OpenVMS is a computer operating system for use in general purpose computing.

It is the successor
to the VMS Operating System (VAX-11/VMS, VAX/VMS), that was produced by Digital Equipment
Corporation since 1977 for its series of VAX-11 minicomputers and its line of desktop workstations
(DEC Alpha). The name VMS is derived from virtual memory system, according to one of its principal
architectural features. OpenVMS also runs on the Itanium-based families of computers.[2][3]
[4]

OpenVMS is a proprietary operating system (though the source code is available for purchase).

[5]

Thus, it is not considered open source software.

OpenVMS is a multi-user, multiprocessing virtual memory-based operating system (OS) designed

for use in time sharing, batch processing, and transaction processing. When process priorities are
suitably adjusted, it may approach real-time operating systemcharacteristics. The system offers
high availability through clustering, and the ability to distribute the system over multiple physical
machines. This allows the system to be tolerant against disasters that may disable individual dataprocessing facilities.
OpenVMS contains a graphical user interface (GUI), a feature that was not available on the original
VAX-11/VMS system. Prior to the introduction of DEC VAXstation systems in the 1980s, the
operating system was exclusively used and managed from CRT terminals, such as the VT100, which
provide serial data communications and screen-oriented display features. Versions of VMS running
onDEC Alpha workstations in the 1990s supported OpenGL[6] and Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
graphics adapters.
OpenVMS commercialized many features that are now considered standard requirements for any
high-end server operating system. These include: