I disagree that the 997 is aging technology.  I agree that 99x architecture
was released before the K-series but from what I have observed the
9x9-series has been upgraded to utilize the exact same I/O expansion
technology that is used on the 99x systems.  The 99x systems have a 1,000MB
per second backplane while the 9x9 system have a 768MB per second backplane.
The 997 system supports up to 12 of the 64-bit PA-8000 processors (180 MHz),
same processor as the 979,  while the 989 systems support up to 6 of the
64-bit PA-8200 processors (240 MHz).   The 997 supports up to 12 external
PB-IB I/O cages while the 989 supports up to 2 external PB-IB I/O cages.
Each of these I/O cages supports up to 14 add-on I/O cards.  The 997
supports up to 168 additional I/O cards in the external I/O cages while the
989 supports up to 28 I/O cards in the external I/O cages.

The bottom line is that the 997 and the 989 both provide excellent
solutions.  The decision should be based on the individual sites needs.  If
your site doesn't need to expand past 6 processors or have need for more
than 28 additional I/O slots then the 989 provides the best cost-effective
solution.

One other consideration is that the 99x systems are generally available at a
lower price on the used market than the 9x9 systems.

Steve

=================================
Steve Cole
Outer Banks Solutions, Inc.
[log in to unmask]
www.outerbankssolutions.com
Phone: 919.231.2171  Fax: 919.231.7077
Sales:   800.368.6214
=================================
----- Original Message -----
From: Jesse J. Gilleland <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2000 8:07 AM
Subject: Re: Purchasing A New System (RANT)


I wouldn't go with a 997, it's based on the T-class HP9000 hardware.  which
is, to say the least, an aging archetecture.   For most applications where
people would want a 997, I've seen a 989/650 do nicely, at a lower cost.
Add the external bus expansion and you've got the ability to do all the IO
you could want.  (especially considering MPE's 256 lun limit, you can't add
many more disks than that anyway)

Personally, I like the K class servers, they are easier to work on, don't
take up the massive footprint of a 99x, and don't have the power
requirement.  Besides, with HP "reinventing" the HP3000 (excuse me, "e"3000)
who knows what new stuff is coming down the line.

J