HP-UX 11i v3

Basic Information

Hewlett Packard Enterprise HP-UX 11i v3, specifically version B.11.31, is a proprietary UNIX operating system designed for mission-critical enterprise computing.

• Model: HP-UX 11i v3 (B.11.31)
• Version: B.11.31
• Release Date: February 2007
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • Processor: Intel Itanium 2
  • Storage: 1.5 GB for installation directory, 1024 MB for temporary directory, 500 MB for log directory
• Supported Operating Systems: HP-UX 11i v3 runs on HPE Integrity Servers (Intel Itanium-based) and previously supported HP 9000 servers (PA-RISC-based).
• Latest Stable Version: 2505.11iv3 (May 2025 update)
• End of Support Date: December 31, 2025, for HPE Integrity servers.
• End of Life Date: December 31, 2025, for HPE Integrity servers. HP 9000 servers reached End of Life on March 31, 2021.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: The 2025 Operating Environment Update Release (OEUR) is the last standard update.
• License Type: Proprietary, commercial license.
• Deployment Model: Primarily a server operating system, supporting various operating environments (Base OE, High Availability OE, Virtual Server OE, Data Center OE) that integrate virtualization, high availability, and workload management.

Technical Requirements

HP-UX 11i v3 is designed for robust server environments, emphasizing stability and scalability on its supported hardware platforms.

• RAM: A minimum of 2 GB is required, with an additional 1.5 GB for every 500,000 folders in backup data. Optimal performance often requires more.
• Processor: Primarily supports Intel Itanium 2 processors and later Itanium Processor Family generations on HPE Integrity servers. Earlier versions also supported PA-RISC processors on HP 9000 servers. It supports Hyper-Threading technology on Itanium systems, where each hardware thread appears as a logical processor to the OS.
• Storage: Requires 1.5 GB for the installation directory, 1024 MB for the temporary directory, and 500 MB for the log directory. File systems (VxFS/JFS) can scale up to 72 TB, with support for up to 256 TB available with specific licenses. A minimum of 500 MB is reserved for the job results directory.
• Display: As a server operating system, display requirements are minimal, typically console-based or managed remotely. Graphical user interfaces like CDE, KDE Plasma, and GNOME are available for HP-UX in general, but less common for server deployments.
• Ports: Requires an Ethernet 10/100 network interface card.
• Operating System: HP-UX 11i v3 itself, running on compatible hardware.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements underscore HP-UX 11i v3's role as a powerful, dedicated operating system for high-end server hardware. Its support for Itanium processors and substantial memory/storage capacities reflects its focus on mission-critical applications and large-scale data management. The emphasis on robust file systems and logical volume management highlights its capability to handle intensive I/O operations and flexible storage configurations. The architecture is optimized for stability and performance in demanding enterprise environments, rather than general-purpose computing.

Support & Compatibility

HP-UX 11i v3 offers comprehensive support and compatibility within its ecosystem, though its lifecycle is nearing its conclusion.

• Latest Version: The most recent update is 2505.11iv3, released in May 2025.
• OS Support: Primarily runs on HPE Integrity servers based on Intel Itanium architecture. It previously supported HP 9000 servers based on PA-RISC architecture, but support for these platforms has ended.
• End of Support Date: Standard support for HP-UX 11i v3 on HPE Integrity servers concludes on December 31, 2025.
• Localization: Available in English. Support for ATOK (Japanese Input Method Server) ended in March 2020.
• Available Drivers: HPE provides ongoing updates for networking and mass storage drivers, including support for modern storage technologies such as LTO-9 tapes, HPE Alletra 9000, and HPE XP8 storage.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

HP-UX 11i v3 maintains strong compatibility with its dedicated HPE Integrity server hardware, offering a stable and integrated platform. However, the impending end of standard support on December 31, 2025, is a critical factor. While HPE continues to provide updates and drivers until this date, users must plan for migration to alternative platforms or secure third-party extended support beyond this period. The discontinuation of PA-RISC support further narrows its compatible hardware base, solidifying its position as an Itanium-centric system nearing its official lifecycle end.

Security Status

HP-UX 11i v3 is built with a strong emphasis on security, integrating multiple layers of protection for enterprise environments.

• Security Features: Includes comprehensive, integrated security for systems, data, and identity. Key features are access-control lists (ACLs) for file permissions, kernel-based intrusion detection, security partitioning, and robust role-based access control (RBAC). It supports encrypted volumes and file systems, Trusted Computing for a secure environment, and whitelisting to restrict application execution. Containerization provides application isolation. Identity management is enhanced through PAM-Kerberos, AAA Server, and Kerberos Server for secure network authentication.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Regular updates address Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) in components like CIFS Server, Apache Web Server, PHP, OpenSSL, and Java Development Kit/Java Runtime Environment (JDK/JRE).
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for an operating system.
• Certifications: Conforms to The Open Group's UNIX 03 standard. It also features a Center for Internet Security-certified system-hardening tool.
• Encryption Support: Supports encrypted volumes and file systems for data at rest. Online virtual machine guest migration also includes encryption to secure data during transit.
• Authentication Methods: Utilizes role-based access controls, PAM-Kerberos for integrating various authentication technologies, and AAA Server and Kerberos Server for centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

HP-UX 11i v3 offers a high level of security, critical for its target mission-critical workloads. Its comprehensive suite of security features, including advanced access controls, encryption, and virtualization-based isolation, provides a robust defense against various threats. Regular updates for known vulnerabilities demonstrate ongoing commitment to security maintenance. The UNIX 03 certification and CIS-certified hardening tool further validate its security posture. However, as the platform approaches its end of standard support, the frequency and availability of future security patches will diminish, necessitating careful planning for risk mitigation.

Performance & Benchmarks

HP-UX 11i v3 is engineered for high performance and efficiency in demanding enterprise environments.

• Benchmark Scores: Offers an average of 35% higher performance on Itanium systems compared to previous HP-UX versions.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Designed for mission-critical computing, it excels in high availability, virtualization, and workload management. Significant improvements in mass storage I/O include native multi-pathing and load balancing policies, which can increase I/O throughput by up to 3.6 times by utilizing all available paths. It also features decreased CPU utilization in cell-based systems.
• Power Consumption: Incorporates multiple controls for managing power consumption while balancing performance. Features like Green Idle Processor can save up to 10% of processing power for idle processors, Green Active Processor can save up to 8% for active processors, and Green Idle Cell can save up to 1 kWatt per cell in cell-based servers.
• Carbon Footprint: Indirectly addressed through its power consumption management features, which aim to reduce energy usage and, consequently, the carbon footprint of the underlying hardware.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Positioned as a highly resilient UNIX platform, comparable to other enterprise UNIX systems like IBM AIX and Oracle Solaris, particularly for mission-critical applications requiring extreme stability, scalability, and security.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

HP-UX 11i v3 delivers strong performance optimized for mission-critical workloads. Its architectural design, coupled with features like advanced I/O management, virtualization capabilities, and efficient power management, ensures high availability and resource utilization. The performance gains over previous versions and its competitive standing against other enterprise UNIX systems highlight its suitability for demanding applications where uptime and throughput are paramount. The focus on efficiency also contributes to a reduced operational cost and environmental impact.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for HP-UX 11i v3 consistently highlight its strengths in reliability and its suitability for critical enterprise operations, while also acknowledging its niche market and impending end of support.

• Strengths: Users praise its exceptional reliability and stability, making it a preferred choice for mission-critical applications and manufacturing environments where downtime is unacceptable. Its robust security features, advanced virtualization capabilities (nPartitions, vPars, Integrity Virtual Machines), and high availability solutions like Serviceguard are frequently cited as key advantages. Strong I/O performance and efficient resource management are also noted.
• Weaknesses: The proprietary nature and its tight coupling with the Intel Itanium architecture are often mentioned as limitations, especially given the declining market for Itanium-based systems. The approaching end of standard support in 2025 is a significant concern for many users, prompting discussions about migration strategies. Some users also express challenges with obtaining install media and patches without an active support agreement.
• Recommended Use Cases: HP-UX 11i v3 is highly recommended for existing enterprises running mission-critical applications that require extreme uptime, data integrity, and security. It is particularly suited for core workloads in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing, where the cost of downtime is very high and investments in the HP-UX ecosystem are already substantial.

Summary

Hewlett Packard Enterprise HP-UX 11i v3 (B.11.31) is a highly robust and secure proprietary UNIX operating system, released in February 2007, primarily designed for mission-critical enterprise applications running on HPE Integrity servers. It offers exceptional stability, advanced security features including comprehensive access controls and encryption, and sophisticated virtualization capabilities such as nPartitions, vPars, and Integrity Virtual Machines. The system excels in performance, particularly with its optimized mass storage I/O and efficient power management, making it suitable for demanding workloads requiring high availability and scalability.

Key strengths include its proven reliability, integrated high availability solutions like Serviceguard, and a strong security posture validated by certifications like UNIX 03. It provides a stable platform for core business applications where continuous operation is paramount.

However, a significant weakness is its proprietary nature and its dependency on the Intel Itanium architecture, which has seen declining industry adoption. The most critical factor for current and prospective users is the impending end of standard support on December 31, 2025, for HPE Integrity servers. This necessitates careful planning for migration to alternative platforms or securing third-party extended support.

Recommendations for organizations currently utilizing HP-UX 11i v3 include initiating comprehensive migration strategies to modern platforms or exploring specialized third-party support options to ensure business continuity and security beyond the end-of-support date. For new deployments, considering the end-of-life status, it is advisable to explore currently supported operating systems and hardware architectures.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.