Author: David G

Dell PowerEdge ServersThe PowerEdge R610 was released in 2009, and it was much lauded back then. It’s still a perfectly viable piece of hardware for nearly any role, and as it is built in a rackmount form factor, so it can scale up quickly to provide the needed level of performance. Dell has always been an industry leader along with HP, but this model was the class of the industry in 2009, and that’s because it combines excellent performance, smart construction, and robust management packages.

What are the technical specifications on the PowerEdge R610?
This server is a 1U model, so it designed with performance density in mind. With most racks accommodating up to 42U’s worth of hardware, it’s easy to see how a company could run their datacenter on Dell’s respected line of equipment.

As for this model specifically, it makes use of Intel’s Xeon E5640 line of processors, and can accommodate a pair, each of which is built with four cores. It comes with 10 empty DIMM slots and once optimized, it can support 192 GB of RAM. It also comes with three expansion slots for PCI-e cards (two standard and one more with an extra riser), making it a versatile piece of equipment. Finally, Dell has incorporated an impressive four Gigabit Ethernet ports, all of which are TCP Offload Engine compatible with the appropriate upgrade.

Once the case is cracked, an engineer will note right away how well-designed the PowerEdge R610 is, as everything is laid out to maximize longevity and quality of life features. It starts with a front LCD display that allows system admins to set a remote network address for management purposes, as well as provides information regarding system performance and temperature. Inside, the server’s motherboard is efficiently laid out, with both processors placed in the front and protected with quality passive heatsinks. With its efficient design, cooling requirements are lessened, which is why the server only requires six small fan placements. This all adds up to a piece of equipment that runs reliably and extremely quietly. It is so quiet that system admins might be fooled into thinking the server has put itself to sleep.

What does the server’s management package include?
Dell included a host of new management features with the PowerEdge R610, including the Lifecycle Controller, which is a gigabyte of RAM that can be booted from directly. This means that system admins no longer need to boot from Server Assistant media, and can quickly deploy an operating system without any fuss.

Perhaps the most comprehensive overhaul, though, involved a migration toward Symantec’s Altiris management software, which greatly enhances Dell’s Management Console. Once launched, it can discover all compatible devices connected to the network, including servers produced by other vendors. With Altiris, admins are given a wealth of monitoring, management and inventorying tools, even allowing admins to set up automated tasks and build scripts with ease.

Dell’s PowerEdge R610 has been a favorite since its release, and with its competitive performance and thoughtful design, it’s easy to see why.

There are several top hardware brands to choose from, and among them is the venerated PowerEdge server line. Established more than 20 years ago, this line of equipment remains one of the most popular among businesses of all sizes, including those running enterprise applications. Because it is so well supported, the line is constantly being added onto. This gives business owners and IT managers a chance to procure hardware that can provide all of the performance as a new model, but at a greatly reduced price.

What PowerEdge server model should business owners consider?

Dell’s line of hardware comes in every popular form factor, including tower, rack, and blade versions. Most models manufactured during and after 2009 can provide sufficient performance for many businesses, as most companies don’t need anywhere near the latest and greatest to maintain their production environment.

Among tower models, the T320, T410, T420, T610, T620 and T710 fit perfectly into that price and performance range that makes them highly cost-effective for small and medium business applications. And even among these models, there is significant variance in performance. The T410, for example, is made with an Intel 5500 processor and maxes out at 128 GB of RAM, while the T620 contains one of Intel’s respected Xeon processors, specifically the Xeon 2600, and up to 768 GB of RAM. Tower hardware is ideal for companies that can scale their needs slowly, as they aren’t quite as compact as rack and blade hardware, but are more affordable. That’s why a PowerEdge tower server is best adapted for small businesses.

Dell also maintains an impressive portfolio of rack hardware, and among the most popular midrange models are the R610, R620, R710, R720, R810, R820, R900 and R910. Dell’s rack hardware is available in everything from 1U to 7U form factors, and can perform in a variety of applications. The R610, for example, is a 1U rack that is made with a Xeon 5500 processor and up to 192 GB of RAM. That’s enough power for web hosting, video streaming and caching. The R910 is a 4U model that runs a Xeon 7500 processor and up to a TB of RAM, allowing it to function admirably in demanding roles, such as virtualization applications.

A PowerEdge blade server is the most compact piece of hardware the brand offers, and is fitted into the company’s M1000e cabinet. The cabinet can support Ethernet, Fibre Channel and InfiniBand, and offers redundant power and cooling systems, ensuring a single component failure doesn’t take the whole system down. Some of the most cost effective blades include the M420, M520, M600, M610, M620, M710, M820 and M910. Even with their compact builds, they can offer incredible punch, such as the M820, which provides up to 1.5 TB of RAM and a Xeon E5-4600 processor. That’s strong enough for just about any application.

A company won’t go wrong with Dell’s respected hardware line, and with so many options, it is possible to secure an excellent deal.

When improving network infrastructure, cost is always a concern, but refurbished Dell blade servers can offer all the power a business needs at a greatly reduced initial investment. In recent years, this type of hardware has become extremely popular, and for good reason. It is ideal for any application, from small business networks to sprawling enterprise initiatives. And with its excellent scalability, even a model that is a few years old can provide impressive performance once scaled up some. In short, it’s the ideal option for a business that wants its network to grow with the company.

What are the benefits of Dell blade servers?

The PowerEdge line of hardware is right there with HP’s Proliant as one of the most respected brands of equipment. It has been around for years and is supported extremely well, so businesses can expect frequent firmware updates and patches to keep the hardware running safely and efficiently.

There are several perks to running with this kind of hardware. Perhaps the most attractive benefit is the incredible scalability it comes with. Each system consists of a cabinet that houses the individual pieces of hardware, and a single 19” cabinet can accommodate up to 32 pieces of hardware, depending on the form factor. That’s a high-density solution that presses a lot of power into a small space. That means a company can do more with a smaller datacenter, and because power and cooling are built into each cabinet, keeping the equipment within safe operating ranges requires less power. Also, Dell blade servers are extremely redundant and are designed with multiple switches and slots for power sources and cooling systems. So, even if one power source or switch fails, there is another to take its place.

The PowerEdge can grow with the business as well, as new pieces of hardware can be installed as the company’s data management needs grow. This allows a company to determine just how much they want to invest in a system at first, and how to scale the system gradually as its needs develop.

What are some popular Dell PowerEdge blade servers?

The M600 is the oldest model that can still play a role, normally for small and medium businesses. It is designed with 64 GB of RAM and a Xeon 5000 processor. For more intensive applications, the M620, M720 or M820 can provide added punch, offering up to 1.5 TB of RAM per piece of hardware and a Xeon E5-4600 processor. Newer PowerEdge models are also made with mezzanine slots, allowing companies to improve I/O functionality.

These models are all available as refurbished pieces of hardware, which itself can offer some additional benefits to a company. They are much less expensive than newer models, sometimes up to 90 percent less. They can also be set up to the company’s preferences, so they are as close to plug and play as it gets. For an IT department stretched for time and money, choosing refurbished is the right approach.

Choosing the best Dell server deals can make all the difference in a businesses network. PowerEdge hardware is a well respected and is well supported in the industry.

The right Dell server deals can help a company get the network infrastructure they need without the prohibitive costs that normally come with it. It’s a tough situation that a lot of businesses eventually find themselves in. Should they risk operating failing and inefficient hardware, or invest a lot of money into something more reliable and faster? It may be tempting to wring every last bit of performance from the network infrastructure, but once it goes down, so will the company’s operations. And that may cost the business more than upgrading their hardware to begin with.

Fortunately, businesses don’t have to decide between poor hardware and intimidating hardware costs. Reputable hardware refurbishment professionals can provide excellent equipment that is heavily discounted, allowing companies of all sizes to build the network foundation they need to grow and thrive.

What are some Dell server deals a company should consider?

The brand’s PowerEdge line of hardware is one of the most respected in the industry, and is extremely well-supported. New models are released every year, so equipment that is just a few years and a generation or two old can be had for a fraction of what they originally cost. And for most small and medium businesses, a PowerEdge model that is a few years old will provide all of the performance they need.

For example, the PowerEdge is available in rack, tower and blade form factors, so there is a model that can fit into a datacenter of any size or shape. There are plenty of models to choose from, like the R820 – a 2U rack released in 2012. It comes with a Xeon E5-4600 processor, 48 DIMM slots that can accommodate up to 1.5 TB of RAM and up to 16 TB of internal storage. If a company needs something more economical and modest, the T710 might be a better fit. It’s a tower unit that can be converted into a 5U rack, and is built with an Intel 5520 processor and 18 DDR3 slots for up to 192 GB of RAM. Companies that need something highly scalable and compact may consider Dell server deals on blade hardware, like the M610, M710, M910, M420, M520, M620 or M820.

Why should a business consider refurbished hardware instead of new?

It primarily comes down to cost, though refurbished equipment comes with some additional conveniences as well. Many Dell server deals involve refurbished hardware, and the savings can be dramatic. In some instances, refurbished hardware may be available for up to 90 percent less than a comparable new model, and discounts of up to 50 percent are common.

And as long as a business purchases through a respected dealer, refurbished equipment will provide the same level of reliability and functionality that a new model offers. Refurbishment experts go to great lengths to restore the hardware to like-new condition, cleaning out unneeded data and bringing the firmware to current standards. The hardware is checked for any physical issues, and to ensure continued reliability, Dell server deals typically come with a comprehensive maintenance contract.

The company’s network is one of its most critical assets, but it can be built on a strong foundation using refurbished PowerEdge equipment.

No matter how well a company’s hardware runs, if it is running a PowerEdge system, it will eventually need Dell replacement server parts. Even the best hardware will fail given enough wear and time, but replacements can restore its performance and extend its lifespan by a great deal. And if a company can find a reputable seller, they can save a lot of money while keeping their equipment running at peak capacity.

What kind of Dell PowerEdge server parts are available?

As one of the most respected and ubiquitous brands around, the PowerEdge line of hardware is extremely well-supported, and replacement components are readily available. These components can come directly from the manufacturer, or they can be refurbished by an expert that has experience with the brand’s hardware. Refurbished hardware offers excellent cost savings to a company, and as long as it is maintained by a reputable refurbishment expert, there is little difference between it and OEM components.

Some components will need to be replaced more often. Hard drives, for example, are constantly reading, writing and transferring data, and sustain the brunt of the equipment’s wear. It’s no surprise, then, that even high quality hard drives fail at a significant rate. Of course, the PowerEdge is compatible with RAID and other fail safes, so data loss is usually not a concern, but hard drives will need to be replaced quickly to keep the network functioning like it should. Fortunately, both SATA and SAS format drives are available, designed to be plugged in hot so that the system doesn’t have to be taken down to accommodate the new drives. They are also available in many sizes, from a couple hundred GB to cavernous TB drives.

RAM is another critical element of most systems, and if it suffers a failure, the entire network can suffer major slowdowns. In general, most companies will require DDR3 memory for their hardware, though a few newer models make use of DDR4 memory instead. Among Dell replacement server parts, RAM is perhaps the highest priority, as most network bottlenecks occur when there are problems with it.

Processors, power systems and cooling systems are among essential Dell server parts as well, and should be replaced as soon as possible, or more catastrophic failures could soon follow.

Companies are often tempted to buy components directly from the manufacturer, but they could be paying a premium to do so. And, in fact, a business might get better, more responsive support from a local seller. A reputable refurbishment expert will offer used hardware at a reduced price compared to OEM components, and can help a client determine the best options for their network infrastructure. The biggest hard drive or fastest processor may not always be the best choice, and a trustworthy seller will assess a client’s needs so that they don’t spend money needlessly.

It is frustrating dealing with hardware failures, but Dell server parts purchased through a trusted seller can soften the blow, and ensure the network can always be relied upon.

The Dell Power Edge server line is one of the most respected hardware lines in the world, regularly ranking among the best sellers every year. It is an extremely versatile brand of hardware, and can fit into nearly any setting, from a small business to a sprawling enterprise-level datacenter. The technology giant has always worked to appeal to as many IT decision makers and business owners as possible, and this is reflected in the robust feature set that is incorporated into every hardware generation.

Why is the Dell PowerEdge server line so popular?

Above all else, decision makers want a system that they know will be well supported going forward, as bringing in network infrastructure requires a significant investment. There’s nothing worse than making a major upgrade, only for that brand to go extinct within a couple years. That isn’t a fear with this brand, which rolls out a new generation every other year or so. With excellent support and constant improvements, business owners know that they are set for the foreseeable future with the brand.

Versatility is the key word when assessing the Dell Power Edge server line, as it comes in a variety of form factors and models. This includes everything from tower hardware, which is better for small businesses, to ultra-dense blade hardware, which can scale up quickly to provide enterprise level performance. And within each form factor, there are several models available, offering several entry points for companies.

What really separates one brand from another, though, are the features built into the hardware. After surveying IT decision makers from hundreds of companies, divided between small, medium and large businesses, Dell has come up with a number of features that are designed to enhance applications performances and data transfer speeds. Its newest generation of hardware, for example, is the first on the market that uses 1.8-inch SATA drives as part of a hybrid storage solution. These drives are placed closer to the processor to speed up applications, which is a major concern among IT personnel. In fact, more than 2/3 of the companies surveyed stated that reduced data speeds has affected their performance in the past. With more and more businesses making use of real-time analytics and complex transactional software, keeping data close to the processor is a smart design approach.

The Dell PowerEdge server line also comes with top of the line management software, which has been improved upon with every hardware generation. Its newest iteration is highly automated, allowing administrators to set up and deploy firmware updates or configuration profiles from a central repository.

These features, and many more, are just part of what makes this line of equipment a giant in multiple industries. And with so many models to choose from, a business of any size can find a cost-effective option for its purposes.

Dell PowerEdge ServersThe Dell PowerEdge is one of the most respected lines of servers in the industry, and the brand has diversified greatly in the last several years. In 2009, the company released an assortment of rack and tower models that have become one of the standards among business owners. With their impressive range of capabilities and reliability, many of them remain a favorite choice among companies looking for refurbished servers. And since 2009, the flagship brand has received constant additions, incorporating the best components on the market, excellent fault and error protection software, and flexible, scalable form factors.

What are the most popular refurbished Dell PowerEdge server models?

Every business has different computing needs. Some need as much raw performance as possible, while others need to find a medium between size and power. In most cases, businesses are looking for a scalable solution that will grow with the company. By opting for a refurbished model, businesses are getting all of the performance that a new system would provide, but at a greatly reduced cost. Expert refurbishment services can take a used piece of hardware, clean it out, update its firmware and OS, install any custom software the client requires, and test it so that it is ready for use.

While most Dell PowerEdge models are strong candidates for refurbishing, there are a handful that are especially popular. They include the R900, R610, R710, R810, R910, R620, R720 and R820. These are all rack models, and they range in size from 1U to 4U, so there is a size that will fit into any company’s floor plan. With a 1U model, such as the R610 or R620, it’s easy to fit several servers in a single room or get an excellent level of performance without having to reserve an extra room for the hardware. This is ideal for businesses that need to expand their network infrastructure without expanding their costs. The R910 is on the other end of spectrum, providing a level of performance matched by few other servers on the market.

A concern that many business owners have when selecting a refurbished server is whether or not it can keep up with current, demanding applications. The fear is that a server that’s a few years old is already behind the curve, but nothing could be further from the truth, and the PowerEdge is a clear example. Servers that are a few years old will still provide plenty of RAM and processing performance, and even if a business needs several refurbished servers to maintain their productivity, it is still much less expensive than purchasing a new system.

The Dell PowerEdge is one of the big four in the world of servers, sharing top billing with HP’s Proliant hardware, Cisco’s UCS line of servers, and Sun’s SPARC line. And with the brand’s continued investment into becoming a major solutions provider, the future is bright for the flagship line.

Enterprise level to larger businesses with multiple remote users can use a Dell file server for the establishment of streamlined control over crucial data, file sharing, and print services. A server setup is a logical step for companies that want better data organization and better access to shared information. Companies need a systematic and consistent way to track, share, and store files. With a server, there is a centralized area for storing data. This makes it conveniently easy to search for, find, maintain version control, and keep files well-organized. File storage, access, security, backup, and easy recovery should be at the top of every businesses to-do list.

Benefits of Dell Server Solutions

There are numerous benefits to incorporating a Dell file server in the workplace. Dell has earned a name as a top-rated computer company, particularly in the area of rack mount servers. Their products are of the highest quality and have a reputation for durability and providing long years of service. This means that new, used, and refurbished Dell servers are an excellent investment.

Greater Security

There is more to file security that the use of firewalls. A Dell file server or any server, stores valuable data, which means they can be the target of an array of threats. Servers can also suffer from exposure to viruses, DoS (denial-of-service) attacks, and more. Since each server has an operating system, it is vital that it is hardened, and upgraded with the latest security patches. It is also wise to install access control and encryption.

Central Backup Location With Remote Access

A Dell file server provides a single location for backing up important files and maintaining their integrity and security. Information stored on a server with backup protocols receives the necessary support and backup on a customized schedule. Along with other backup methods, such as cloud storage or offsite, this is an efficient way of ensuring the protection of files and having them there when needed. The importance of having redundant backups cannot be overly emphasized. Data loss can be devastating. The loss of client files can be the undoing of a firm. Backed up data and smooth recovery bring a great deal of peace of mind. Prevention is the only option.

Networked File and Application Sharing

Employees who need to work on the same files can access the ones they need, modify them as required, and then re-upload them with the current date when they are finished working. This is the gateway to improved efficiency and less confusion. A record is kept of checked out files so that anyone else that needs to access a particular file can see the status and who is working on it.

A centralized project management application on a Dell file server makes it no longer necessary to install programs on individual computers. Rather than having IT personnel go from pc to pc installing individual apps in a time-consuming manner, the software can be installed on the server and access permissions granted to the appropriate employees.

There are several top server brands that can provide a business with the infrastructure they need for their network. Dell, HP, Cisco, and Oracle all offer excellent hardware options, combining superb reliability with the most current customization and software choices. And, of course, they are the fastest and most scalable products around, so they can be fitted into any business application, no matter its size or nature. But perhaps the most impressive element of these products is their longevity. Whereas inferior hardware will become obsolete within a few years of its production, a premium manufacturer builds its equipment to last. This means that used and refurbished versions of the hardware can still provide excellent performance.

What are the top server brands a business should consider?

HP, Dell, Oracle and Cisco should be at the top of the shopping list when looking for hardware, whether new or refurbished. All four have a reputation for producing quality equipment, though they are often known for other technologies as well. Cisco, for example, made its name in network management hardware, with the best routers and switches in the business.

HP’s Proliant line of hardware was developed by Compaq, back before it merged with HP. It is consistently the best selling line of equipment every year, making it perhaps the most trusted line of hardware on the market. Perhaps the most respected products in the Proliant line are the DL360p G6, G7 or Gen8. They are popular choices for businesses looking for a refurbished option, and feature Intel’s respected processor technology. The Gen8 is built with a robust Xeon E5-2600 processor, which can be fitted with anywhere from 4 to 12 processor cores. This makes it a compact 1U piece of hardware that can be built with as much as 768 GB of RAM, giving it a lot of punch for such a small package.

Dell’s PowerEdge is right there with HP’s Proliant line for top server brands. It is constantly being added to, so refurbished PowerEdge options are comparable in performance to the newer generations that other manufacturers put out. It offers superb 1U and 2U options in the R410, R610, R710 and R810, and with the R420, R620, R720 and R820, which were released in 2012. The R820 is one of the most robust pieces of equipment on the market, offering as much as 1.5 TB of memory in a 2U form factor.

Cisco’s Unified Computing Systems (UCS) are relatively new to the market, but Cisco has plenty of experience working with network infrastructure. Its M-series is designed to be as modular as possible, primarily by disaggregating its secondary systems, like power and cooling. This is ideal for businesses that expect to scale up, as it is extremely simple to add on to.

Oracle hardware is known for its strong, built-in security systems and uses a proprietary version of Linux known as Solaris, though some of its hardware is formatted for x86 applications. Its SPARC line of hardware is the company’s premium line and can be scaled up to a TB of RAM and with some of the best processors on the market. That makes Oracle’s equipment among the most powerful technologies in the industry.

A company can’t go wrong with any of these manufacturers, whether it’s just hitting its first spurt of growth or sitting at the top as an industry leader.