We are looking at different aspects on what to do about our older unix sco
5.5 server that tends to run slow at times (333mhz with 196 meg ram). using
cpqmon it shows the CPU "2 sec avg" the "10 sec avg" and the "20 sec avg" as
maxxed out when things run slow. One idea was to buy another processor and
more ram, however this is what one supplier has told us - see below. I have
no idea if what he is saying is correct of if hes trying to drum up more
sales. Some ideas on what he wrote would be greatly appreciated.

As quickly discussed on the phone today the server is dual processor
capable.

Your server has only 1 processor.

Memory is not an issue unless the system is swapping , if this was the case
on your system you would not be able to login.

Your system is not swapping and so is not the cause of the slow system.

The server is only 333 MHz, what would a 5 year old 333 MHz PC with 75 users
logged in run like?

The Unix system takes full advantage of Symmetric Multi Processing when the
SMP license is installed.

The only advantage of this would be seen when the system as it stands gets
processor bound and slows down , with dual processors the load is shared and
this processor bound state takes a little longer to occur .

A second processor does not speed up a server but shares load at current
processor speed. i.e. 333Mhz

It should be noted that even with a second processor the system may become
processor bound very quickly.

Estimated Pricing:

SCO Unix SMP License
$2,900

Second 333 MHz Processor [ subject to availability]
$1,000

Installation approximately 2 days labour [ out of hours rate ]
$ 2,400

Plus travel and accommodation

Estimated pricing does not include GST.



As discussed this is not a very good idea due to the small possible
advantage it may bring during peek usage and cost benefit. Even after
installation you may find that there has been no improvement in performance
..

Again as mentioned on the phone we need to get the new server installed as
soon as possible so users can benefit from superior technology enhancements
of the past 5 years.