Clusters and Storage Controllers

VMSclusters permit devices, such as disks and tapes to be connected directly to a given cluster node and served by the Mass Storage Control Protocol (MSCP) server to other cluster nodes.

A cluster may also contain one or more dedicated storage controllers—separate computers to which disks and tapes are attached. OpenVMS systems access those disks and tapes through the storage controller.

Certain devices may be dual-ported, which means they have two separate interfaces through which they may be accessed. These devices may be simultaneously attached to two separate storage controllers, providing failover capability in the event of a component failure.

OpenVMS processes need not be aware of the physical configuration of storage controllers and devices; OpenVMS provides transparent access to the devices without processes having to be concerned with the data path used.