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) [log in to unmask]