Compaq ProLiant 6400R Compaq's Cluster Management Initiative - Page 10

and Microsoft System Management Server (SMS). It is a hardware centric tool that provides GUI based cluster administration, dynamic wizards, configurable alerts, and a single console view of a cluster. Product Summary Compaq's Insight Manager XE - Cluster Monitor and Intelligent Cluster Administrator are cost effective and innovative tools for consolidating both systems and cluster management. There are alternative tools that provide similar or complementary functionality to Microsoft MSCS "Cluadmin", such as NET IQ's Application Manager, IBM's ICSM and NuView's ClusterX, but they are focused on MSCS management and can cost significantly more to implement. Compaq's cluster management products are less costly and they are not just focused on NT and MSCS. Compaq has a cluster management strategy and vision for all the cluster environments its supports including NetWare, SCO UnixWare, Tru64Unix, Open VMS, and Non-Stop (NS) systems. Furthermore, based upon our research and interviews we view the alternative products as more standalone and not as tightly integrated with a system management interface, as the Compaq products are with Insight Manager XE. As a result, system administrators are required to deal with learning and maintaining multiple management interface systems. With Compaq's Cluster Monitor and Intelligent Cluster Administrator products, administrators can view the entire enterprise through a single consistent interface that makes administration and control much simpler, less time consuming, and more efficient. And Compaq's use of the Web based anytime anywhere access to cluster management, monitoring and administration provides a significant advantage over the static console based approach offered by other vendors. The Intelligent Cluster Administrator provides significant administrative services that are unique in the industry and that, when coupled with the Insight Manager XE-Cluster Monitor meet and exceed what is currently available from other vendors. The Cluster Monitor and Intelligent Cluster Administrator enhance MSCS "Cluadmin" by extending cluster management and administration across the entire Enterprise with features such as anywhere anytime access and the ability to flag a system device that is causing a destabilizing event. In HRG's opinion, Compaq offers customers both a comprehensive architectural plan and significant new products that are an important first step in bringing enterprise cluster management capabilities to the volume NT cluster market. The technology, products and strategy that Compaq has put forth make them the clear leader in standards-based cluster administration and management. Based on what Compaq is delivering now and in the future, HRG feels Compaq has a leg up on the competition and customers should not hesitate to consider Compaq when implementing enterprise-wide cluster facilities. Summary of HRG Opinions The combination of the Compaq E2000 Platform Architecture, cluster management vision and initial release of these cluster management products place Compaq in the best position to deliver intuitive, easy-to-use, cluster management tools that simplify the task HARVARD RESEARCH GROUP  Box 297  HARVARD, MA 01451 USA  http:/www.hrgresearch.com 10