Hp COMPAQ PROLIANT 8500 Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
Integration Note
May 2001
13PS-0501B-WWEN
Prepared by OS Integration
Engineering
Compaq Computer Corporation
Evaluating and Implementing
Compaq Data Center Solutions
for Microsoft Windows 2000
Contents
Overview.......................................3
Evaluating Compaq Data
Center Solutions..........................3
Target Audience.........................3
Key Features: Windows
2000 Datacenter Server OS.......3
Certifying Windows 2000
Datacenter Server ........................4
Datacenter OEM
Requirements.............................4
Compaq Data Center
Solution Certification ..................5
Application Certification..............7
Hardware Certification................7
Change Management.................7
Evaluating Compaq Data
Center Solutions........................11
Features...................................11
Hardware .................................14
Software...................................16
Implementing the Compaq
Data Center Solution .................17
Installation................................17
Restrictions ..............................24
Troubleshooting .......................24
Appendix A–Compaq Web
Resources ..................................27
Appendix B-Microsoft Web
Resources ..................................27
Datacenter Server
Abstract: Compaq leads the way in revolutionizing the economics
of enterprise computing with reliable, stable industry-standard
solutions for the data center.
Servers, StorageWorks and SANworks Enterprise Storage solutions,
Intelligent Manageability tools, and an industry-leading portfolio of
lifecycle services uniquely positions Compaq to deliver the total
Data Center solution.
Compaq recognizes that data center customers require the highest
level of reliability and stability as well as scalability in their solutions
because they run business critical applications. Data center
customers cannot afford downtime. Compaq provides a fully stress
tested solution which includes the servers, operating system, storage
and applications. We do not stop with a reliable and stable solution.
Compaq knows that it is important to strictly maintain the solutions
over the product lifecycle to ensure continuing stability, so we have
implemented a unique change management program specially
modeled for the data center. We are confident in our data center
solutions and are backing it up with combined support for the server
and operating system as well as cooperative support agreements with
application vendors. Compaq is your one-stop shopping and support
provider for reliable and stable data center solutions, meeting
industry standards.
The powerful combination of ProLiant
This integration note includes certification and change management
information, installation instructions, and do’s and don’ts for
implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions.
Help us improve our technical communication. Let us know what you think
about the technical information in this document. Your feedback is valuable
and will help us structure future communications. Please send your
comments to:
CompaqNT@Compaq.com
Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 2
Notice
©2001 Compaq Computer Corporation
ActiveAnswers, Compaq, the Compaq logo, Compaq Insight Manager, Compaq Insight Manager XE,
NetFlex, ProLiant, and StorageWorks are registered United States Patent and Trademark Office.
SANworks is a trademark and/or service mark of Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. in the
U.S. and/or other countries.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and Windows NT Server are trademarks and/or registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel, Pentium, Xeon, and Pentium III Xeon are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice and is provided “AS IS” WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
INFORMATION REMAINS WITH RECIPIENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPAQ BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION), EVEN IF
COMPAQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The limited warranties for Compaq products are exclusively set forth in the documentation accompanying
such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting a further or additional warranty.
This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested. The
configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not be the only available solution. This test
is not a determination or product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure compliance with any federal
state or local requirements.
Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter
Server
Integration Note prepared by OS Integration Engineering
Second Edition (May 2001)
Document Number 13PS-0501B-WWEN
13PS-0501B-WWEN
Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 3
Overview
The Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter operating system is available only through certified
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)Compaq being the first OEM to be certified by
Microsoft.
Kernel mode components in an
application place a file with a .SYS
extension in the system32 directory
of your server. See Table 4 for a
link to the full process for
determining kernel mode
components.
management model for lifecycle data center solution support, running additional stress tests with
enterprise applications loaded, and providing additional support offerings such as the 99.99%
uptime guarantee.
The Compaq Datacenter Program integrates hardware, software, and
service into one powerful centralized business solution. Compaq certifies
all hardware and software elements touching the kernel elements (i.e.,
software drivers). Compaq has met the stringent requirements established
by Microsoft including scalable hardware, joint support teams, and
rigorous testing and qualification focused on the entire system. Compaq
exceeds the requirements by adding certification for Compaq
StorageWorks and SANworks, implementing a unique change
Evaluating Compaq Data Center Solutions
The following sections discuss the target audience for Compaq Data Center Solutions and the
important features of the Windows 2000 Datacenter operating system (OS).
Target Audience
Any business wanting to increase levels of reliability, availability, and scalability for its businesscritical applications is an ideal candidate for deploying a Compaq Data Center Solution. These
solutions are specifically for customers running business critical solutions. Ideal customers
include:
• Enterprises with critical ERP, data warehousing and messaging/collaboration applications
that have high transaction volumes and physical distribution of resources across many sites.
• Application Service Providers (ASPs) deploying, hosting, implementing, and supporting
applications from a centrally managed facility across a wide area network (WAN).
• Dot-coms with requirements for high availability and security, including site integrity and
data protection.
• Education, environmental analysis, Public Safety and GIS can benefit from the enormous
performance scalability, storage capacity, and high availability capacity of the Compaq Data
Center Solution. These segments leverage huge amounts of imagery data.
• Fortune 500 companies with large unpartitionable databases.
• Companies requiring more “head room” than available with Windows 2000 Advanced
Server.
Key Features: Windows 2000 Datacenter Server OS
Designed for the most demanding levels of availability and scalability, Windows 2000 Datacenter
Server includes the following key features:
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Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 4
• Windows 2000 features, such as Active Directory
• Enhanced 4-node clustering
• Support for up to 64 GB main memory (vs. 8 GB for Windows 2000 Advanced Server)
• Support for up to 32-way Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) (vs. 8 processors for Windows
2000 Advanced Server)
• Compatible with the Windows 2000 Datacenter Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)
• Support for Winsock Direct, which streamlines communications between distributed
components
• Provides a VI System Area Network (SAN)
Table 1 shows a comparison between the Windows 2000 operating systems.
Table 1. Windows 2000 server operating systems
Feature Windows 2000 Server Windows 2000 Advanced
Server
Processor limit 4 8 32
Memory support 4 GB Intel 8 GB Intel Physical Address
Extensions (PAE)
Network Load Balancing No Yes (maximum 32 nodes) Yes (maximum 32 nodes)
MSCS Server clustering No Yes (maximum 2 nodes) Yes (maximum 4 nodes)
Job object Job Object API Job Object API Process Control tool
Winsock Direct No No Yes
Hardware Compatibility List Yes Yes Datacenter HCL
Certifying Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
The certification process involves meeting stringent requirements set by Microsoft, and for
Compaq, exceeding these requirements is key to achieving the total Data Center solution.
Compaq extends the 14-day stress test by adding external storage to the systems in certification
and adding applications with kernel level drivers such as backup, management, and virus
protection software.
Datacenter OEM Requirements
Windows 2000 Datacenter
Server
64 GB Intel (PAE)
Windows 2000 Datacenter Server and service pack updates can only be purchased through an
OEM vendor certified by Microsoft. Because of the need for reliability and accountability,
Microsoft set stringent requirements for OEM vendors to participate in Windows 2000
Datacenter.
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Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 5
The Datacenter OEM requirements along with details on how Compaq exceeds these
requirements are included in Table 2.
Table 2. Compaq exceeds Datacenter OEM requirements
Datacenter OEM Requirements How Compaq Meets/Exceeds Requirements
Reliability with Datacenter HCL testing of all components Compaq exceeds the requirements by adding external
Availability through 4-node clustering Compaq meets this requirement
Operate an Authorized Microsoft Certified Support Center
(MCSC) in each country in which the OEM sells a
Datacenter solution
Accountability
requirements for the OEM
delivering Datacenter
preinstalled on its system
Offer four-hour
response time 24x7
Provide minimum
99.9% uptime
guarantee offering
storage (StorageWorks) to the certification
Compaq exceeds by being a Worldwide MCSC –
competitors are only MCSC in the locations in which they
sell Windows 2000 Datacenter
Compaq exceeds with a two-hour offering
Compaq exceeds with availability reviews and a 99.99%
uptime offering
Compaq Data Center Solution Certification
The Compaq Data Center Solution exceeds all the requirements established by Microsoft to
provide a deployment strategy to meet your application and environment needs. Compaq has the
people, the technology, the experience, and the commitment to deliver proven industry-standard
computing to the Data Center.
Microsoft certified Compaq as the first OEM to offer solutions for Windows 2000 Datacenter and
Compaq opened the first Joint Support Center with Microsoft on May 24, 2000.
If your application places a file
with a .SYS extension in the
system32 directory of your server,
then your application has a kernel
mode component. See Table 4 for a
link to the full process for
determining kernel mode
components.
Microsoft Datacenter programs require fixed, certified configurations with extensive testing to
enable the special customer services offerings available with the program.
Furnish a joint support
queue with Microsoft
Compaq exceeds with a dedicated physical location for
our joint support queue and matching Microsoft support
personnel for every Compaq support personnel
Certification involves the complete solution, not just the components. All kerneltouching elements, along with the hardware pieces, are part of the certified
package. Compaq delivers the highest levels of reliability and stability possible
through the Datacenter certification program and change management process.
High-availability features within ProLiant servers and StorageWorks storage
systems deliver access to mission-critical data. The new Datacenter support
infrastructure, including a Joint Support team from Compaq and Microsoft,
ensures customers have a single point of accountability for fast problem
resolution. To achieve highly reliable and available solutions, the Compaq and
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Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 6
For more information on the Compaq Data Center testing and certification, see
http://www.compaq.com/solutions/datacenter/application.html and
http://www.veritest.com/mslogos/windows2000/compaq/.
Figure 1 presents a graphical representation of the rigid software and hardware certification
process for Compaq Data Center Solutions.
Components Pass
Microsoft WHQL
Tests
Option Card
ProLiant 8500 ProLiant 8500
Option Card
http://www.microsoft.com/hcl
Solution Passes 14-day
Windows 2000 Datacenter
HCT Stress Tests
MA 8000
http://www.microsoft.com/windows
2000/datacenter/hcl
Solution Passes Compaq and Enterprise
Application Partner Stress Tests
Solution Passes 21-Day Microsoft
Cluster Stress Tests
http://www.microsoft.com/solutions/
datacenter/certified-configurationscluster.html
Figure 1. Rigid certification for Compaq Data Center Solutions
The following sections detail the software and hardware certification process.
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Single Node
Multinode
http://www.microsoft.com/solutions/datacenter/applications.html
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 solutionProLiant
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.
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Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 8
Benefits
Figure 2 below shows the release cycles for software included in traditional environments. In this
case, an administrator must constantly manage changes in his/her environment to incorporate
necessary software upgrades.
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Figure 2. Customers managing change in a traditional environment
s
s
s
r
s
s
Baselines are specific hardware
and software components
comprising the Compaq Data
Center Solution.
supported for their complete lifecycle, but you may be required to upgrade the server with a
newer change management release if it is older than two years.
All changes to the Compaq Data Center Solution are stress tested together on the specific model
to ensure optimal compatibility within your data center environment. Each year we release a fully
tested new server model and every 6 months we release baselines for these server models.
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With the Compaq Data Center Solution, we manage the change for you,
bundling everything you need into one complete solution. You can
choose to receive the latest baselines to obtain access and support for
updates, bug fixes, and new options, or sit on your configuration for up
to two yearsthe decision is yours. Of course, the solutions are
Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 9
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Figure 3 conceptually shows the change management relationship.
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SSeerrvviiccee PPaacckks
Figure 3. Compaq managing the change for you
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All Compaq Data Center Solution components, including hardware, firmware, and software, are
fixed upon certification with a guaranteed lifecycle of two years and remain under strict change
control.
This process pertains to all monitored components of the solution such as the following:
• All hardware and firmware revisions pertaining to the Compaq Data Center Solution
• Addition of a new qualified vendor for a particular Compaq Data Center Solution part
• Changes to Compaq Data Center Solution spare parts
• Any SoftPaq or ROMPaq for Compaq Data Center Solution drivers, utilities, or ROMs/BIOS
• New versions and revisions of Compaq Data Center Solution software
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