The PowerEdge 6650 comes with Dell OpenManage and OpenManage Server Assistant, which aid in installing, configuring and managing the server. Server Assistant does a slick job and makes installing the server's OS a breeze. OpenManage lets you perform common management tasks and sends out notifications via e-mail. It also allows you to monitor and manage other Dell machines on your network, provided they have loaded the appropriate software instrumentation. You can get the Dell Remote Assistant Card (DRAC) for $699 with a modem or $499 without. This card allows for out-of-band management to keep track of applications, server health and remote setup.
In our tests, the PowerEdge 6650 performed very well, winning three out of four of our Intel Iometer tests. Although the unit finished last in our Caw Networks Web Avalanche test and NetIQ Chariot NIC-performance test, we were satisfied that the server's performance was well within acceptable variance for testing--especially since the differences in performance from best to worst on both tests are truly insignificant (see performance table).
Dell PowerEdge 6650, $31,885 as tested, Dell Computer Corp., (512) 338-4400, (800) 289-3355. http://www.dell.com
IBM eServer xSeries x255 | Hewlett-Packard Co. HP ProLiant DL580 G2
IBM eServer xSeries x255
In these days of "less 'U' is better," the x255 takes the old-school route, with prodigious disk space in a 7U rack-mount box. The largest of the three machines we tested, IBM's eServer xSeries x255 is a decent machine, particularly for shops that are deploying to remote sites or require maximum internal storage. If you have rack space issues or a weak back, this is not the machine for you, but it's still a solid machine from a solid company.
The top comes off of the box by pulling up a simple lever, sliding the cover back and lifting it off. Inside, the LightPath diagnostic panel, positioned near the separate system processor, indicates what failed on the system. The processor cover comes off with two simple pull-up clips. The processors are held down with thumbscrews, which remind us of old-fashioned milk canisters, positioned on the heat-sink towers. The thumbscrews are spring-loaded to keep proper pressure on the CPUs for cooling; however, they make it very difficult to change the processors.
The eServer's memory card comes up and out with butterfly levers. A simple, spring-loaded slide switch allows easy removal of the fan. IBM solved its power-draw problem by distributing the load through four 370-watt power supplies. It was the only unit we tested to use standard power cables. Getting a power supply out, provided you have good access to the back of the machine, is easy.
Subsea cable alternatives can provide a level of comfort for those concerned about disruptions. Realistically, they will continue to play a small, but critical role in the short term.
Maintaining existing network infrastructures often incurs huge technical debt before newer technologies are adopted over time.
Amid ongoing regional uncertainties, telecom infrastructure in the Middle East has expand to include terrestrial low-latency network infrastructure, which offers resilience and agility in navigating political complexities without relying solely on undersea networks.
