The mind-numbing array of choices available in the
server market is enough to leave anyone with a headache. How does
someone who is responsible for information technology at a
small-to-midsize company go about picking the right server?
There are thousands of different servers available, with prices
starting in the mid-hundreds and topping out in the tens of thousands.
There are tower servers, rack servers and blade servers, with single
processing to multi-processing capabilities.
To alleviate
potential headaches, ComputerUser picked out a cross-section of what's
available on the lower-end of the server market as a way to help you get
started. Here's a list with a description of what makes each server
worthwhile or distinctive:
Dell PowerEdge SC420
Starting at $349
This Dell tower server has a
single Intel Pentium 4 processor and is designed for the first-time
server buyer "who have little or no IT support," according to Dell. It
networks from one to ten users and helps with file, print and e-mail
communication. The server comes installed with the Microsoft Windows
Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 or Red Hat
Enterprise Linux Enterprise Server v3, operating system.
IBM
xSeries206
Starting at $445
This IBM tower server also has a single Intel Pentium 4
processor. The starting prices for IBM severs, however, often do not
include the hard drive or operating system. This gives the user more
control over the configurations. But it is probably for more experienced
IT professionals that know the ins and outs of installing hardware and
operating systems.
Dell PowerEdge SC1420
Starting
at $599
Dell adds to performance, while keeping the price
low, with this
dual-processor tower server. It includes support for two Intel Xeon
processors and up to four hard drives. It is designed for a business
that needs a combination of speed and configuration flexibility. The
server comes installed with various Microsoft Windows or Linux operating
systems.
HP ProLiant ML110 G3
Starting at $788
The HP tower server comes with either the Intel
Celeron or Pentium 4 processors. HP says that this server is ideal for
file and print applications, Web messaging, general purpose computing,
small vertical applications or databases and shared Internet access and
LAN infrastructure applications. It also comes with a new look and
smaller chassis.
Gateway 9315
Starting at
$1,099
This is a high-speed rack server that Gateway says
is ideal for "businesses, agencies and schools that demand
high-performance in a limited space." It uses dual Intel Xeon
processors. No operating system is included. Therefore, like with the
IBM server, it provides more flexibility, but it is probably best for
experienced IT professionals.
Dell PowerEdge 1850
Starting at $1,199
This high-speed rack server is a
space saver that performs a variety of functions from file
rint
sharing to running database applications. It uses up to two Intel Xeon
processors. It also allows the user to configure and add on software and
peripherals. Factory installed operating systems include Microsoft
Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition or Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Enterprise Server v3, among others choices.
Gateway 9510
Starting at $1,199
The Gateway 9510 is a tower
workgroup server. Gateway says it is an "exceptionally flexible
workgroup server" that provides "unparalleled performance, expansion,
reliability and manageability." It comes with an Intel Xeon dual
processor that is upgrade-able. But, like the other Gateway server, no
operating system is included.
IBM xSeries 226
Starting
at $1,229
This IBM two-way tower has rack capability with the optional
rack-mount kit. It comes with up to two Intel Xeon Processors up to
3.40GHz with 800MHx front-side bus speed. Like with the earlier IMB
server, prices may not include the hard drive, operating system or other
features. Therefore, it is recommended for those with IT knowledge.
HP ProLiant DL140 G2
Starting at $1,289
This HP rack server is a dual Intel processor
capable server. HP says that the server "is ideal for general purpose
and high-performance computing." HP also says that the "affordable
prices meet small-and-medium-business budget needs." The two processors
and 16GB of DDR2 memory options allow for fast throughput on most
applications.
Dell PowerEdge 1855
Starting at
$1,499
This Dell blade server comes with a
choice of up to two Intel Xeon processors. Plus, it comes installed
with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Enterprise Edition or Red Hat
Enterprise Linux Enterprise Server v3 operating system, along with a
handful of other choices. Up to 60 blade servers can fit into one rack,
cutting down on the floor space they require.
IBM xSeries
255
Starting at $3,699
IBM says that this high-capacity, four-way Intel-based server "provides
outstanding internal scalability for businesses with multiple locations
or data centers." It is available as a rack or tower and up to four
Intel Xeon Processors power it. But as with other higher-priced servers,
the price may not include hard drive and operating system, which
provides for more flexibility, but may be harder to install and cost
more than listed.
Brian R. Hook (brhook@msn.com) is a
freelance business and technology journalist based in St. Louis.
