On this page...
- Hard vs Soft
- Virtual Machines
- Hard VMs
- Soft VMs
- Legacy Liabilities
- Turnkey Solutions
- Obtaining a Quote
"The simplest system upgrade occurs when hardware is upgraded in place without changing software. Unfortunately, new hardware for many older systems is no longer available. Virtualizing legacy hardware fills the gap, providing new hardware to support important legacy systems."
Virtual VAX, Alpha, PDP-11, & HP1000 Solutions
Migration Specialties provides virtual hardware solutions for legacy DEC VAX, DEC/Compaq/ HP Alpha, DEC PDP-11, and HP1000 computer systems. Our solutions include comprehensive installation, porting, and validation services. We take the pain and mystery out of replacing legacy hardware.
Virtualization Bonus
In addition to the obvious advantages of replacing legacy hardware with new kit, virtualized hardware enables a host of new options. Experimentation, dry-runs, training environments, backup snapshots, and the like all become easily implemented options with virtualised hardware that were simply impossible with ageing physical equipment.
Virtual Hardware Advantages
- Quick implementation.
- Replaces legacy hardware.
- Improves system reliability.
- Improves system performance.
- Eliminates user retraining.
- Reduces operating costs.
- Virtual machine support: VMware®, Sun VirtualBox, Apple Boot Camp, etc.
Without changing the user environment, Migration Specialties virtualization solutions improve hardware reliability while reducing space, power, and cooling requirements.
Out with the Old Hardware; Keep the Old Software
Let's face it. That old hardware is around because the software it supports is still useful. Virtualizing legacy hardware allows gains in energy efficiency, rack space, and hardware reliability without incurring the costs of software engineering or user retraining. Hardware virtualization allows you to retain critical business applications, extend the life of test stands and tooling, and maintain mandated legacy applications at a low cost. Installation and porting are quick and easy, usually delivered in less than a week.
Hard vs Soft Virtual Systems
Virtual hardware, also know as VMs or hardware emulators, come in hardware-based and software-based formats. Our virtual VAX and Alpha solutions are examples of software-based emulators. Our virtual PDP-11 and HP1000 solutions are hardware-based emulators. All of our virtual hardware solutions duplicate the functions of the legacy system CPU, memory, and enough peripheral hardware to support the majority of the software applications available on the platform.
Hardware-based Virtual Systems
Hardware-based virtual systems are usually deployed to replace real time systems. Our virtual PDP-11 and HP1000 solutions employ a specially designed co-processor card and a sophisticated program deployed on a generic Windows server. The co-processor card duplicates the functionality of the legacy hardware in real time at a machine code level. This means applications can be ported and run without recompilation. It also supplies the means to physically support legacy I/O cards and peripherals.
Software-based Virtual Systems
Software-based virtual systems use a sophisticated program to emulate legacy hardware. Our virtual VAX and Alpha solutions duplicate legacy hardware at the machine code level. This allows legacy applications to be run on a modern server without recompilation. Software emulators do not require any special hardware to operate and take full advantage of modern hardware and VM technology.
Virtual Machines
Migration Specialties' virtual VAX and Alpha solutions are fully supported in virtual environments. Our products are in active use running on VMware®, Sun VirtualBox, and Apple Boot Camp virtual systems.
Legacy Liabilities
Many legacy computers continue to serve useful functions running specific business applications or servicing specialized hardware such as probes and sensors. However, time is everyone's nemesis and hardware is no exception. Legacy hardware has the following liabilities:
- Poor reliability due to age.
- High maintenance costs.
- Lack of parts and service.
- Large physical size.
- Heavy power consumption and heat generation.
Modern servers are smaller, faster, and more efficient. The problem is they don't support software running on the legacy platform; software you rely on to run your business. The best solution would be a new computer that runs the legacy O/S and supports the legacy bus structure. Unfortunately, HP no longer manufactures the HP1000 and Digital Equipment Corporation is a page in the history books. Migration Specialties has filled the gap, providing the means to move to new hardware without changing software or operations procedures.
Turnkey Solutions
Migration Specialties offers legacy hardware virtualization services covering VAX, Alpha, PDP-11, and HP1000 systems. Turnkey services include:
- Construction and configuration of the replacement system.
- Transfer of the O/S, applications, and data from the legacy platform.
- Installation of the new system at your site.
More information is available on the Emulator Services page.
Obtaining a Quote
Before we can quote an replacement package, you will need to provide information covering your hardware configuration and operating environment. The information required for each architecture is described at the following links:
