# OpenVMS

> computer operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q479882](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q479882)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenVMS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/openvms

## Summary

OpenVMS was established in the United States on October 25, 1977. It originated as a product within the American technology landscape during the late twentieth century. The specific date of its establishment marks a definitive point in its historical timeline.

## Summary
OpenVMS is a proprietary distributed operating system designed to manage computer hardware resources across multiple systems over a network. Originally released in 1977 as VAX/VMS, it was developed by Digital Equipment Corporation and is currently maintained by VMS Software Inc. for platforms including VAX, Alpha, Itanium, and x86.

## Key Facts
- **Inception Date:** October 25, 1977.
- **Current Stable Version:** V9.2-3 (released November 2024).
- **Primary Architectures:** VAX, DEC Alpha, Itanium, and x86.
- **Ownership History:** Digital Equipment Corporation (1977–1998), Compaq (1998–2002), Hewlett-Packard (2002–2014), and VMS Software Inc. (2014–present).
- **Classification:** Distributed operating system and proprietary software.
- **Core Components:** Uses the Files-11 filesystem and the DIGITAL Command Language (DCL).
- **Key Personnel:** Developed under software engineer Dave Cutler.
- **Distribution Format:** Historically distributed via CD-ROM.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the origin of the name OpenVMS?
A: The system was originally known as VAX/VMS or Virtual Memory System. It was later rebranded as OpenVMS and has been known by various aliases including VMS and نظام الذاكرة الافتراضية المفتوح.

### Q: Which company currently develops OpenVMS?
A: OpenVMS is currently developed and owned by VMS Software Inc., which took over the responsibility from Hewlett-Packard in 2014. Previous developers include Digital Equipment Corporation and Compaq.

### Q: What hardware does OpenVMS run on?
A: OpenVMS supports several architectures, including the original VAX computer range, DEC Alpha, and the Itanium family of 64-bit microprocessors. The most recent versions, such as V9.2, have been released for x86 platforms.

## Why It Matters
OpenVMS is a foundational distributed operating system that has maintained relevance in the information technology industry for nearly five decades. Its significance lies in its ability to operate across multiple systems over a network, providing a stable and proprietary environment for high-stakes computing. 

The system's longevity is a result of its successful transition across multiple hardware architectures—from the original VAX minicomputers to modern x86 systems—and its survival through several major corporate acquisitions. By providing a robust set of tools like the Files-11 filesystem and the DIGITAL Command Language (DCL), OpenVMS created a standardized environment for enterprise software. It supports a wide array of specialized tools, including the DATATRIEVE database query tool and the Samba networking protocol, making it a versatile platform for complex hardware management. Its development history, led by figures like Dave Cutler, represents a major chapter in the evolution of American software engineering.

## Notable For
- **Distributed Operation:** Specifically designed to manage resources across multiple networked systems.
- **Architectural Longevity:** One of the few operating systems to be successfully ported across VAX, Alpha, Itanium, and x86 architectures.
- **Proprietary Toolset:** Features unique integrated components like the Files-11 filesystem and the DIGITAL Command Language (DCL).
- **Continuous Development:** Maintains an active release cycle from 1977 through 2024, with the latest stable version being V9.2-3.

## Body

### Historical Development
OpenVMS was launched on October 25, 1977, by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), an American manufacturer of minicomputers based in Maynard. The system was initially tied to the VAX computer architecture. Over the decades, ownership and development shifted through several major technology firms:
*   **Digital Equipment Corporation (1977–1998)**
*   **Compaq (1998–2002)**
*   **Hewlett-Packard (2002–2014)**
*   **VMS Software Inc. (2014–Present)**

### Technical Architecture
As a distributed operating system, OpenVMS manages hardware resources across networks. It is built on several core technologies:
*   **Filesystem:** It utilizes Files-11, a filesystem also used by the RSX-11 operating system.
*   **Command Interface:** The DIGITAL Command Language (DCL) serves as the primary command language for the OS.
*   **Memory Management:** Includes specialized components like CMM (Customisable Memory Manager), a conservative garbage collector for C++.

### Software and Tool Integration
OpenVMS supports a variety of programming languages and utility tools:
*   **Languages:** Includes implementations of Scheme (SCM) and GNU Awk for text processing.
*   **Database Tools:** Features DATATRIEVE, a tool for database queries and report writing.
*   **Networking:** Includes Samba, a free software re-implementation of the SMB networking protocol.
*   **Graphics/Math:** Supports DISLIN software.

### Release History and Versions
The system has seen numerous iterations across different hardware platforms. Notable recent versions include:
*   **V9.2-3:** The current preferred stable version (November 2024).
*   **V9.2-2:** Released January 25, 2024.
*   **V9.2:** Released July 14, 2022, specifically noting availability for x86 architectures.
*   **Alpha Version 7.1:** A significant version released around 1999-2000 for the Alpha architecture.

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## References

1. [Source](https://vmssoftware.com/about/news/2022-07-14-openvms-v92-for-x86-announced/)
2. OpenVMS Cluster Systems. Compaq. 1999
3. [Source](https://vmssoftware.com/about/news/2023-06-15-openvms-v9-2-1-release)
4. [Source](https://vmssoftware.com/about/news/2024-01-25-openvms-v922-release-availability/)
5. [Source](https://vmssoftware.com/about/news/2024-12-17-openvms-v9/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
8. Quora