PATHWORKS OpenVMS AlphaServer 4x00 DIGITAL

This document outlines the DIGITAL HiTest Suite for configuring OpenVMS PATHWORKS servers on AlphaServer 4000/4100 systems, detailing interoperability test results, configuration data, installation, and system characteristics. Designed for medium to high-end workgroups, the HiTest Suite provides guidelines for prequalified systems, ensuring high reliability, performance, and upgradability.

Key components include AlphaServer 4000/4100 systems (supporting up to two CPUs and 1.5 GB memory), running OpenVMS V6.2-1H3, PATHWORKS V5.0E, DIGITAL TCP/IP Services, and DECnet Plus. Various storage options are supported, such as local RAID (up to 24 disks) via MSCP serving, and external storage through redundant HSZ50 (SCSI) or HSJ50 (CI) controllers, with full support for CI cluster integration. Specific configuration rules are provided for memory module installation, storage shelves, and cluster interconnects.

Installation guidelines cover upgrading existing VAX cluster nodes, configuring network addresses and Cluster IDs, and the proper sequence for installing core software.

Interoperability testing was performed in a clustered environment using the Cluster Test Manager (CTM) for basic system functionality and the PATHWORKS Test Suite (over 400 functional and stress tests) for client/server interoperability with Windows 95/NT clients. The tests included simulating failures of RAID disk drives, HSZ50/HSJ50 controllers, CI ports, and network connections. All redundancy mechanisms functioned correctly, allowing testing to continue without errors or performance issues. The document notes that ODS shares are recommended for optimal PATHWORKS performance and explicitly states that no problems were discovered during testing.