OpenVMS V8.4 will be for Alpha and Itanium systems.

Features of Version 8.4: Here are some of the planned enhancements and new features for OpenVMS Version 8.4 for Alpha and Integrity Servers.

• Support for HPVM (virtual machine)
  OpenVMS v8.4 is supported as a guest operating system with HP Integrity Virtual Machine v4.2.
• Clusters over IP
  IPCI (IP Cluster Interconnect) enables use of IP for OpenVMS cluster communication
• 2 TB Volume Support
  Maximum volume size increased from 1TB to 2TB
• Extended membership on shadowing
  Increase in the number of member disks in a host-based volume-shadowing set from 3 to 6 disks
• Provisioning full install with no assumptions
  Complete install, Apply a license PAK, Configuration of TCP/IP and Cluster
• Integrity RAD support
  Improved performance on NUMA systems
• HP TCP/IP services for OpenVMS v5.7 enhancements (Alpha and Integrity)
  Packet-processing engine, FTP over SSL, IPCI.

Final Release timeframe: The OpenVMS 8.4 release is planned for shipment in the First half of Calendar Year 2010.

Here are some additional items you must consider while planning for Field Test participation:

• Sites must test on non-production machines only. Use of field test software on production machines is highly discouraged since this is software in evaluation.
• Field test software and documentation will be distributed via web download.
• The Field Test is governed by the Terms and Conditions of the OpenVMS Software Pre-Release license agreement, which will be found on the Field Test website. (If you require an advance copy of this agreement, please let HP know and we'll arrange for one to be made available to you.)
• Sites may be asked to provide site configuration information (hardware and software) to HP.
• Sites should agree to install the field test kit and update the test system within five working days of kit availability.
• HP would appreciate if sites agree to test or use the software on a regular and frequent basis, and inform HP of any problems found with the software or documentation.
• HP will be conducting periodic polls related to the Field Test Software. HP would encourage you to participate in these polls and provide them valuable feedback.

HP contacts below

Srinivas Krishnamurthy (OpenVMSFieldTestOps@hp.com)
John Egolf (John.Egolf@hp.com)