Cover Letter Order Number: AV-Q8WWH-TE December 2002 Dear Customer, Thank you very much for taking the decision to go ahead with DEC/EDI V4.0, the latest version of the DEC/EDI software. The software and documentation that you have received with this kit consists of both the Server as well as Application components for Compaq Tru64 UNIX. This new version addresses the key market requirements of Performance (throughput), Availability and Scalability. Performance has been addressed by removing identified bottlenecks in the environment such as the single threaded Application File Server, and enhancing the database access algorithms to limit contention and unnecessary updates. On Tru64 UNIX, we will also be implementing a memory-based queuing algorithm that removes 'searches' on the database when a component wakes up and needs to get the next item to work from. Instead of searching the database it will now get the next item off the in-memory work queue, resulting in improved throughput. Availability will be addressed by implementing cluster support on Tru64 UNIX (using the TruCluster Server implementations). All systems in the cluster will co-operate to share the workload using the Distributed Lock Manager and Memory Channel utilities on TruCluster Server (the Memory Channel giving Tru64 UNIX the ability to share its in- memory work queues across the cluster at hardware speeds). Scalability will also be addressed through the use of clustering allowing DEC/EDI to have as close to linear performance curve when adding new systems to the cluster as possible. An extensive set of configuration and monitoring functions to manage the operational DEC/EDI system is provided by the Command Center, a Graphical User Interface that runs on Windows NT or Windows 2000. Multiple copies of the Command Center can be deployed across the enterprise to undertake the system administration and transaction management. Please note that in a TruCluster Server implementation where a DEC/EDI instance is required to operate on more than one node of the cluster, the Memory Channel cluster interface is also required. This version is supported by Tru64 UNIX versions 5.1 through V5.2. Please refer to the product documentation for additional information. You can also visit the product website at www.decedi.com for the latest information on product updates and releases. Sincerely, DEC/EDI Product Management decedi@digital.com 2002 Compaq Computer Corporation