What is it?
HP-UX is Hewlett-Packard's version of the Unix server operating
system.
HP, Sun and IBM have 70% of the Unix market between them and,
according to analyst firm IDC, HP-UX led the market for high-end
enterprise Unix in 2005. Sun, with open source Solaris and the
ability to run on HP's Proliant platforms (which cannot run HP-UX)
is nipping at HP's heels.
Many HP users are being forced to migrate from discontinued
PA-Risc-based systems in favour of Intel Itanium-based Integrity
servers. Users of Tru64 Unix are also supposed to migrate to HP-UX
on Integrity.
A survey by IDC found that 13% of HP-UX users were not aware of
Itanium, and 29% were unaware that PA-Risc was being phased out.
But IDC still rates HP-UX as highly competitive, especially at the
top end, and as a mainframe replacement.
Where did it originate?
HP launched HP-UX in 1986, when mid-range system suppliers were
moving away from proprietary operating systems to Unix.
What is it for?
HP-UX supports the high availability, provisioning and workload
management that top-end enterprise users look for. Like other Unix
implementations, it is highly scalable, though in HP's case less
competitive on smaller processors.
Through successive releases, HP has made HP-UX for PA-Risc and
Integrity functionally equivalent, and now claims applications can
be migrated unchanged.
What makes it special?
HP-UX can co-exist on Integrity processors with Windows and
Linux. It supports both the Java and .net development and
deployment models. HP has used partnerships with BEA and Veritas to
deliver technology earlier than promised in its HP-UX roadmap. As
well as Veritas storage management and clustering, it also draws
from its own Openview for systems and network management. During
2005, it provided enhanced virtualisation, security and identity
management.
HP claims the highest number of high availability and
"disaster-tolerant" installations of any manufacturer, largely
thanks to its Serviceguard clustering products.
How difficult is it to master?
HP offers five-day courses for those new to Unix and for those
moving to HP-UX from Tru65, Solaris, IBM's Aix or Linux. Prices are
top of the range, although there is a pay-as-you-go option for
online training.
Where is it used?
HP claims more than 1.7 million HP-UX installations. IDC said it
is used across all vertical markets, and HP quotes other analysts
to support its claim to be number one in datawarehousing and
decision support. According to analyst firm Winter Corporation, 40%
of the world's largest Unix datawarehouses run on HP-UX 11i.
What systems does it run on?
Although sales of Integrity and Itanium in general have been
disappointing, major software suppliers are committed to it. MySAP
runs on Integrity under HP-UX, and Oracle has promised its
E-Business 12i Suite for later this year.
What is coming up?
HP is ahead of its own road map, delivering in 2005 capabilities
which were not due until later this year.
Training
HP offers a range of HP-UX training courses, catering for
beginners through to systems administrators. Sierra also offers a
similar range of courses, including programming courses.
http://h41156.www4.hp.com/HPEduUK/
www.sierra.co.uk
Rates of pay
Unix professionals start on £38,000, rising to £44,000 with
experience.