heterogeneous environments raise issues of system management, resource sharing, and system control. The range of tools and products in both environments is constantly growing which creates a challenge in delivering customer oriented management and control capabilities. Relevant issues in such an environment include: the integration of UNIX and NT, file sharing, fault tolerance, application services, user administration, serviceability, security, and reliability.
Name: Jarl W. McDonald
Affiliation: Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.
Email: jarl@sequent.com
Address: 550 Kirkland Way, ste 264
Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone: (425) 739-2061
URL: www.sequent.com