Genesis of a New Processing Paradigm -- Unisys ClearPath HMP Series

APRIL 15, 1996, BLUE BELL, PA --- Unisys today announced the ClearPath HMP Series, which ushers in an entirely new processing paradigm -- Heterogeneous MultiProcessing. This innovative computing model leverages the strengths of the enterprise server and combines them with the attributes of open platforms. The result is a highly scalable server that protects current software investments while expanding opportunities for reengineering, modernization and new applications.

Many organizations employ multiple operating systems to support a diversity of applications. Extracting, coordinating and consolidating information from each of these environments can be complex and error prone, due to inadequate interoperability and integration technology. Each operating environment defines to its own set of standards, but these standards are seldom consistent when moving from one operating environment to another. As a result, significant investment is required just to begin to unify needed resources.

Heterogeneous MultiProcessing was designed to address this dilemma.

ClearPath HMP Series
The ClearPath HMP Series is the first generation of Unisys new open enterprise servers. These unique systems seamlessly integrate -- in a single server --the properties and attributes of open operating systems and enterprise operating environments. The HMP Series is the first server product line to implement heterogeneous multiprocessing, the industry's newest computing paradigm.

The importance of this new paradigm lies in the general requirement to achieve seamless integration across multiple operating systems. Interoperability facilities of various types have been used to move toward this objective. However, integration using these interoperability facilities is far from easy or transparent. The new HMP technology provides a predefined, pre integrated environment that does not require extensive definition by the customer -- it's an inherent attribute of the heterogeneous operating environment.

This new industry architecture actually introduces the second generation of client/server computing. It incorporates a server to server element, permitting the client to get needed information and processing resources across disparate operating systems, with far less effort and complexity.

Integrated environment elements
The ClearPath HMP Series provides immediate support for applications and tools that function under Windows NT and UNIX (SVR4 and UnixWare). In addition, applications developed under Unisys Enterprise Server operating systems, MCP/AS and OS2200, will function without redesign or modification on the ClearPath HMP Series. Extensive integration services between the open and enterprise server environments permit them to be viewed as a single image.

Len Bizzarro, Vice President of Marketing, indicates that "Value Added Resellers and Independent System Vendors will find this platform very accommodating, due to the integrated multiple operating system environment. Many have already qualified their products on this new server series."

In order to meet expanding application requirements, each of the processing environments can be independently scaled to meet increased application demands of virtually any magnitude, with exceptional levels of system availability. This is a prerequisite for any server designed to keep pace with the enterprise.

"The new HMP computing paradigm offers new opportunities for dealing with complex enterprise requirements," said Leo Daiuto, vice president and general manager of Unisys enterprise server division. "Integration at the enterprise level increases the value of the organization's total computing resource and information. It also provides increased personnel productivity and reduces costs".

As an example, conventional server file services can be supported under the enterprise operating system, as well as Windows NT or UNIX. Support at the enterprise level expands authorized access of information across the entire organization. Enterprise administrative services, such as data archiving and disaster recovery planning, are now applied to these server files, just as they are for the organization's most important data. Server based PC files in many organizations are considered mission critical and require this level of support. In addition, enterprise applications can easily access and update this server information without developing complex interoperability schemes.

Technology foundation
The HMP Series platform utilizes Pentium and PentiumPro processors as well as powerful 0.5 micron CMOS technology. This addresses an extremely broad performance range. The basic system design assures a continuously contemporary platform, positioned to take advantage of the most recent processor technology innovations as soon as they become available.

All HMP operating environments support multiprocessor services to accommodate flexible growth options and increased system availability. When organizations exceed the performance of the maximum multiprocessor complex, clustering is used to deliver even more capacity. These servers are capable of dealing with the largest enterprise processing requirements.

Processor configurations consist of:

Open Operating System (UNIX and Windows NT) processor

Enterprise Operating System (MCP/AS and OS2200) processor

Internal integration services are addressed via a 10M bit switched connection or through a fiber based 100 M bit switched connection. A channel based integration technology will be added later in 1996. For organizations requiring even higher performance internal integration, ATM and memory integration will be options in the future. Thus, organizations can scale their integration technology to meet immediate and long term requirements, without application changes.

Networking and Internet integration
The HMP Series is capable of accommodating large scale enterprise networks supported by a variety of networking protocols. While the primary focus is on TCP/IP, networks based on SPX/IPX, BNA, DCA and SNA are also accommodated. ATM technology has been introduced to support high capacity network requirements. This technology complements a spectrum of cost effective LAN and WAN networking technologies, across a wide performance range.

Internet integration is also a focus of this new server series. Inexpensive accessibility, high-speed connections, and Windows-based browsers for the WorldWide Web all have stimulated the Internet's phenomenal growth. The commercialization of the Internet has created business opportunities that didn't exist as little as two years ago. To address this new electronic marketplace, Web server capabilities have been incorporated into all ClearPath HMP open enterprise servers.

HMP servers are ideally suited to meet the rapidly expanding demands for enterprise-wide Internet integration, based on their high-volume and business-critical online transaction processing strengths.

ClearPath Web Server software makes this platform a high-performance HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) server, enabling access and distribution of hypermedia documents. The ability to incorporate so many types of hyperlinked multimedia objects (text, graphics, audio, video) into a single message improves the quality of the information delivered.

Immediate success
The strengths of the ClearPath HMP Series are evident in the first day order activity. First day orders in excess of $100 million have already been recorded. This worldwide activity includes customer orders in Japan, Europe, Latin America and the United States.

Pricing and availability
General customer availability of the ClearPath HMP Series will vary by model. The NX4600 and NX4800 will initiate customer shipments in June. The IX4800 will begin customer shipments in August.

The Unisys Computer Systems Group
The Computer Systems Group (CSG) is the Unisys technology business. The people of CSG design, develop, produce and sell the advanced hardware, middleware and system software that serve as the building blocks for traditional and advanced information management solutions. CSG works with clients, with Unisys services groups, and with outside integrators and consultants, independent software developers, distributors and resellers in providing these technology building blocks to help them better serve their customers. Few other companies have the breadth of experience of the Computer Systems Group -- from enterprise servers to parallel processing to PCs, with all the software and peripherals in between.

Unisys -- The Information Management Company
Unisys is one of a select group of companies with the portfolio of services, technologies and third party alliances needed to deliver the benefits of information management -- helping clients use their information asset to enhance their competitiveness and responsiveness to customers. Our expertise in information management is founded on the strengths of our three global businesses: consulting, solutions and systems integration; industry-leading technologies; and comprehensive services and products supporting distributed computing environments. Access the Unisys home page on the World Wide Web -- http://www.unisys.com -- for further information.

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