Nucleus

Specifications

Technical Specifications
  Personal Edition 5770 Departmental 5780 Data Mart 5790 Enterprise
Data capacity (GB)
Minimum 0 8 32 128
Maximum 1 64 256 1,024
Cache CPUs 1 2 to 6 2 to 6 2 to 14
Memory (MB)
Minimum 64 256 1,024 2,048
Maximum 256 2,048 8,192 16,384
Tape robot
10 cartridges N/A Opt Std Std
60 cartridges N/A Opt Opt Opt
ESCON® channel connectivity N/A — Opt Opt
Software
ODBC connectivity Std Std Std Std
DRDA compatibility N/A Opt Opt Opt
Remote serviceability package N/A Std Std Std
Nucleus Database Manager Std Std Std Std

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DB2 Accelerator Technical Overview
DB2 warehouses typically have complex designs and are implemented either on MVS mainframe 390 platforms (dedicated or shared) or AIX®/UNIX® MPP systems. The strengths of DB2 include robust data integrity and a plethora of design and implementation tools, but warehouse implementation and adminstration tend to be costly in terms of time and resources (hardware, software, and people). DB2 becomes even more expensive when called upon to perform queries that are "outside the box," and in some cases is unable to perform these queries. In actual case studies, Hitachi Data Systems has observed that over ninety percent of the DB2 warehouse resources are often consumed by less than five percent of the queries!

The HDS Nucleus Exploration DB2 Accelerator is uniquely suited to answer complex, ad hoc queries on a system that can be made transparent to a DB2 client user. It fits seamlessly in a DB2 DRDA environment, such that end users can enter queries from a DB2 warehouse and have them redirected to an HDS Nucleus Exploration Series system. Each Nucleus system uses a tokenized, "in memory" architecture to store data in a highly-compressed format that is effectively 100-percent indexed. And since Nucleus requires simple flat-file descriptors to load data and is schema-independent, off-hour processing of complex queries is no longer necessary.

The DB2 Accelerator also offers attractive productivity, administrative, and security benefits:

  • Increased productivity. The DB2 Accelerator typically stores data in about 85 percent of the flat file—roughly 25 to 33 percent of the storage required for a 30-percent-indexed, DB2 warehouse environment. This multiplies the value of the power analysts many times by boosting their productivity. Since complex query responses occur in real time, they can drill deeper into the data for faster, more detailed analysis.
  • Simplified administration and security. With DRDA connectivity, all the existing tools that administer and secure the DB2 environment are applicable to every Nucleus query. Moreover, Nucleus provides increased security because all records are effectively encrypted and can be read only by Nucleus systems.
The Nucleus Exploration DB2 Accelerator consists of three components:
  • HERO (Hitachi Enterprise Resource Optimization). HERO, a unique HDS Professional Services offering, together with an HDS systems engineer, provides an understanding of both the query types and resource consumption associated with the DB2 warehouse. This data helps determine the economic and performance feasibility of a DB2 Accelerator implementation. The dramatic reduction in mainframe capacity requirements realized with HERO means upgrades can be avoided in many instances. In fact, production growth can be accommodated on existing platforms because queries are off-loaded to Nucleus. All this combines to give you:

    - Lower processor costs
    - Software group savings for all host software (not
      just DB2)
    - Lower storage costs through reduced DB2 indexing   requirements
    - Higher ROI due to increased productivity.

  • HiDB Pace. Available in September 1998 for S/390®-compatible DB2 systems (AIX to follow), this software resides in the DB2 host warehouse. HiDB Pace automatically mirrors the required DB2 data for query off-load, via ESCON® channel attachment, on the host-attached Nucleus Exploration Series system. A follow-on release of HiDB Pace will add intelligent query scheduling as well.
  • HDS Nucleus Exploration Series. Nucleus, an integrated hardware and software system, attaches to the DB2 host. Each model (5770, 5780, and 5790) consists of a highly reliable, 64-bit-capable SMP processor coupled with Hitachi RAID 5 storage. Like all HDS storage products, it is completely supported by our customer service:

    - Built-in remote diagnostics
    - "Call-home" functionality
    - Remote software upgrade capability.
 By enabling complex queries to analyze unusual and potentially valuable relationships in the data, the DB2 Accelerator delivers business intelligence that ultimately leads to competitive advantage. The real benefits accrue to enterprises that seek to leverage existing IT invesments as they build new business, respond to competitive market conditions, and improve responsiveness in day-to-day transactions.

HDS Nucleus Exploration DB2 Accelerator Implementation

Availability Table
  HERO HiDB Pace Release 1 HiDB Pace Release 2
Environment S/390 DB2 warehouse analysis S/390 resident S/390 resident
Benefit Provides feasibility and parameters for DB2 acceleration Mirrors DB2 tables in Nucleus (Create/Add/
Delete/Update)		 Adds intelligent query scheduling
Availability Now 9/98 1/99

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Architectural Environments
The HDS Nucleus Exploration Series complements most of today's data warehousing strategies by "snapping on" to existing architectures. Designed for easy implementation and administration, Nucleus offers the following "plug-and-play" advantages:

  • No new platforms to integrate
  • No new systems to learn
  • No need for multiple vendor involvement
  • Minimal retraining
  • Freedom to focus on business issues instead of technology constraints.

Nucleus accepts data via ESCON® connection, tape cartridges, or remote communications from most of the popular data storage systems, including:

  • DB2
  • Teradata
  • Oracle
  • Informix
  • Sybase
  • VSAM.

Nucleus allows for ongoing updates and provides access to users via existing networks, using most of the ODBC-compliant SQL generation tools, including:

  • BrioQuery
  • Business Objects Americas' PowerBuilder
  • Andyne's GQL
  • XDB SQL Wizard
  • SAS
  • And many others.
Nucleus can be "Web-enabled" through the use of current interfacing tools, such as:
  • Cold Fusion
  • Platinum Info Beacon
  • Microsoft Internet
  • Information Server
  • Heatshield.

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