OpenVMS

This document from Harvard Research Group (HRG) asserts that Compaq's OpenVMS is a "world-class" operating system critical for business applications requiring high scalability and continuous availability. Introduced in 1978 and a pioneer in clustering technology since 1983, OpenVMS serves a loyal customer base across industries like banking, healthcare, government, and telecommunications, powering major global exchanges and services with near-zero downtime. HRG's June 2001 survey indicates strong customer satisfaction with OpenVMS's service, support, and availability, noting its efficiency in requiring fewer human resources and delivering a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Compaq is strategically porting OpenVMS to Intel's Itanium Processor Family, a move expected to guarantee the platform's future for at least 25 years by addressing Alpha longevity concerns, reducing development costs, and leveraging volume economies. This decision also enables continued investment, increased marketing, and compliance with DII COE standards, expanding its market reach. While customers desire more third-party applications and enhanced marketing, Compaq is actively recruiting e-Business application vendors and focusing on key strategic industries. HRG concludes that OpenVMS, with its proven availability, scalability, and Compaq's strategic direction, is well-positioned for significant revenue growth and is an ideal platform for emerging e-Business applications.