Stratus’ continuously available servers drive critical applications that support value-added service to stores and help reduce costs

MAYNARD, Mass., Sept. 19, 2005 – CVS/pharmacy, America’s number one retail pharmacy with more than 5,400 stores in 36 states, is ramping up a new ultra-efficient distribution center (DC) in Ennis, Texas that relies on Stratus^® ftServer^® systems to ensure continuous availability of real-time distribution center fulfillment computer processing.

Described as the first of its kind in North America, the technology-rich facility is built around the “Dynamic Picking System” and “Module Picking System” concepts developed by WITRON Integrated Logistics. The enabling software from WITRON runs on Stratus industry-standard server technology. CVS says that this DC will serve as the model for future centers to support the company’s expansion into high-growth markets.

All systems in the 400,000 square foot DC are optimized to make product receiving, handling and restocking at individual retail stores as fast, efficient and cost effective as possible. This enables customized, value-added delivery services to each store.

The Ennis DC operates in a real-time operating environment, so it was a natural fit to use Stratus Continuous Processing^® server technology instead of conventional servers. Stratus servers were deemed critical to the overall success of the operation for several reasons.

First, the Stratus Continuous Processing servers eliminate the possibility of system downtime in the highly automated environment, eliminating downtime recovery issues for software and control systems. Second, the built-in hardware redundancy and fault-tolerant operation of the servers eliminate any server failure-induced disruption to store service, a condition that CVS will not allow.

The WITRON software controlling DC systems and operations runs on four Intel-based Stratus ftServer 6600 4-way servers for the Microsoft Windows operating system. The ftServer systems deliver field-proven uptime reliability of better than 99.999 percent. Virtually every component in each server is duplicated, right down to the power cords. All duplicated components and subsystems run simultaneously in precise lockstep. Should a system component fail, its duplicate is already in full operation; there is no server downtime.

Real World Benefit
The Stratus Continuous Processing servers have already proved their value. A power supply replacement, and some memory upgrades were performed without having to bring down any processes, thereby not affecting the productive operation of the facility.

The Ennis distribution center began bringing stores online in September 2004. Currently it serves approximately 300 stores in its coverage area. Eventually the center will support over 400 stores. CVS has also broken ground for a similar facility in Vero Beach, Florida

About Stratus Technologies
Stratus Technologies is a global solutions provider focused exclusively on helping its customers achieve and sustain the availability of information systems that support their critical business processes. Based upon its 25 years of expertise in server and services technology for continuous availability, Stratus is a trusted solutions provider to customers in manufacturing, life sciences, telecommunications, financial services, public safety, transportation & logistics, and other industries.

---

Stratus press contacts