Thread

Booted up in 1993, this server still runs – but not for much longer (2017)

193 points · 110 comments · doener

nineteen999 · 1790669756 · focus · HN ↗
We use to run Stratus VOS on Continuum series hardware at a lottery/poker machine company I worked at in the mid 2000's. It handled the jackpot system which decided which of 13,500 poker machines in our state would jackpot at any given time.
A reliable beast - never failed once in the entire time I worked there. Based on PA-RISC if I recall correctly.
1. jll29 · 1790670754 · focus · HN ↗
  Great story, thanks. I wish it said more about the architecture and also VOS.
  Speaking of reliable beasts, I own(ed) a HP PA-RISC workstation that never crashed in six years, and it was even purchased refurbished (second hand, and educational rebate, and still the cost of a car in 1996 - but worth every penny).
  I'd add "R.I.P. HP 9000 715/75" but of course she is STILL working now, twenty years later, and she is sitting right next to me (also got a second 715/100XC for spare parts in case on day they are needed).
  1. sdcfgy · 1790675769 · focus · HN ↗
    The old workstations were always pretty damn reliable. I’ve got a Sun Ultra 30 in storage. I may grab it and boot it up and see if it still works. Suspect the NVRAM and power supply caps are duff though.

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