DEC-VAX-SystemsSummary

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the VAX Systems family, positioning them as proven, powerful, and open computing solutions available from desktop workstations to data center enterprise systems.

Key aspects highlighted include:

• Full Compatibility & Openness: All VAX systems are 100% compatible, running the same operating systems (primarily OpenVMS) and applications, ensuring consistent functionality and ease of use across the entire range.
• Outstanding Performance: Achieved through the use of fast microprocessors, advanced high-speed I/O subsystems, large memory capacities, and modern storage devices, creating well-balanced systems with strong price/performance.
• High Availability & Reliability: VAX systems are designed for continuous uptime, featuring built-in data protection, integrity, security, and reliability. High-availability options include disk shadowing, power conditioning, hardware redundancy, and sophisticated OpenVMS Clusters that can connect systems locally or over long distances. Some models offer full fault tolerance.
• Scalability & Expansion: Systems are highly expandable, allowing for in-cabinet upgrades, adding more processors (symmetric multiprocessing), and integrating into various networking and clustering configurations to meet growing needs.
• Future-Proofing ("Alpha-ready"): A significant feature is the "Alpha-ready" capability, meaning investments in VAX systems—including OpenVMS VAX skills, applications, and data—are largely transferable to the newer Alpha AXP™ systems.

The document also includes detailed comparison charts for various VAX models (e.g., VAXstation 4000, MicroVAX 3100, VAX 4000, VAXft, VAX 7000/10000), illustrating their specifications across performance, processor type, memory, disk capacity, I/O capabilities, and supported high-availability features.