Booted up in 1993, this server still runs – but not for much longer (2017)
2 days ago
- A Stratus fault-tolerant server from 1993 has been running continuously for 24 years without any unplanned downtime.
- About 80% of the original hardware is still in place, with only disk drives and power supplies replaced over time.
- The server runs an older version of Stratus' proprietary VOS operating system, noted for its extreme stability.
- In 2010, Stratus' contest identified this server as its longest-running system, and it may still be the oldest known.
- The system is used in manufacturing at Great Lakes Works and is finally scheduled for retirement in April.
- Despite its character-based interface, users appreciate its reliability and simplicity.
- Stratus builds fully redundant systems used in various industries like payment processing and telecommunications.