Stratus’ server system cuts costs, broadens applications for Windows 2000

Houston, Tex.-Stratus Technologies Inc. (Maynard, Mass.) announced at ISA 2001 that its new ftServer 3200 reduces costs and increases performance for fault-tolerant computing.

By Jim Montague, news editor September 17, 2001

Houston, Tex. Stratus Technologies Inc. (Maynard, Mass.) announced at ISA 2001 that its new ftServer 3200 reduces costs and increases performance for fault-tolerant computing. The company adds that ftServer’s out-of-the-box operational simplicity and its industry-standard server makes continuously available computing a cost-effective option for virtually any application requiring high levels of uptime.

Built using an 800-MHz Intel Pentium? III processor with support for Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server operating system, the server is available in one- or two-way symmetric multi-processing (SMP) configurations. The 8-U ftServer 3200 is configured with dual modular redundancy of all major components and subsystems, and will be available in both rack-mount and pedestal models.

CML Versatel, Inc. has been testing the Stratus ftServer 3200 as the intelligent controller supporting its TotalAgilityTM platform, a carrier-grade, high-density programmable switching platform based on open hardware and software standards. ‘The simplicity of this new fault-tolerant server makes it a ‘must-see’ solution for any Windows 2000 application where uptime is important,’ says Levis Malenfant, CML Versatel’s ceo.

Similar to Stratus’ ftServer 5200 system, announced two months ago, ftServer 3200el offers a combination of hardware fault tolerance, advanced software availability, and integrated service technology for reliable, continuously available computing. Unlike other high-availability systems, which require software scripting and failover time to recover from outages, Stratus servers are designed to proactively avoid failues. Self-contained ftServer systems run Windows 2000 applications unmodified, integrate quickly into the IT infrastructure, and require little-to-no staff support for ongoing operation, system management or servicing.

Stratus began early shipments of one-way SMP ftServer 3200 systems several weeks ago, following a successful beta program. These compact servers have been ordered by customers in distributed retail banking, financial services, computer-aided-dispatch, process control systems, and network equipment manufacturing, as well as by distributors worldwide.

‘Windows 2000-based applications running on Stratus’ fault-tolerant server makes continuously available computing affordable and accessible to enterprises of all sizes and types,’ says Bob Ellsworth, lead product manager, Windows .NET Server Division, Microsoft Corporation. ‘With such advanced capabilities available at these price points, no requirement for application uptime needs to go unfulfilled.’

The ftServer 3200 was jointly developed by Stratus and NEC Corp., which sells its version in Japan. The Stratus version employs the same hardware platform, but provides additional software availability and advanced service technology. Value-added features enable capabilities such as remote troubleshooting and repair over the Stratus electronic service network, as well as online collaborative, real-time customer service with Stratus, Microsoft and certified application providers.