Techniques such as non-uniform memory architecture and scalable symmetric multiprocessing are all the rage these days, and Unisys Corp is contributing HMP, heterogeneous multiprocessing, to the alphabet soup. That is the name it has given to the technology that marries its mainframes to Pentium Pro or Pentium processors and delivers them in a single box capable of running Unix, Windows or Windows NT alongside either 2200 series OS1100 or A- series MCP (CI No 2,876). Unisys says the heterogeneous multiprocessing used in the new ClearPath systems removes the problem of heterogeneity for administrators and is ideally suited to vertical markets such as financial services that typically maintain multiple application environments. There are three ClearPath heterogeneous multiprocessing models which mix and match new Unix and Windows NT symmetric multiprocessing nodes with A-series or 2200 mainframe processors in one box. They’re pre-configured with all the cabling and communications software – including Unisys subsidiary Usoft’s Tuxedo-based Online software, TransIT and Open/OLTP – required for interoperability and shared data access between the two sides of the machine. As well as TCP/IP, NetWare and SNA network support, Unisys has integrated Microsoft Corp networking and SunSoft Inc’s Network File System with the mainframe operating systems. A distributed shared memory architecture is set for year-end to hook multiple heterogeneous multiprocessing systems together. ClearPath HMP IX4800 supports the new Unix or NT-based SMP61000 servers together with the new single-chip mainframe models. Unisys’s Intel Corp SPP-based Open Parallel Unisys Server, or Opus, will be supported by year-end. Each IX4800 server has a shared electronics complex and system control facility, a single operations console and peripheral complex. The IX4800 ships in August but no prices were given. The NX4800 and NX4600 servers combine 2200 or A Series nodes with NT respectively. They both ship in June. Unisys – which has reorganized its business five times in as many years – will use a combined Computer Systems Group team to market heterogeneous multiprocessing. There are also two- to 10-processor Pentium Pro- based Clearpath SMP 61000 servers for Unix or Windows NT.
