During testing, we set up NetFrame-approved duplexed controllers and load-balanced NICs in separate FICs. Although we didn't use third-party cards, you should place nonduplexed controllers in a third FIC. None of the other systems we tested for this roundup achieved this level of fault tolerance, so we were surprised that the cost of the NetFrame was comparable to the others.

NetFrame's performance was adequate. Although its network read performance was similar to ChatCom's product, its write performance was awful. Only this server shipped without a hardware RAID option, and the SCSI controller had the least amount of cache. Micron cited a change in original equipment manufacturer for its RAID controllers and external subsystems as the reason.

These new pieces were not available for testing. We also received Fast/Wide SCSI drives with the system--not Ultra--though Micron provided an Ultra controller for our tests. So it was no surprise that this system was by far the poorest performer in terms of raw I/O and user data throughput. The fact that it ranked reasonably well on the memory and processor tests indicated that the I/O controller was definitely the culprit.

Using NetFrame's Maestro management software, we had trouble running the client portion from a workstation, discovering that it doesn't work with Novell's Client32. Once the software was up and running, however, it provided solid SNMP-based management. (You also can use the server's own Windows-based management client.) Additionally, it provided out-of-band management through a serial port or modem. While Maestro performs solid server monitoring much like ALR's InforManager, a paging feature would round out this already strong management package.

We weren't as pleased with NetFrame 9016's out-of-band management hook up. We plugged a straight-through Category 5 cable into the management port and to a special NetFrame-supplied converter box. We had to use a custom serial cable for this to work properly, and we would have appreciated a straight DB-9 serial connection.

ALR Rack-Mountable Revolution 6X6
ALR Rack-Mountable Revolution 6X6's six-CPU capability makes it a clear expandability winner, and its ADAC Ultra-RAID controller contributed to its high marks in our network performance tests. The management software includes some distinctive features, including the ability to page a network administrator.

We were somewhat disappointed with Revolution's case design. Its metal edges were unfinished, and none of the numerous screws were spring-loaded. Nevertheless, ALR's Revolution offers tremendous expansion capabilities in the processor and SCSI arenas and excellent performance and manageability.

ALR's InforManager 2.0 management software, which was bundled with the server, is very complete. Like Compaq Information Manager (CIM) included with the ProLiant, it notifies you of the RAID controller's status and the ambient temperature of the individual CPU, fan speeds and other items.

The software's paging feature is also well-thought-out. It enables multiple contacts during different hours, so you can assign different on-call beats to multiple administrators and distribute your workload. Direct-from-the-server paging is certainly a viable alternative if your shop doesn't have a network management console. None of the other management software that shipped with these servers had this option.

Like the Compaq 5500, Revolution was relatively easy to install. Aside from some minor annoyances with the screws, the inside of the case was roomy and cable routing was handled well. However, we didn't like that the power supplies didn't have their own power cords. The server came with four power supplies, but there were only two power cords on a module separate from the power supplies. ALR assured us that this module was only a housing that had two physically separate power paths.

Compaq Computer Corp. ProLiant 5500R 6/200
From the start, the Compaq ProLiant 5500R 6/200 won our hearts. It arrived completely assembled in a well-designed, lift-off box; shipped with an instructional video and decent documentation; and it offered substantial server management and OS integration. However, the ProLiant lacks the serviceability found in Micron's NetFrame. Server quality and the hot-swap drive design are excellent, and its case is extremely well-designed for a cabinet-mount server. In addition, its performance was super, rating No. 1 in our network-based tests, and it was the second least-expensive unit we tested.

We appreciated the front-panel LCD alert system--though we felt it could be improved. During testing, it informed us that some of the memory in the server would probably need to be replaced because the ECC (error-correcting code) level was high. However, the alert system doesn't produce an audible alarm. When we tested ALR Revolution's power redundancy by pulling out a power supply plug, the server emitted an audible alarm. In contrast, Compaq's server relies on network alerts or an alert passerby.