Server Hardware Comparison???

[solidvee]

Hi

I have a tough choice of two Servers to implement at a client.The requirements are for a Small Business Server 2008 standard that will have between 25 - 30 AD users.

The server roles will be :

AD
Antivirus(Trend Micro Worry Free Advanced)
DHCP
DNS
Backup(Tape)
File Storage
Etc

At the company where i am employed we strive to implement the best possible solution available.If the solution is not tried and tested by us we do not implement it.The Smaill business server hardware we always tend to use is the IBM X3200 m2 or X3400 m3.We are currently very satisfied with it up until now.However we have a client that requires a server implementation within the next week or two and there are no X3400's available during this time.The alternative to the IBM X series is the Dell PowerEdge T410(which is available).We have never implemented this hardware and i would like to know if any of you guys have any experience with it?How does it compare to the X3400?How is Dell's next business day in comparison to IBM's?How's the knowledge level of their technical division should i require assistance?etc?

Thanks

 

[BeoTeK]

I maintain that you can't go wrong with Dell. Their service is really top notch along with their warranty support. Their on-site technicians are very good and knowledgeable. I have a few Dell servers around and never really had a fault with them (beside minor problems with day-to-day running), however I can't really comment specifically on the Dell PowerEdge T410.

Hope this helps, but I sure as hell wouldn't doubt Dell.

 

[dotnerd]

You havent thought of one very important thing.

Dell does NOT stock spares in SA so when something goes wrong you are gonna sit and wait for spares. IBM on the other hand stocks spares in GP and CPT, some of the distributors also keep stock on hand.

In SA IBM and Fujitsu are oretty much the own ones keeping a proper level of stock in the country. I recently got rid of all the HP stuff due to poor support and lack of response. Not nay saying them, just sharing my experiences.


I would say stick to IBM if you can or if you choose otherwise atleast make sure that they can live up to your expectations.

 

[solidvee]

DotNerd : Does the lack of spares only apply to their Server division because i've used Dell's next day business warranty on 3 Dell XPS notebooks and in all 3 occasions hardware needed to be replaced and they replaced the hardware(2 X LCD and 1 HDD) and during their next business day warranty visit?

 

[shakes1]

dotnerd: I have used Dell's Pro Support on several servers, they delivered the next day and once say day (but that was reported at 6am in the morning). Also have used their 4-hour service once, and the delivered within time. Haven't tried any of the other makes to be honest. I have complete faith in Dell.

 

[ramar]

I must agree with Shakes. I have used Dells server support a few times and they have always had spares i needed available. Considering the number of Dell servers i support in the field compared to the few number of time i have had to use their support can only vouch for the reliability of the hardware in my opinion.

To say that Dell do not stock parts in SA is rubbish in my opinion. I dont know what level of stock they maintain, and i am sure there are instances where they may have to bring stock in, but they do certainly stock some spares. I even had a laptop once that had 3 days left on a 3 year warranty and they were able to provide a (new)replacement MB the next day.

 

[Gnome]

Same here, my brother in law works for a large insurance company that used to buy IBM, they've switched over to Dell now. Apparently the difference is day and night, Dell is far better and cheaper also. Price on the IBM stuff was apparently twice as much but he said the guy who organized it was a bit dodgy so might have been that he had some kind of family business thing going (IE. buy from "family" business via the company).

 

[iCubed.Saajid]

You definitely can't go wrong with Dell. We always try to push Dell laptops and servers to our business clients, as their support and turn-around times are excellent, and it makes our life that much easier, as an IT Services provider.

I can't really comment on IBM.