OpenVMS Release Notes Addendum for VMScluster Systems

This document serves as an addendum to the OpenVMS AXP Version 1.5 and OpenVMS VAX Version 6.0 Release Notes, providing specific information for VMScluster systems. It covers modified and enhanced features, upgrade procedures, and compatibility details.

Key updates and information include:

• Interoperability: OpenVMS AXP V1.5 can now be clustered with OpenVMS VAX Version 6.0 or V5.5-2, though running with both VAX versions simultaneously for extended periods is not recommended. Rolling upgrades are supported with temporary coexistence of multiple OS versions. A restriction on using AXP-specific SYSMAN commands against VAX processors is noted.
• FDDI Support: Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) is now supported as a VMScluster interconnect for OpenVMS AXP Version 1.5 systems (DEC 3000, 4000, 7000, 10000), supporting specific adapter types like DEMFA, DEFTA, and DEFAA. FDDI is enabled by setting a system parameter, but satellite booting over FDDI is not yet supported; Ethernet is required for initial downline loads. UETP is also not supported for FDDI devices.
• DSSI Configurations: OpenVMS AXP V1.5 supports quad-host DSSI configurations with DEC 4000 systems and KFQSA Q-bus to DSSI configurations. However, KFQSA adapters have slower performance and only support disk and tape data traffic, not VMScluster System Communications Services (SCS).
• New System Support: VMScluster systems running OpenVMS AXP Version 1.5 now support DEC 2000 systems (specifically OpenVMS AXP Version 1.5-1H1).
• Larger Configurations: The combined support for DEC 3000 and DEC 2000 Alpha AXP systems in a VMScluster has increased to 50 nodes, while the total cluster node limit for mixed VAX and AXP systems remains 96. Specific configuration rules are provided for different Alpha AXP system types regarding maximum numbers, supported interconnects (Ethernet for DEC 2000, Ethernet/FDDI for DEC 3000), and restrictions on satellite booting for certain models.