Lotus Domino Windows NT AlphaServer 800 DIGITAL

This document provides a technical overview of the DIGITAL HiTest Suite for Lotus Domino on Windows NT AlphaServer 800, published in February 1998. It details the suite's components, configuration, installation, testing, and problem solutions, targeting sales, technical support, and installation personnel.

The HiTest Suite is a prequalified system designed for reliability, performance, and upgradeability, tested for interoperability. Key components include Lotus Domino Server, Windows NT Server, AlphaServer 800, and UltraSCSI storage.

The document evaluates the suite based on several characteristics:

• Availability: Achieved through data protection (4/8 GB DAT tape drive for backup/restore) and data availability using RAID technology. RAID 1 is recommended for two drives, and RAID 5 for three drives for high availability; JBOD or RAID 0 are options for lower availability.
• Installability: Hardware setup for minimum configuration takes under an hour, maximum around four hours, and software less than an hour. No installation problems were found.
• Interoperability: Major hardware and software components were successfully tested, with specific versions documented to ensure compatibility.
• Manageability: Systems were managed using Microsoft System Management Server (SMS) and SQL Server, with no problems identified.
• Price Range: Approximate list prices (as of Dec 1997) are provided for minimum and maximum configurations, emphasizing the system's value for demanding communication applications.
• Scalability: The AlphaServer 800 suite supports memory expansion from 128 MB to 640 MB and can handle up to 300 users in a RAID 5 disk configuration (500 in RAID 0) for typical business workloads. Larger user populations are advised to consider AlphaServer 1200 or 4100.
• Services: DIGITAL offers Business Critical Services, including an "Uptime Guarantee" (99.5%), Availability Reviews, Business Critical Gold Support, On-Site Parts Service, and Installation/Startup, with global support.
• Year 2000 Compliance: As of January 15, 1998, Domino Server, Windows NT Server, and AlphaServer 800 were confirmed Year 2000 ready.

The document also provides detailed configuration data, installation procedures for hardware and software (including the AlphaBIOS firmware, Windows NT Server 4.0, Service Pack 3, Domino Server, SQL Server, and SMS), and test results. Two minor problems were noted: a spurious "Shelf failure (CH-O) error" on disk access (to be ignored) and Domino Server crashes after backup/restore (resolved by restoring the local registry). Detailed hardware configuration diagrams and slot usage are also included.