Hardware Emulators: What You Need to Know While Choosing Them

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Imagine running decades-old software operating smoothly on the latest hardware. Yes, hardware emulators make this possible.

By removing the reliance on obsolete hardware, they ensure uninterrupted operations for mission-critical applications and strengthen IT infrastructure resilience. Beyond this, hardware emulators offer diverse use cases tailored to various needs.

But how do you determine the necessity for hardware emulators? What factors guide the selection of the right one?

This article reveals the workings of hardware emulators, explores their applications, and guides you in selecting the right one for your business.

Understanding Hardware Emulation and Emulators

Hardware emulation is the process of imitating the behavior of one hardware system to act like another. It helps network administrators run a specific operating system on a desktop that normally wouldn’t support it. This is useful for operating systems designed for specialized hardware.

The tool used for this process is called a hardware emulator. It creates a similar environment, allowing related operating systems and applications to function as if they were running on the original hardware.

For example, the Charon-SSP emulator replicates the behavior of SPARC servers on modern Linux-based hardware. This enables Solaris applications to run on the new hardware just as they would on SPARC hardware. The end users will not even realize that the hardware infrastructure has been replaced with a new one.

Why are Hardware Emulators So Useful for Legacy Environments?

Many organizations constantly worry about what to do with their mission-critical classic applications. These applications are some of the most reliable, secure, and durable systems in any data center. They are so essential that entire business operations depend on them.

Unfortunately, these applications run on classic hardware, which is:

• Costly and troublesome to maintain
• Prone to downtime and system failure

All these operational and management challenges drive organizations to look for an alternative that extends the lifestyle of their legacy applications without depending on the hardware.

To address these issues, organizations are turning to hardware emulators. It allows legacy applications to run on modern hardware by imitating the behavior of the original hardware. Consequently, enterprises can run classic applications and still eliminate the dependency on outdated hardware. This approach reduces costs and minimizes operational risks effectively.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Hardware Emulator

When it comes to choosing the right hardware emulator, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. It depends on your business. Ensure you carefully assess each factor to make a choice that fully aligns with your needs.

Purpose and Use Case

Start by setting clear expectations. Determine whether it will be used for business continuity, development, training, prototyping or other purposes. For example,

• Business Continuity: One of the most common use cases for hardware emulation is in legacy data centers, where it helps extend the lifespan of legacy applications. This way, companies eliminate outdated hardware and associated risks so that their critical applications can run more efficiently.
• Development: For development, it allows them to simulate hardware environments with high accuracy and compatibility.
• Training: Emulated hardware is perfect for training IT teams or students. It provides a safe, virtual space to experiment. Learners gain hands-on experience without risking damage or system disruptions.
• Prototyping: In R&D, hardware emulation enables teams to prototype and experiment within a controlled environment. Engineers can adjust designs, test features, and spot potential issues early in the development cycle.

Supported Technologies

Compatibility is a critical factor. The emulator must support the targeted hardware, software, and operating systems. Verify the following:

• Hardware Compatibility: Does the emulator accurately replicate the specific hardware systems you need?
• Software and OS Support: Can it run the applications and operating systems required for your tasks?
• Cross-Platform Capabilities: If needed, does it support running systems across multiple platforms?

Performance Metrics

Assess the emulator’s performance to confirm it aligns with your operational needs. Focus on these key metrics:

• Speed: How fast can the emulator execute tasks without compromising accuracy?
• Accuracy: Does it precisely replicate the behavior of the original hardware?
• Real-Time Capabilities: Can the emulator handle tasks in real-time? Is it suitable for testing or troubleshooting scenarios that require immediate responses?

Scalability and Future-Proofing

Invest in an emulator that can grow with your needs and adapt to future advancements. Consider:

• Scalability: Can it handle larger workloads or expanded use cases as your requirements evolve?
• Future Updates: Does the manufacturer provide regular updates to keep up with technological advancements like cloud?

A scalable and future-proof emulator ensures long-term usability and value.

Cost and Budget

While cost is an important factor, it should be weighed against the emulator’s features and long-term return on investment (ROI). Analyze:

• Initial Cost: Does the price fit within your budget?
• Value for Money: Are the features offered worth the cost?
• Long-Term ROI: Will the emulator save costs over time by reducing errors, downtime, or training needs?

Charon: The Leading Hardware Emulator for Legacy Systems

With over two decades of industry experience, Stromasys has been a leading provider of hardware emulation software for legacy data centers. Its very own hardware emulator Charon has been tested in a plethora of use cases across the globe. It emulates a range of vintage hardware such as SPARC, PA-RICS, VAX, PDP, and AlphsServers on a modern x86-based platform.

Real-World Application

For instance, let’s take the case of ABB Minden. Operating a power plant with outdated VAX-11/750 computers was risky. Legacy hardware failures are a constant concern. Maintenance costs were rising, and the risk of losing important data was high.

But with Stromasys’ Charon-VAX hardware emulator, they eliminated these risks and extended the life of their business applications. Read the complete use case of this hardware emulator.

Want similar results? Do you want to modernize your legacy data center? Connect with our legacy experts and see how we can transform systems, minimize downtime, and future-proof your operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a hardware emulator and a simulator?

While hardware emulator mimics the hardware and software features, simulator only deals with the software.

2. What is a CPU emulator?

A CPU emulator imitates the operation of a CPU and allows software to run on different hardware platforms.

3. Are hardware emulators easy to use?
Ease of use depends on the emulator’s interface, documentation, and learning curve. Some are highly intuitive, while others may require technical expertise.

4. How do hardware emulators handle performance?
Basically, performance is measured by speed, accuracy, and real-time capabilities. High-performing emulators replicate hardware behavior with minimal delays or errors.

5. Can a hardware emulator grow with my business needs?
Yes, scalable emulators can adapt to larger workloads and future advancements, ensuring long-term usability.

6. Are hardware emulators cost-effective?
It may vary. But in general, hardware emulators often save money by reducing the need to maintain or replace legacy hardware and improving efficiency.