Cover Letter

This document is a cover letter for the second external field test kit of Digital's OpenVMS AXP Version T6.1-FT4, dated March 1994.

Key points include:

• Release Information: This release (formerly Version T2.0) updates from T2.0-FT3, introducing new features like TMSCP Tape Serving, Media Management Extensions, and KFMSB support for DEC 7000 and 10000 systems.
• Usage Restrictions: It is field test quality, provided for internal use only, with no warranties, and installation in production environments is discouraged. Discussions of measurement or performance are prohibited.
• Future Outlook: The final OpenVMS AXP Version 6.1, functionally equivalent to OpenVMS VAX Version 6.1, is anticipated in Q2 1994.
• Kit Contents & Licensing: The kit includes software on CD, Product Authorization Keys (PAKs) valid until July 15, 1994, and documentation in PostScript, Bookreader, and ASCII formats.
• Installation & Upgrade: A mandatory update (AXP061FT4) must be installed. Users must remove DECnet OSI T2.1-FT3 before upgrading. The installation process is a new menu-driven procedure using the POLYCENTER Software Installation utility. Upgrades from OpenVMS AXP 1.5, 1.5-1H1, and earlier T6.1-FT4 versions are supported, with specific notes for Volume Shadowing upgrades.
• VMScluster Notes: VMSclusters can coexist with OpenVMS AXP 1.5 and OpenVMS VAX 5.5-2, 6.0, or 6.1, but VAX and AXP systems require separate system disks and maintain a single security domain. There are specified limits on processors and LAN adapters.
• Technical Changes: The release introduces a new Step 2 device driver interface (requiring recompilation/relinking of older Step 2 drivers) and fixes a SCSI disk shadowing problem. New SYSMAN commands (IO SET EXCLUDE, IO SHOW EXCLUDE) are added for permanent device exclusion. The default PIOPAGES value is increased.
• Monitoring & Support: Digital recommends installing the Monitoring Performance History (MPH) software for data collection. Supported firmware versions are listed, with an upgrade recommendation. The field test is scheduled to conclude on April 15, 1994, with contact information provided for support.