Compaq ProLiant 8500 Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions - Page 10

Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 10 • Any previously uncertified software or hardware to be added to a Compaq Data Center Solution • Maintenance releases of Windows 2000 Datacenter Server (i.e., Microsoft Service Packs) • New releases of the operating system All changes are combined and recertified using the 7-day Windows 2000 Datacenter stress test. These combined packs of changes are released to customers on a 6-month schedule (in January and in July) so customers may easily schedule their server updates. Baselines The specific components released in the Compaq Data Center Solution are part of a two year protected baseline. Each component is obtainable and/or updateable for up to two years after the Compaq Data Center Solution release to address customer issues. This availability affects options, spares, and software. After establishing a baseline, the list of core components and options certified as part of that baseline become fixed. New hardware and software made available after a baseline release must wait until the next planned update, which occurs every 6 months, to be included as part of a certified Compaq Data Center Solution baseline. Benefits Baselines, including a certified collection of software components for the Compaq Data Center Solution, are released in 6-month intervals, allowing you to control your environment by minimizing the rate of change. Compaq conducts a full certificationgoing beyond the defined Microsoft certification standardsfor the latest component updates and new, applicable options, including Microsoft Service Packs, resulting in a new certified baseline that you can adopt in your environment as desired. Baselines provide access and support for updates, bug fixes, and new options. Compaq offers an upgrade kit to facilitate moving from one baseline to the next. In order to protect your data center environment, Compaq includes provisions to the 6-month interval release cycle for two reasons: (1) to update anti-virus software and (2) to update critical software bugs. Anti-Virus Software Anti-virus software requires continuous asynchronous updates due to the fact that new viruses are constantly being released. Updates typically come in two forms: (1) virus definition files and (2) pattern files. Both forms do not affect the kernel or any certification involving the anti-virus product and engine updates. In many cases, companies want to remain as current as possible for all anti-virus updates on the systems they have deployed; therefore, it is essential that anti-virus updates be permitted for all systems, including Data Center solutions. Compaq Data Center Solutions provide this flexibility. Compaq works closely with anti-virus vendors to ensure any product updates affecting the Datacenter certifications are re-certified as quickly as possible. Symantec Norton Antivirus, Computer Associates InoculateIT, and Trend Micro ServerProtect are currently certified anti-virus software vendors supported by the Compaq Data Center Solution. Compaq plans to certify McAfee Virus Scan, NAI Netshield, and others in following releases. Additional updates and schedules will be maintained on http://www.compaq.com/datacenter. 13PS-0501B-WWEN