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From: dfile@ecsvax.UUCP (Dean File)
Newsgroups: mod.computers.vax
Subject: Query about MicroVAX II performance
Message-ID: <8605281435.AA20319@ecsvax>
Date: Wed, 28-May-86 10:35:21 EDT
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Posted: Wed May 28 10:35:21 1986
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I am a relative neophyte when it comes to anything larger than a
microcomputer.  I have written an application for searching a text-
oriented database (Datatrieve-based) using the DEC Professional series
microcomputer.  We have found that, although it does work, the PRO350
computer is slow in response time and also limits the size of our
application's task image unacceptably.  (Yes, I know we can start
using overlays, but won't this slow the response time even more?)

We now are of a mind to get a MicroVAX II with multiple terminals
in order to improve on these flaws imposed by the PRO350.  I would
greatly appreciate any wisdom anyone can offer as to the uVAX II's
performance for this kind of application (largely database I/O,
most files being read-only; very large record formats--2000-3000
bytes--but not very long files--50-200 records).

Specifically,

   - how does uVAX II handle I/O-intensive operations (6-12 concurrent
     users)?

   - do we need to shoot for maximum-memory (9 MB?) system?

   - which is better for this--VMS or Ultrix?

   - will our existing programs (using Datatrieve, BASIC-PLUS-2, FMS,
     FDT) recompile on a uVAX without modification?

   - We will probably be able to access an Ethernet broadband.  Should
     this be utilized in any way?

   - Any suggestions on other hardware/software we should consider?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dean File
Laboratory for Computing and Cognition
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine