Compaq ProLiant 8500 Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions - Page 7

Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 7 Application Certification Application certification is only required for kernel touching applications (i.e., applications with software drivers). Applications that deposit a kernel-mode driver such as management, backup, and virus protection software, are certified by running the Hardware Compatibility Test (HCT) in the Bellevue, WA Windows 2000 Datacenter Certification Lab. Passing applications are included in the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) (http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/default.asp) and listed on the Compaq Data Center website (http://www.compaq.com/datacenter). In addition, Compaq believes that extending the Data Center value proposition beyond the platform and operating system to the applications is key. To this end, Compaq has been working closely with targeted enterprise application vendors to stress the complete solutionProLiant 8500, Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, and the application in single node or in clustered configurations. Compaq works with enterprise application vendors to coordinate software releases on 6-month cycles with the hardware and operating system updates. Information about Compaq Data Center Solutions and additional stress testing can be found at http://www.compaq.com/datacenter. Microsoft provides a Windows 2000 Datacenter Server application logo program detailed on the Microsoft website (http://msdn.Microsoft.com/certification) and on the VeriTest website (http://www.veritest.com/). Compaq feels strongly about the importance of running the certification tests on ProLiant servers, so we have invested millions of dollars in providing ProLiant 4-node clusters to each of the VeriTest labs around the world. Compaq is the exclusive 8-way server provider for VeriTest Windows 2000 Datacenter testing; therefore, customers can be confident that applications receiving the Microsoft Datacenter Server logo have been thoroughly tested on ProLiant servers. Hardware Certification Compaq hardware provided in the Compaq Data Center Solution achieves certification from the Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL), a test program ensuring the compatibility of vendor hardware with Microsoft operating systems. This certification process requires that hardware vendors like Compaq use WHQL test kits for the qualification of complete Data Center Solution bundles. Qualifying WHQL results enable vendors to obtain Microsoft Windows logos and to join the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). Change Management Compaq leads the change management process across all hardware and software elements of the Data Center solution. As a customer, you have the ability to plan on regularly scheduled updates that have been rigorously tested against your fixed configurations. Therefore, you can deploy your solutions with confidence. 13PS-0501B-WWEN