Brooks Automation and Compaq Computer Corporation Develop High Availability Solutions For FACTORYworks(R) Using Compaq 'Ready To Go Clusters' for Tru64 Unix and Oracle Parallel Server (OPS)
The Compaq/Brooks Solution Leverages the Strengths of FACTORYworks and
Compaq TruClusters to Create A State-of-the-Art Solution for 7x24
Semiconductor Manufacturing
MUNICH, Germany, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- SEMICON Europa '99, Brooks Automation Booth #B2
450 -- Brooks Automation (Nasdaq: BRKS - news), a leader in integrated factory automation, and
Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ - news), the largest global supplier of computer systems
today, jointly announced the development of high-availability solutions for FACTORYworks®
Manufacturing Execution System (MES) using the Compaq ''Ready to Go TruCluster''(TM) Server
Software environment and Oracle® Parallel Server® (OPS). Combining FACTORYworks open,
object-based architecture with Compaq's state-of-the-art high-availability products, customers can
readily exploit a flexible and scalable environment for significant productivity, capacity, and
performance gains.
''I believe that this initiative will allow FACTORYworks customers to achieve system availability rates
in excess of 99.5%,'' stated Jeff Cassis, Brooks Automation General Manager and Vice President of
Factory Automation Solutions. ''The combination of FACTORYworks, TruCluster, and OPS on Compaq's
64-bit AlphaServer® systems will provide world-class performance and investment value in a scalable
solution. Continually advancing FACTORYworks functionality is a requirement for our customers to stay
ahead of the competition. This high-availability, high-reliability packaged solution brings semiconductor
manufacturing to a new level of automation productivity, one that delivers maximum uptime and
cross-platform interoperability. In addition, Brooks strong business partnership with Compaq will make
implementation and transition of our customers manufacturing solutions easier and more efficient.''
''This initiative strengthens and reaffirms our shared vision to provide highly available and highly
scalable solutions to semiconductor companies,'' stated Dennis Phelan, Compaq's Industry Director for
Semiconductor and Electronics. ''This is a solid proof point of how Compaq and Brooks Automation are
meeting customer demands with a combination of our industry leading AlphaServer systems and systems
integration services, and 'best in class' FACTORYworks applications. There is no comparable
UNIX®-based solution available in the industry today.''
FACTORYworks incorporates an object-oriented, three-tier, client-server architecture that enables
expansion and ensures stability. Clients and servers, though tightly integrated, maintain independent
functionality. This independence enables scalability for increased productivity and cost-effectiveness,
prevention of system down time, and the addition of external application modules.
Compaq's ''Ready to Go Clusters'' provide high-availability and high-reliability which ensure
guaranteed uptime with high availability cluster technology. Compaq's ''Ready to Go Clusters'' for
Tru64 UNIX are factory built, pre-assembled, pre-configured and fully tested. TruCluster Production
Server Software supports highly parallelized database applications, such as Oracle Parallel Server. The
operating system and cluster management software are installed with pre-defined parameters to ensure a
predictable and exacting level of integration quality. In addition, Compaq's ''Ready to Go Clusters''
perform system upgrades and expansion plus common diagnostic and maintenance tasks on-line, without
taking the cluster offline or disrupting user access.
Oracle's OPS stands alone in providing database management systems functionality and performance for
loosely coupled systems, so users benefit from higher availability of multiple computer systems. Oracle
Parallel Server also provides FACTORYworks customers with a hot standby Oracle instance in case of a
failure. Parallel database technology can make it possible to eliminate the need for performing recovery
operations in the event of a catastrophic hardware failure, thereby significantly improving reliability,
productivity and performance.
Compaq's Network and Systems Integration Services (NSIS) has been recognized as a Premier
FASTech partner (FASTpartner) for implementing and delivering solutions based upon the FASTech
product set, both in the United States and around the globe. The Hyundai LCD Division in Korea recently
selected FACTORYworks on Tru64 UNIX AlphaServer systems with Systems Integration services from
Compaq to implement the MES solution for this facility.
FACTORYworks
First released in June 1995, FACTORYworks, part of the FASTech(TM) family of products, is an
integrated MES software solution that supports flexible, efficient management of shop floor operations.
Combining graphical configuration tools with an integrated suite of run-time applications,
FACTORYworks provides a complete MES environment -- offering a modern alternative to traditional
legacy systems. Incorporating a three-tier, object-oriented, client/server architecture,
FACTORYworks integrates seamlessly with equipment, processes, and applications throughout the
manufacturing enterprise.
Brooks Automation
Brooks Automation Inc. is a leading supplier of factory automation solutions for the global
semiconductor, data storage, and flat panel display manufacturing industries. As an established market
leader in hardware and software automation, Brooks continues to pioneer best-in-class technologies that
outperform their competitors in every class -- from vacuum and atmospheric robots, cluster tool
platforms and modules -- to factory and tool automation software and integration services. Both OEM
and fab customers leverage Brooks' automation technologies to maximize factory-wide equipment
productivity in dynamic manufacturing environments. Based in Chelmsford, MA, Brooks Automation has
direct global operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Compaq Computer Corporation
Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the second largest computer company in
the world and the largest global supplier of computer systems. Compaq develops and markets hardware,
software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions,
fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop
and portable products, and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly
programs and business practices.
Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized
Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are
available at compaq.com or by calling 800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller
locations are available by calling 800-345-1518.
CONTACT: Jim Pelusi, 978-262-5800, or fax, 978-262-2500, or Ellen Richstone, 978-262-2600, or
fax, 978-262-2500, both of Brooks Automation, Inc.
SOURCE: Brooks Automation, Inc. |
