We have several customers using what we call a "Application Engine"
     solution. This solution basically consists of a "Database Server" and
     multiple "Application Engine" boxes. The idea is to put the database
     on one central box and the application software on several servers.
     The application servers would access the data via NFA (Network File
     Access).
      This type of configuration has many benefits over a single system
     environment. One of the benefits is it allows a horizontal growth
     path, instead of buying a bigger box you can add another application
     server. You can also spread system resources across multiple systems,
     this allows more users to access the same data then would be possible
     on a single system.
      The other third party software you listed should not be a problem as
     far as NetBase is concerned. Netbase supports the use of Omnidex and
     Powerhouse via NFA. Backup+ and Adager do not normally run through
     NetBase so they will function normally also.
      You can contact your NetBase sales rep for information about a
     reference site.

     Stuart Smith
     Quest Software
     "These are my words please don't hold anyone else responsible for
     them"


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: HP3000 'clustering'
Author:  "Buckingham, Simon" <[log in to unmask]> at Internet-Link
Date:    11/13/96 9:23 PM


We currently run 3 HP3000 Series 957 machines at different locations
serving the Australian states of New South Wales, Queensland and
Victoria. There is now a requirement to combine the databases for the
three states on to one computer. Replacing the three 957s with one
machine (probably a 969/200) may prove too high a cost for our financial
guys, so another option we may have to consider is to move the three
957s to one location and extend our use of Netbase (from Quest) to link
the computers in a 'clustering' fashion. I am not sure how widespread
the use of this technique is, or how successful. We also have a number
of other 3rd party products to consider, including Adager, Omnidex,
Backup+/iX and the Powerhouse range, which may all give us further grief
!

Any advice would be appreciated as to whether we can give serious
consideration to this type of configuration.

Simon Buckingham
Computer Systems Manager - CSR Construction Materials (NSW)

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