The Maynard, Massachusetts-based fault-tolerant server specialist this week announced a new line of ftServer models, bringing its VOS Virtual Operating System to the Intel Corp processor-based server line. In doing so it also announced: The majority of ongoing R&D investment in server hardware engineering will focus on the Intel Architecture.

While that may have suggested the beginning of the end of the Continuum line, which is based on Hewlett-Packard Co’s PA-RISC processors as well as HP-UX or VOS, Stratus has moved quickly to dispel any such fears amongst its installed base.

We will continue to support the Continuum line and continue to enhance the Continuum line, said Haitham Himoud, marketing programs manager, EMEA. The Continuum line is the key to the company. We will continue to attract new customers [to Continuum] but there will be more emphasis on the Intel-based platform.

The price performance of the ftServer Intel line certainly compares favorably to Continuum, especially now that it supports VOS applications in the form of the new ftServer V Series 200 and 400 models. According to Stratus, V Series systems deliver three-to-five time faster CPU performance and up to ten times faster I/O system performance than current Continuum models for approximately 30% less cost.

In terms of where you’ll see increased activity it will be on the ftServer platform, admitted Himoud, although he added that this will not necessarily be at the expense of the Continuum line. It’s fair to say that for the kind of customers in the installed base who are attracted to ftServer, it’s going to be complementary to Continuum, he said.

V Series systems are available now in two-way and four-way symmetrical multiprocessing configurations with a choice of Intel Xeon MP processors and Stratus’s triple modular redundancy (TMR) architecture designed to deliver uptime of more than 99.999%.

As well as the V Series, Stratus also delivers Mocrosoft Corp Windows-based ftServers in the form of the W Series, as well as Linux-based servers with the T Series, aimed at telecommunication networks.