As of October 2025, Salem Automation LLC has been acquired by IT Service Alliance (ITSA), bringing together decades of expertise in OpenVMS, legacy modernization, and industrial automation with ITSA’s broad capabilities in the legacy IT space. Under ITSA, Salem gains access to a network of specialized partners, creating a seamless one-stop shop for clients seeking comprehensive solutions across infrastructure, automation, and modernization. This merger strengthens Salem’s position and enhances our ability to support mission-critical systems with greater depth, innovation, and reliability.
Founded in 1992 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Salem Automation, LLC. began with co-founders whose deep programming and engineering expertise quickly established them as recognized industry experts. Building on this foundation, they expanded their engineering knowledge into DEC legacy and VMS emulation, virtualization, and migration environments, developing a reputation for solving complex technical challenges.
Today, SAI is recognized as a leader across multiple industries including Legacy IT Infrastructure Solutions, Systems Integration, IT Analytics, Business Intelligence, Custom Software Programming, and Process Control Automation. This diverse expertise and proven track record have positioned Salem Automation to provide comprehensive solutions at all levels of the automation hierarchy—from field-level device integration and control-level system management to supervisory-level monitoring and optimization.
Our reputation for technical excellence allows us to seamlessly bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern automation technologies. Whether implementing new control systems, migrating critical infrastructure, or developing custom software solutions, we deliver integrated approaches that enhance operational efficiency while protecting existing investments.
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s business corridor, we serve clients throughout the Southeast and beyond, building lasting relationships through reliable service and proven results. At Salem Automation, we don’t just implement technology – we empower businesses to achieve their operational goals.
Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our database solutions, legacy emulation, software development, system integration, and managed support services.
Salem Automation provides four core service areas: Database Solutions (SQL DBA and Azure Cloud DBA), Legacy Emulation (hardware emulation and virtualization for VAX and Alpha systems), Software Development (legacy system modernization and platform migration), and System Integration & Legacy Application Support (managed support, system administration, and industrial automation connectivity).
We deliver end-to-end database services across a range of platforms and database systems, including:
Our capabilities include installation and configuration, backup and disaster recovery planning, performance tuning and query optimization, security enforcement, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and database scripting and automation — both on-premises and in the Azure cloud.
Legacy emulation lets you run aging VAX and Alpha systems on modern x86-64 hardware using our vtVAX and vtAlpha emulation platforms. The virtualization layer behaves exactly like your original system—no code changes and no retraining required—while often delivering faster performance, lower energy costs, and support for VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, and Xen environments.
We help organizations harness Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Managed Instances. Our cloud services include cloud-native architecture design, auto-scaling and performance tier optimization, Azure-native monitoring and alerting, advanced security with Azure Active Directory, geo-redundant backups and auto-failover, automation with Azure DevOps, Logic Apps, and PowerShell, and cost forecasting and optimization.
We follow a phased modernization path: Phase 1 (Legacy Stabilization) keeps your current Fortran, C, C++, and VB6 workloads running while we map your environment. Phase 2 (Virtualization & Emulation) moves workloads to modern hardware with no code changes required. Phase 3 (Knowledge Transfer) trains your internal teams. Phase 4 (Migration) executes a clean cutover to modern platforms like Python, C#, SQL, and Java—on your timeline.
We implement industry-leading security practices and ensure compliance with major standards including GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO. Our security features include Transport Layer Security (TLS), Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), built-in auditing and logging, and network and identity security.
Yes. Our managed support services include 24/7 mission-critical support with tiered response SLAs (Tier I / II / III), proactive remote systems monitoring and management, structured knowledge transition and shadowing programs, multi-site global support across the US, EU, and Latin America, onsite engineering visits, and incident management with root cause analysis.
Our team supports a wide range of legacy technologies including OpenVMS system administration (SYSGEN, quotas, DCL scripting), RdB/SQL database management, FORTRAN, C, Pascal, VB6, PowerBuilder, and VB.NET application development, AMHS, SCADA, and process control applications, and custom manufacturing application maintenance.
Every engagement starts with listening. We meet you at your current state—not where we’d like you to be. Contact us to schedule an initial assessment where we’ll analyze your legacy systems, dependencies, and automation links, and develop a tailored plan that fits your organization’s timeline and goals.
For more information, contact Salem Automation today.
