HP1000 Emulation Solutions

Replacing a legacy HP1000 system with an emulation solution is like upgrading hardware in place. You benefit from modern hardware while retaining important legacy applications intact. Migration Specialties offers Strobe Data Kestrel real-time emulation solutions to replace HP1000, HP2100, and HP 21MX systems.

HP1000 Virtualization Advantages

• Quick deployment. Three to five day implementations are common.
• Modern hardware, improving reliability, performance, & energy efficiency.
• Improved integrations with current operating environments such as Microsoft Windows.
• Lower operating costs with a smaller data center foot print.
• Binary compatibility means no software migration or re-engineering. Application source code is not needed.
• Preservation of investments in software applications & continued leveraging of vested employee knowledge.
• Negligible user retraining.

HP1000 Models

The HP1000 was the replacement system for HP's 2100 series of computers. Originally listed as the HP 2100, model names evolved through HP 21-MX, HP 21MX, and finally HP 1000. There were M-Series, E-Series, F-Series, and A-Series model lines. The systems are now generally lumped into two main catagories, the MEF-Series and the A-Series.

A-Series systems are the most modern and tend to be the easiest to virtualize. MEF-Series system are progressively older and more challenging to upgrade. Porting 2100 systems is feasible, but often difficult.

HP1000 Replacement

Our HP1000 replacement solution utilizes the Strobe Data Kestrel co-processor and a Windows-based server. The Kestrel co-processor fits into a PCI slot in the server. The co-processor recognizes native HP1000 binary instructions, allowing the emulator to execute existing HP1000 applications without translation or recompilation.

Kestrel co-processors are available in 1X, 2X, and 4X processor speeds. Firmware on the co-processor determines the HP1000 model that it emulates. The base 1X unit offers equivalent or better performance over the equivalent HP1000 model. The co-processor can be mounted in a standalone server or in a rackmount chassis that includes an integrated server and an A-Series or M/E/F backplane. The rackmount configuration enables support of legacy HP1000 cards and external devices.

The Kestrel emulator makes use of the server hardware to emulate equivalent HP1000 hardware. HP1000 disk drives are emulated as container files on the server disk drives; server serial ports can act as HP1000 serial ports; etc. For hardware the server can't emulate, the co-processor can be connected via Firewire to an A-Series or M/E/F backplane. The cards needed to support specialized hardware are transferred from the HP1000 to the new backplane and operate just as they would in the HP1000.

The HP1000 emulator runs as a single application within the Windows environment. While it is possible to run other Windows applications concurrently, this is not recommended. Doing so introduces the risk of timing and communications errors within the emulated HP1000 environment. It is best to dedicate a server constructed from quality components for HP1000 emulation.

Reviver & Cobra Solutions

Some of our competitors rebadge the Kestrel as the Reviver-1000 or Cobra-1000. It's the same product sourced from the same supplier. We offer superior pricing and delivery services.

Porting an HP1000

Porting to an emulated HP1000 is much like porting to a new HP1000. First, the emulator is configured to look like the HP1000 it is replacing. Then the O/S, software applications, and data are copied to the to the emulated system. Finally, the emulator is booted under Windows and a virtual HP1000 springs to life, identical in operation to the physical HP1000 it is replacing.

The emulator runs as a virtual HP1000 under Windows Server or Windows XP. The original binaries that were copied from the HP1000 are executed inside a 32-bit Windows application. The emulated HP1000 configuration boots, runs its applications, bug checks, and terminates just like the real HP1000 it replaced. No recompilation, translation, or retraining is required.

Note: HP1000 computers were primarily designed for data acquisition and analysis. The systems were highly configurable and often customized for specialized applications. Consequently, HP1000 emulation is not a viable replacement option in every situation. Our System Assessment Questionnaire is designed to determine if your configuration can be successfully emulated. Fill out and return the questionnaire today to see if hardware emulation can provide your HP1000 applications a new lease on life.

Turnkey Solutions

HP1000's were available in many configurations and serviced a wide variety of specialized equipment. Configuring an emulator and porting the O/S and applications takes knowledge and experience. We offer turnkey installation as part of our HP1000 emulation solution. Turnkey services include system construction, software porting, and onsite installation. More information is available on our Emulator Services page.

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