Nonstop Trends and Wins

Nonstop sales and solution architects are often asked to help justify HPE Nonstop compute systems when they come up for renewals. Those unaware of the Nonstop Operating System (OS) capabilities wonder why the application isn’t running on Windows, Linux, or in the cloud. Let’s see why.

Specialized operating systems like Nonstop are important for businesses because they are tailored to specific needs and tasks, such as ultra-high availability, scalability, and data integrity, and offer significant advantages over other general-purpose operating systems.

Here’s why the Nonstop OS matters:

1. Improved efficiency and performance

• Resource optimization: The Nonstop operating system is designed to operate efficiently within the resource constraints, such as memory, processing power (number of cores), and fabric speed.
• Faster and smoother operations: By being purpose-built with a single-system image, it can streamline workflows and processes, leading to faster execution of tasks and improved overall system responsiveness. The Nonstop TS/MP system reacts to peaks by starting additional resources and then shutting them done as the peak decreases. All without operator intervention.

2. Enhanced security

• Robust security features: The Nonstop operating system is built with security in mind, offering features such as encryption, two-phase authentication protocols, and secure boot processes to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Reduced attack surface: Nonstop, by its POSIX 1 & 2 compliance, may ‘appear’ as a Linux system, but it prevents the entry points for attacks since it isn’t Linux, making it impervious to malware, viruses, and other cyber threats to date.

3. Increased reliability and stability

• Purpose-built design: Focused functionality and the single-system image reduce the complexity of the OS, which means fewer people are required to operate and manage the system. This increases reliability while saving money.
• Reduced need for updates: Compared to general-purpose operating systems that require frequent updates and patching, Nonstop is designed for long-term stability.

4. Scalability and adaptability

• Modular architecture: Nonstop employs a modular design, enabling customization and easy adaptation to evolving business needs. Processors, storage, and communications can be added while the system continues to run. Additionally, the SQL/MX database can add partitions, reorganize, and provide most DBA functions while the database is active.
• Scalability for growth: Nonstop provides a foundation for scaling operations, ensuring that expansion doesn’t dilute the business or lead to operational issues.

5. Cost reduction and improved ROI

• Optimized resource utilization: Efficient resource management reduces hardware, power consumption, and maintenance costs.
• Little to no downtime: Nonstop eliminates disruptions and associated losses in productivity and revenue. Many customers have never experienced unplanned downtime.

In conclusion, the HPE Nonstop operating system is critical for businesses that need to optimize performance, enhance security, ensure reliability, and streamline operations. The ability to tailor functionality to meet unique business requirements offers a competitive advantage in a world increasingly reliant on technology and data.