CORPORATE IT UPDATE-(C)1995-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A new technology for fault-tolerant Microsoft Windows operating system environments has been unveiled by Stratus Technologies Inc, a global solutions provider, enabling upgrades to be conducted while keeping the system online.

Stratus said its new ftServer W Series Active Upgrade technology features the next-generation chipset from its 4000 line and exceeds its standard 99.999% uptime protection. The technology enables the system to be divided into two servers that run independently in order that software updates can be applied to one server, while the other runs uninterrupted. Once the updates have taken place, the two sides are resynchronised as one logical server and a fault-tolerant operation.

Stratus said IT departments have to deal with the patches often issued by Microsoft while working to maintain the security of the Windows OS and protect users. It said the updating process will cause far less disruption to business continuity by addressing the reasons for planned server downtime for enhancements and upgrades. The overall online upgrade process is controlled through an interactive user interface and software can be rolled back or uninstalled at any stage should a problem arise.

The Active Upgrade process is currently being tested and is expected to be made available in the first quarter next year, working with standard Windows applications without the need for software modifications.

No pricing information was provided.

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