Hardware Compatibility with Server Platforms

Sun does not certify SPARC-based systems to run the Solaris OS. However, in order to work with vendors in open systems, the company does maintain a certification scheme as well as a compatibility list for both x86 and x86-64 systems.

Sun maintains a registration program for Solaris hardware compatibility that has three levels:

• Sun Certified and listed on the Solaris Hardware Compatibility List (HCL; see www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/).

• Test Suite Certified, where the hardware has been tested using the Hardware Certification Test Suite (HCTS). This testing is performed by a Sun partner or the vendor itself. You can download the HCTS at www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/hcts/hcts.html.

• A "Reported to Work" list of components from the Sun Software Express program for Solaris.

The Solaris HCL is a searchable listing, and Sun has a mechanism by which you can submit an entire system for verification as well as submit a component to the HCL team. A separate compatibility list for the JDS is also maintained for JDS Release 2 and Release 3.

Sun also runs a certification program for independent hardware vendors; in this program, a vendor's systems are certified to run the Solaris OS on x86 platforms. Two levels of certification are offered: Level 1 and Level 2 certification. Each has different test suite diagnostics that it must satisfy. To see what these levels entail, go to www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/hcts/.