Blog
Insights, tutorials, and updates from our team.
When “it’s just running slow” hides a much bigger problem
A sluggish OpenVMS system is easy to treat as a single fault. On a mature environment it's often the tip of something harder to pin down. A look at why performance problems resist the obvious fixes, and how a Health Check finds the real cause.
The Uncertainty Principle: Can you rely on your OpenVMS system five years from now?
Your OpenVMS system is stable today. But could you say what state it will be in five years from now? A look at the factors that quietly erode reliability over time, and the practical steps you can take now to reduce the uncertainty.
The Rdb Conundrum and Ways to Solve It
Oracle's decision to end Rdb support on OpenVMS X86 has been on the cards for years. With the Malmö Bootcamp 2026 bringing the conversation into the open, we look at the options available to Rdb customers who want to plan their next move.
Monitoring OpenVMS Servers with Modern Tools
OpenVMS has long been a cornerstone of mission-critical computing. But as the pool of skilled engineers shrinks, visibility into how these systems are performing has never been more important.
Note from an old DEC-hand
Ken Olsen once called VMS the best operating system for business. Technically, he had a point. The case for OpenVMS is rarely lost on engineering - only on marketing.
OpenVMS New Developments in 2025
OpenVMS is evolving in 2025 with a major focus on x86 support, cloud integration, and modernisation strategies.
OpenVMS and Security
Kevin Mitnick - widely regarded as the most skilled hacker of his era - never broke into a properly managed OpenVMS system. That track record matters now more than ever.
Time's up for OpenVMS?
In 2013, OpenVMS was written off. Twelve years on, it runs on x86, it's actively developed, and thousands of customers still depend on it daily.
So, what’s in a name change?
When VMS first came out in 1978 it was officially called VAX/VMS, this was to couple the OS with DEC’s latest range of servers the VAX family.
OpenVMS 7.2-1H1 (codenamed Penguin)
A fairly anonymous hardware release (designated by the H), but was it.
Ever wonder how Windows got its name?
Windows NT officially stands for 'New Technology.' The open secret? W-N-T is V-M-S plus one. Someone at Microsoft was making a point.