A server is a fundamental prerequisite of a network of computers and, in the modern world, the right selection can make or break a business’s efficiency and productivity. However, with the financial concerns of the last few years and ever advancing and fragmenting server technology the decision is complicated. You need to keep one eye on the bank balance and another attempting to peer into the future of computer use. The decision on what option to choose can be a daunting one.
The two main alternatives are blade and rack-mounted servers. The former are currently considered the more efficient option on the market and are popular for offices, with large numbers of computers, while the latter offers more versatility and long dominated the market before the arrival of this new kid on the block. Admittedly, there is no clear winner and the choice will depend on the specificities of each business and computer system. Here is a general comparison of these alternatives.
Blade Servers
Blade servers are not an all in one package and they slot alongside separate power supplies and network hardware. The advantage of this is that they can be upgraded to add computer power to power-guzzling tasks. The unit can also easily be upgraded and they have a slight edge over rack mounted servers when it comes to certain applications, like Web hosting. The limitations on older generations with regard to visualization have now been removed, though the debate over whether they are better than rack mounted servers with regard to such work will undoubtedly continue forever.
Overall, they have a high level of performance that mocks their small size and yet their very design necessitates more attention, maintenance and money when it comes to cooling. The single power supply also means that a single fault here can bring the entire network offline. And, the relative cost-effectiveness of this approach disappears if the right number of blade servers is not incorporated in the network. This means that potential purchasers need to conduct a complete analysis of system needs and the costs and benefits of this option if the system is going to reach its potential.
Rack Mount Servers
Unlike blade mounted servers, these computers include everything they need to operate and it is a case of simply plugging in the network and power cables and they are ready to go. Having a longer history, there are also a wide range of options on the market that sit on a wide spectrum of power, memory and storage capacity. This means that there are options available to suit any given task, though adequate research is needed to choose the right model for the business. This is helped further by the fact that each server has its own power supply and cooling module. This also means that if one server goes down the network will be able to continue functioning, albeit at a lower level.
Of the two alternatives, rack mounted servers are considered the more flexible and cost-effective option. They are well suited to small and medium sized operations and it is often the case that companies go for these models when starting work, and continue with them as they expand. Anyone considering a rack mount server should seek expert advice before putting their hands n their pockets. In this way, they can come home with an effective system that will ensure the productivity and efficiency of the network for years to come.
Author Bio
The author has had a long career in the IT world and, believe it or not, the work is slightly more complicated than turning equipment off and on again and refilling a printer’s paper tray. As a computer geek he fills his free time – at the computer – writing blogs on developments in IT technology. As a result, he has to wear very thick glasses.
