vtAlpha-GS (GS-series) Product Description

vtAlpha allows Alpha computer system owners to migrate their existing Alpha software installations to a modern environment (X86 computer, Virtual Machine, or Cloud) without any software migration. This offers significant savings in effort, time, and money. The vtAlpha-GS variant is designed to replace specific Alpha computer systems, including AlphaServer ES80, GS80, GS160, GS320, and GS1280 models. It virtualizes the Alpha hardware, presenting an exact image of the original hardware to the software, thus eliminating the need for software changes.

The system offers a straightforward management tool for configuration and maintenance. It emulates the AlphaServer GS system architecture, which includes QBBs supporting Alpha CPUs, memory, and PCI slots. vtAlpha supports OpenVMS and Tru64 as guest operating systems, including clustering capabilities for both.

The storage subsystem virtualizes hardware interfaces like KZPBA SCSI and KGPSA FibreChannel, allowing the use of modern storage solutions such as SAS, SATA, SAN, iSCSI, and NFS, while still appearing as old device types to the Alpha software. Supported storage devices include physical and logical disks, tapes, CD-ROMs, and direct SCSI-attached devices. Logical disks and tapes are represented as files on the host, allowing for easy management and backup. Direct access to physical disks and tapes is also supported, as is the connection of physical DVD/CD-ROMs as virtual CD-ROMs. Additionally, generic SCSI devices can be connected if a custom peripheral driver is available.

The network subsystem supports various Ethernet adapters and offers virtual network switch capabilities for sharing host Ethernet links among multiple virtual Alphas. All Alpha guest OS supported protocols and VLAN infrastructure are supported. The actual speed of these network connections can exceed that of original Alpha Ethernet adapters due to the higher capacity of modern network adapters. Serial lines are also supported, including the two COM ports (OPA0 and COM2) and the PBXDA serial lines adapter, which can add up to 8 serial lines.

License protection is managed via a Smart Card device, offering flexibility and fail-over capabilities for installations. The System Management component, vtMonitor, provides an intuitive interface for managing virtual Alpha systems and the host environment.

vtAlpha creates a secure environment with configurable access roles, secure communication protocols, and encrypted cloud environments, along with event logging and alerts. It can be installed directly on X86 hardware, a Virtual Machine, or in the Cloud, without requiring a pre-installed operating system, which saves costs and effort. The product is compatible with up to 32 Alpha CPUs and 256 GB of virtual Alpha memory. Storage options include a wide range of device types. Base and additional CPU licenses are available, along with an Annual Software Support Service and a Disaster Recovery License. vtAlpha is developed, maintained, and owned by Advanced Virtualization Technologies.