The architecture of Tandem's NonStop system

ABSTRACT

A Tandem T16 computer system is a network of up to 256 nodes. Each node consists of two to sixteen processors. The system had three major design goals: (1) Continuous data availability. (2) Modular growth by adding processing elements to a node. (3) Support of a network of geographically distributed nodes for on-line transaction processing. This talk will sketch Tandem's approach to continuous data availability. At the hardware level, NonStop is achieved by designing a single-fault tolerant system. A Tandem system has two or more modules and paths for each function. In addition, the system design addresses issues such as power failure, on-line maintenance, and reconfiguration.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.0 GENERAL
      Subjects: System architectures

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.4 Systems
          Subjects: Transaction processing

General Terms:
Design, Management, Theory