Sequent Computer Systems Inc is claiming top marks in the Unix transaction processing stakes following an audited test of the TP1 benchmark achieving 175 transactions per second. The test, audited by database veteran Tom Sawyer of Codd and Date Inc, was carried out on a 20-processor Sequent Symmetry multi-processor running the Informix OnLine database engine and a scaled 22m row database. Last year, the company issued an unaudited result of 126 transactions per second using Informix Turbo, and said that the performance increases had resulted from joint development efforts following the initial tests. The Informix product has been optimised for the Sequent parallel architecture, including features such as spin locking, multiple log buffers, group commits and advanced query capability. Sequent used the recently-introduced 20MHz 80386 processor boards in the Symmetry, including expanded cache memory, which has resulted in a 25% to 40% increase in overall systems performance. It said that enhancements to the Symmetry input-output subsystem and Dynix operating system had also contributed. Costs work out at $8,100 per transaction initial cost, $10,700 per transaction over five years with system maintenance. Price per transaction with a 90 day history file is $14,000..pl 67
