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F E A T U R E

We're on Our Way to the Utility Data Center

May 1, 2003
By Steven Schuchart Jr.

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Categories and Winners

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	In this article
	Introduction
	Categories and Winners
	Storage & Server Technology Product of the Year
	Web Links

Storage Software or Service | SAN Technology | Server

Storage Software or Service

Winner: Altiris Deployment Solution, Altiris, (888) 252-5551, (801) 226-8500. www.altiris.com

The Altiris Deployment Solution is a robust, centrally controlled system-imaging system for the enterprise and distributed enterprise. It allows for clean, fast reinstalls of client machines on your network, with a bevy of attributes that outshine those of competing products. These features include a centralized console to handle multiple deployments, remote-control capabilities for client workstations, and automated handling of Windows SID (Security ID) changes--a big plus.

Finalists:
• Symantec Ghost Corporate Edition 7.5, Symantec Corp., (800) 745-6054, (408) 517-8000. www.symantec.com

• Xdrive Workgroup, Xdrive, (310) 586-7151. www.xdrive.com

SAN Technology

Winner: QLogic SANbox2 16 Port Fibre Channel Switch, QLogic Corp., (877) 975-6442, (949) 389-6000. www.qlogic.com

In the fiercely competitive world of Fibre Channel switch equipment, QLogic's SANbox2 stands out among entries from big competitors such as McData and Brocade. The SANbox2's performance and compatibility are top-notch, and its price is competitive. Featurewise, the product isn't flashy, but it boasts compatibility and a good user interface, which is your entrée to everything you need to administer and configure an enterprise SAN.

Finalists:
• SilkWorm 3800, Brocade Communications, (408) 487-8000. www.brocade.com

• Sphereon 4500 Fabric Switch, McData Corp., (800) 545-5773, (303) 460-9200. www.mcdata.com

Server

Winner: PowerEdge 6650, Dell Computer Corp., (800) 289-3355, (512) 338-4400. www.dell.com

Dell's PowerEdge 6650 is our top server pick thanks to its solid, across-the-board performance numbers and stellar usability and maintenance features. On the connectivity front, the 6650 is on the leading edge with eight expansion slots, dual on-board Gigabit Ethernet ports and dual USB 1.1 ports. As for software, Dell's OpenManage Server Assistant installation application more than gets the job done, simplifying server OS installations. Finally, the OpenManage systems-management software combines usability with power, including perks like driver and BIOS updates from Dell's Web site. The PowerEdge 6650 is also our pick as Storage & Server product of the year.

Finalists:
• IBM x255, IBM, (888) SHOP-IBM, (800) BM-4YOU. www.ibm.com

• Xserve, Apple, (800) MY-APPLE. www.apple.com

Steven J. schuchart Jr. covers storage and servers for Network Computing. Previously he worked as a network architect for a general retail firm, a PC and electronics technician, a computer retail store manager, and a freelance disc jockey. Write to him at sschuchart@nwc.com.

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