High Performance, High Endurance: The Makings of an Enterprise Server

                For every problem, there’s a solution. This is true, but it does leave a little bit out of the equation when it comes to computers. When it comes to technology, it’s not just that there is a solution, but rather, that there are several solutions. This implies that the problem isn’t just finding a solution, but finding the best solution. In terms of computer hardware, oftentimes the best solution is one which can complete a priority task with the most efficiency. This is particularly evident as we observe the demands of enterprise level Information Technologies – while a dozen entry level servers might be able to meet enterprise level demands, this is hardly the best solution. Rather, an enterprise level server should meet the demands of an enterprise level business. But what goes into these highly powered, business optimized machines? Check it out below: the makings of an enterprise server.

Power And Performance: Primary Objectives

While multi-server arrays are nice, sometimes working double duty (or deca-duty!) is a necessity of situation. When businesses require a server which can perform a high degree of multitasking, multiprocessing, and can handle mission critical applications, they choose an enterprise level server optimized for such. So how does this translate into the server’s configuration? While, the space constraints for such a server necessitate a larger volume. Rack servers would, for instance, be in the 3U or 4U range, allowing for a large configuration.

Processor support should range in the quad core through deca core models, typically two to eight individual processors. Industry standard processor models would most likely be Intel Xeon or AMD Opteron, with clock speeds in excess of 2.0 GHz. Enterprise level servers also allow for a minimum amount of downtime, allowing for hot pluggable hard drives, hot swappable fans, and quick removal access panels. Typical enterprise level servers have anywhere between eight to sixteen internal hard drives, supporting several terabytes of storage. Standard hard drives for enterprise level servers are either SATA or SAS, though SCSI is a semi-popular model.

Due to the high degree of memory intensive multitasking, an enterprise level server should support a large amount of high speed memory. Memory configurations should range from the low hundreds (128 gigabyte minimum) up into the terabyte range (high corporate level servers). A good degree of network manageability and interface is also of key importance, especially considering the workload tasked with enterprise level servers. Though such enterprise level servers are often an expensive investment, oftentimes cost saving alternatives like the refurbished 487362-001 server provide a more viable alternative to factory-new models. Remember that enterprise level servers are meant to be powerful and comprehensive machines – tasking a less powerful server with such applications could have poor results.