Chapter 1 - Introduction; Introduction - HP NetServer AA 4000 Administrator's Manual

Chapter 1

Introduction

Introduction

HP's NetServer AA server is a fault tolerant Microsoft Windows NT server that provides
Constant Computing TM , mirrored data storage, and uninterrupted network access. The server
integrates standard Intel Pentium-based systems, standard Windows NT operating system, and
HP's patented technology to offer a fault tolerant server that runs Windows NT-compatible
applications.
The server provides continuous computing for your Windows NT server and its applications by
providing redundant CPU processing and memory. It ensures data redundancy by mirroring
server data across independent storage systems. These functions provide uninterrupted support
for the server applications and network activities by eliminating the server downtime usually
associated with failed I/O controllers, Ethernet adapters, disk drives, and loss of network
connectivity. The server provides fault tolerance, with No Touch Recovery TM should a failure
occur, while remaining transparent to application software.
Because the server includes SplitSite TM support, you can use the server as a real-time "hot site"
by mirroring data in different geographic locations. This protects your data from minor business
interruptions, such as power failures, while providing maximum site disaster protection.
Additionally, SplitSite can provide offsite data storage for your server.
The server detects events and reports any events, including state changes and faults, to the
Windows NT event logs or displays them as they occur on Windows NT blue screens during the
text phase of boot or when a CE is being deconfigured. Events are also reported in pop-up
windows; and, for messages that pertain to the monitoring of the server, events can be displayed
in windows on the Endurance Manager. Using third-party alarm notification tools, you can
configure the server to notify you when targeted events occur.
The server includes the Endurance Manager, a complete server management solution. The
Endurance Manager is a graphical user interface (GUI) based management tool that enables you
to monitor and manage the server. This tool includes both local and remote management support
for the server.
The key benefits of using the server are listed in Table 1-1.
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