Big Unix Systems

[fordyce at ti-csl]

(I am relatively new to the net, so if a similar request went out on
the net in the not-so-recent past, please bear with me.)

In the past several months in various notes files, I have seen
requests for, and responses containing, opinions regarding the "most
mips per buck", the "best" systems to support 15-30 users, etc.

What about *bigger* UNIX systems ?  (i.e., systems to support on the
order of 80-160 simultaneous users).  Such a machine would be required
to support a relatively heavy load (with minimally degraded system
performance and response) produced by 40-60 interactive users (a lot
of text editting using gnuemacs, a lot of TeX / LaTeX executions,
etc.), as well as to provide support for approximately 100 single-user
workstations file-serving off the host via ethernet.

We are considering the purchase of such a system...if a suitable
system can be found.  I (and my management) would be interested in
hearing other sites' experiences, comments, problems, complaints,
warnings, etc., with respect to UNIX systems of this size (for
example, systems such as Gould, Alliant FX8, Harris HCX, DEC 8600(+),
etc. -- any omissions were not intentional ... these systems just
came to mind).

I will be glad to forward my collected responses to anyone who
requests them.

Regards, David Fordyce

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