Considering Data Centre Co-Location and looking for systems:

Greatings all,

I am considering data centre co-location and looking for systems to house in said data centre.

Cost: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a factor
Performance: Performance, is obviously, a factor
Value: Value of the above two will be a factor

OS: Linux & Windows will be used
VM: Virtual Servers will be used,
- VMware (and/or similar products) is likely be used.
- Microsoft Virtual Server is likely to be used.

Lights out Management is a likely going to be a requirement (If you don't know what this is, think twice before posting, however I do appreciate any useful information). Add-in Light out Management cards may prove useful, as they might not be required.

Building my own is an option, looking at Tyan, Iwill, SuperMicro, etc

Also, purchasing outright systems (+support, including 1 x OS) is also an option, looking at HP, Dell, etc

Looking at 4 RU of space, in Australia, so am considering 3 x 1 RU 'blade' style servers with 1 x 1 RU of switching, etc

After any reasonable configuration.

Seeking in depth technical details on options available. (eg: 8+ way, 4 RU, server rack, 2 x 2 RU, etc)

Per 4 RU only 1 public / internet IP address might be visible. (Can likely arrange more, but please just consider it).

Also seeking licensing information on running multiple Microsoft Virtual Servers on a given machine. (And no I don't want 'use pure Linux' replies, that is just simply not an option, anyone with Linux experience should know this).

The machines will be used for various purposes, not just 'game server hosting'. Web-Hosting, FTP, etc are also likely uses.

Now, let the 'options', including details such as cost (in Australian Dollars, from Australian sources only), performance, etc roll in

Note: I will just be clicking [Ignore] on any BS replies.

I wouldn't count on it!!!

I'm a systems/network admin.

I understand you are factoring in:

-tco/value
-performance
-4 Total units of rack space
-1 unit of switching
-1 public IP address available
-Remote access card (lights out management)
-Being used for games and probably other applications

What I'd like to know is:
-How much are you willing to spend on the project?
-How much downtime are you willing to deal with per system failure?
-What additional infrastructure is available? (if one public IP address is available is the data-center going to NAT for you?)
-Why do you feel you need a lights-out management solution?


Based on the information you've provided, I would suggest looking at the offerings from the major server manufacturers (DELL, HP, IBM etc). As much as I love building machines, the turnaround for repairs can take forever. Just recently I had to replace some RAM in a system, sure I could have ponied up the $100 and bought a new stick, but I went through the manufacturer, who sent me to the retailer...it took no less than a month to get the replacement RAM. In the server-world this is unacceptable.

All of the major manufacturers offer some type of remote access (LOM) card. I'm only familiar with Dell and they have the DRAC, used with Openmanage can give you a complete picture of what the server is doing. On the Windows platform it's easy enough to use Terminal Services instead of a DRAC + additional software on the machine. If your infrastructure permits, secure port 3389 behind the firewall, setup a VPN account to get into your server(s).

Aside from our HP-UX Servers, we run Dell boxes exclusively. I must say that over the years I've been pretty satisfied with Dells' level of support. I have never encountered a situation where I really needed Tech Support. I've never encountered a catastrophic systems failure on any of our Dell Servers. We even have a couple of legacy boxes circa 1996 that are still running.

I've always received parts in a timely manner. If I have a system under warranty that needs hardware replaced (usually disks)--I've had them the next business day...

I will admit however; that I have been screwed by Dell more than once. We bought into their 1655MC Blade Servers and within a year of doing so they were discontinued and we were unable to fill our Chassis.

Most recently Dell has *attempted* to dick us around regarding system pricing. We met with our Regional Rep and she had stated that Dell was giving away FREE PRINTERS with substantial orders. We put in for a quote for XX desktop systems + FREE PRINTERS. They discounted our desktops $300 each and added in the cost of the printers. The downside to this is that on our normal orders we generally receive a $300 discount to begin with. (so why would I want to buy a Dell printer?)--I'll take the discount instead.

For the mix of stuff I am doing, especially over multiple virtual machines, etc, the aggregate memory performance of the Opteron really comes into play.

For the same dollar I could get like +25% (apx, maybe more) more performance on an equal priced AMD Opteron vs Intel Xeon system.

However, I am likely to wait for the Xeon 5100 series 'Woodcrest' core and AMD Opteron 'K8L' core before playing my hand, but still looking at all my options. (There are just too many to filter and pick, by the time I select something it could be out of date - Or not... I tend to keep a few months ahead, at least, on hardware).

I don't fault you.

Truth is I haven't dealt with anything other than Dell here at work. They work well for what we do...maybe not so much for what you do.

I haven't kept up much with the trends in the industry...until it comes time to build a new home PC...then I do my research. Worrying about how much better one processor is from the next doesn't impact me much work-wise...though I am a big fan of AMD and I'd love to see some AMD boxes here.

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