Compaq SystemPro
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | November 1989 |
| Founder | Compaq |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Fate | Discontinued and replaced by ProSignia series |
| Products | PC-based servers with multiprocessing and RAID capabilities |
| Parent | Compaq |
The SystemPro, introduced by Compaq in November 1989, was among the pioneering servers built on an IBM PC architecture. It was notable for integrating Intel's 486 processor support, a 32-bit data bus, hardware RAID capabilities, and dual-processor functionality that set it apart from contemporaries.
Features
Launched concurrently with the Compaq Deskpro 486, the SystemPro was one of the earliest commercial machines to incorporate the new EISA bus. Engineered primarily as a network server, it utilized EISA to enable sophisticated features such as asymmetric multiprocessing, hardware RAID implementation, and bus-mastering network adapters. The full-height tower chassis accommodated eight internal hard disk bays. Processor modules could include an 80387 math coprocessor or an optional Weitek math coprocessor, which required tailored software support due to their distinct instruction sets.
Multiprocessing
Upon release, the SystemPro supported up to two 33 MHz 386 processors, with an upgrade path to 33 MHz 486 CPUs available in early 1990 through proprietary daughterboards. Its asymmetric multiprocessing design permitted combinations of 386 and 486 processors or configurations with a single CPU.
SCO's customized version of OpenServer was the only operating system fully compatible with its asymmetric multiprocessing capabilities. Nevertheless, under OS/2, certain applications like Sybase SQL Server could take advantage of the secondary processor, while later editions of Novell NetWare SFT-III delegated I/O processing to the additional CPU. Significantly, Windows NT 3.1 featured a hardware abstraction layer specifically designed for the SystemPro, enabling kernel task distribution across both processors—making it the sole Windows release supporting multiprocessor systems based on 386 CPUs.
System/Memory Architecture
The architecture incorporated a shared memory bus system known as Tri-Flex Architecture to facilitate multiprocessing. The initial SystemPro came equipped with 4MB of 80 ns DRAM and could be expanded up to 256MB using proprietary memory modules.
RAID
Among the first PC platforms to provide RAID functionality, including RAID 5, the SystemPro employed its original Intelligent Drive Array (IDA) card utilizing a proprietary IDE interface that supported up to four internal hard drives. At introduction, the maximum drive capacity available was 210 MB. The system allowed installation of two IDA cards simultaneously, occupying all eight hard drive bays—each controller presenting itself as an independent logical drive—yielding up to 1.2 GB with RAID 5 or 1.6 GB using RAID 0 striping. An IDA Expansion Array permitted connection of up to seven drives housed in an external tower chassis via an early proprietary differential SCSI interface. All drives were mounted internally; hot swapping was not supported. The SystemPro’s RAID performance and monitoring features were protected by patents granted in 1993.
Market
Intended for customers moving from high-end LAN equipment or downsizing from minicomputers, the SystemPro’s pricing reflected its advanced capabilities. At launch, a base configuration—including a single 33-MHz 386 CPU, 4 MB RAM, and two 120-MB hard disks—was priced at $15,999; upgrading to four 210-MB drives increased the cost to $25,999. Adding a second 386 processor card cost $3,500, while expanding memory by 32 MB raised the price by $21,999.
Legacy
The SystemPro series remained in production until 1992, culminating with the release of the SystemPro XL, which was notable for being the sole model to support symmetric multiprocessing. Later that same year, Compaq phased out the SystemPro line in favor of the ProSignia series, which was eventually succeeded by the ProLiant family. The ProLiant introduced features such as hot-swappable drives and rack-mount chassis, innovations that have since become standard in modern data center environments. The SystemPro played a pivotal role in establishing the market for PC-based servers and set a precedent for the design of future server systems.