Server hardware strategy
An enterprise server is a computer containing programs that collectively serve the needs of an enterprise rather than a single user, department, or specialized application.. See complete definition.
Top Stories
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News
25 Jan 2022
Nvidia Arm deal another step closer to -- death?
Negotiations of the long-awaited Nvidia acquisition of Arm Ltd. have come to a halt with rumors of Nvidia telling partners they can't come to agreement on a deal. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jan 2022
Managed services benefits ease enterprise IT security woes
At a time when threats to network and data security are on the rise, MSSPs can help overwhelmed enterprises confront cloud configuration, risk reduction and regulatory compliance. Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2018
IBM Power9 servers seek market inroads to AI, cloud
IBM follows up its first Power9 server with a raft of systems designed to appeal to a wider array of markets -- most notably, AI and cloud deployments. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2018
Dell HCI portfolio dismantled to improve chances in the CI market
Market pressures and manufacturing synergies drove Dell to integrate its HCI and CI products with its core business units, but opinions differ whether users will benefit. Continue Reading
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Guide
24 Jan 2018
How to choose the best hardware for virtualization
Selecting the best hardware for virtualization is the foundation of maintaining or designing a robust, reliable and scalable data center. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2017
IBM Strategic Imperatives mark a transition into software and services
IBM's Strategic Imperatives are slowly morphing the server hardware stalwart into a software and services company. But IBM still needs hardware to complete the transformation. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2016
Ryzen (AMD Ryzen)
Ryzen (pronounced RYE zen) is an AMD CPU aimed at the server, desktop, workstation, media center PC and all-in-one markets. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2016
Agent vs. agentless: Monitoring choices for diverse IT ops needs
All management tools must run on a device, but the standards for agent and agentless monitoring vary widely. The determination is easier once you understand monitoring data needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2016
Build a data center shutdown procedure to prepare for the worst
A data center shutdown checklist helps IT teams focus on backup, testing and system verification before pulling the plug and losing valuable information. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2016
Compare benefits of a blade server architecture vs. hyper-convergence
To determine if a series of blade servers is the right call for more condensed compute in your data center, evaluate its benefits compared to hyper-convergence. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Oct 2016
rack
A rack, in an IT (information technology) context, is a supporting framework that holds hardware modules. In this context, racks typically contain servers, hard disk drives and other computing equipment. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2016
When moving servers to a colocation facility, planning is key
Moving servers off premises to a colocation facility can be a daunting task. Use these best practices to minimize downtime to ensure a seamless transition. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2016
Three interface options for remote server monitoring, management
Remote server management interfaces, such as IPMI, iDRAC and iLO, give data center admins a central location to monitor fan speeds, power supply status, temperature and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2016
Don't overlook these crucial enterprise CPU updates
Despite its critical role in cloud application performance, the enterprise CPU is often overlooked. Learn about next generation hardware, and why it's important to cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2016
Ten server deployment checklist considerations
Use this server deployment checklist to make sure you've covered all your bases. From power distribution outlets to available network connectivity, server deployment can be an arduous process. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Dec 2015
Should I make a storage LUN for each server?
In some scenarios, more than one LUN per server makes sense. In others, it's better to maintain a one-to-one ratio. So which is better? Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2015
IBM Pureflex
IBM PureFlex is a combined hardware and software system for data centers that delivers infrastructure as a system (IaaS) optimized for scalable cloud computing. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2015
Massive tax bill increases uncertainty in Dell-EMC deal
Dell's deal to buy EMC and VMware for $67 billion is in doubt after revelations that the company could face a $9 billion tax bill, forcing some uncertain IT buyers to look elsewhere. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Sep 2015
How do you verify a HA server or cluster is working?
I want to ensure server high availability in my production IT environment. Is it better to test server HA and risk disruption, or trust in the systems' reliability? Continue Reading
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Guide
16 Jun 2015
Server performance and benchmark testing guide
The right back-end servers, tuned for maximum efficacy, make the difference in business-critical applications and services. Continue Reading
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Guide
28 Oct 2014
Server form factors: A guide to rackmount, blade servers and more
Which type of server is right for you? The data center's budget, technology and reliability will steer you toward rackmount or blade servers. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2014
Denser is better: Increased storage and server density
For storage and servers, being dense is good. Careful planning can maximize the benefits of greater computing densities while minimizing potential risks. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Feb 2014
Is LRDIMM the best memory option for an enterprise server?
Load-reduced DIMM allows for more memory and decreased latency than on-server memory typically has. So how does it compare to other DIMM designs? Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2014
Scale up vs. scale out: Debate evolves over how to upgrade data centers
Pick sides on whether to scale up vs. scale out servers. It will establish what method to enhance server performance makes sense for your data center. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2014
RISC vs. CISC explained for data center systems
The role of RISC processors in data center equipment is hotly debated, but new RISC designs are proving that it isn't just a CISC game. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2013
No faults here: Advanced techniques to attain more reliable servers
A new generation of reliability features can keep busy servers running in the face of serious fault conditions. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Apr 2013
Are blade servers obsolete?
Blade servers maximize compute density on racks, but are their days numbered? Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2012
out-of-order execution (OoOE)
Out-of-order execution (OoOE) is an approach to processing that allows instructions for high-performance microprocessors to begin execution as soon as their operands are ready. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2011
Hardware upgrade and server refresh guide
In this guide, we address several important aspects of the server hardware refresh process, including how to decide when it's time to replace a server and how to get more out of hardware upgrade. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jul 2011
When is server hardware too old?
Modern server hardware is allowing systems to handle more jobs and last longer, easing capital expenses for many data centers. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2011
Time to consider a second hypervisor?
Adding a second hypervisor may be key to expanding virtualization in the enterprise, but it can introduce some challenges. It is also important to properly allocate resources to virtual machines. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2011
Did Oracle go too far by dropping Itanium?
Many Oracle customers said they now have a lower opinion of the company, but it remains to be seen whether that dissatisfaction will lead to financial consequences. Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2011
Oracle drops Itanium development
Joining the crowd, Oracle says it will stop software development for flagging Itanium chip. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2011
Dell Viking micro server recast as PowerEdge C5000
The Dell Viking started out as a custom box for low-end dedicated hosting and has graduated to a full-fledged micro server platform. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2011
1U servers: Features and capabilities introduction
1U servers are well suited to many everyday business tasks. This overview considers the key features -- from processor and memory support to network ports-- of various 1U server offerings. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2010
Move over SMPs: Distributed shared memory systems step in
Researchers are building ersatz SMP machines out of commodity x86 boxes, plus specialized hardware and software. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2010
Cisco et al. push memory-dense servers; but at what cost?
Today’s x86 servers offer impressive memory densities, but some IT shops want even more. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2010
AMD battles for server CPU cred
Historically, AMD processors have been a force to be reckoned with in data centers. But some IT managers have questioned the platform’s longevity. Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2010
The new mainframes: BladeSystem Matrix, Vblock, Exadata and Exalogic
Converged infrastructure platforms like Oracle‘s Exadata offer companies increased performance, but at the cost of vendor lock-in, causing some to dub these the new mainframes. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2010
Oracle-Sun x86 hardware gets Intel Xeon upgrade
Oracle has released a new collection of Oracle-Sun x86 hardware, with servers based on Intel Xeon processors, as well as storage and networking devices. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2010
Oracle announces new Sparc-based hardware
Oracle has announced a new blade chassis and server for its Sun Netra servers, highlighting the company's push into data center hardware even as it deemphasizes Sun's x86 commodity servers. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2009
Optimizing server energy efficiency
Reducing data center energy consumption is a hot topic in the IT industry, but server energy efficiency has only recently become a focus of discussion. Improving server efficiency means optimizing the main components that impact a server's overall power consumption: power supply, fans, CPU, memory, hard drives, I/O cards and ports, and supporting chipsets. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2008
Server sales suffer on economy, virtualization; vendors branching out
HP, Sun and Dell are offering more data center services this year for fear that the economic slowdown and the growing popularity of virtualization will turn their server hardware products, of which sales are down 5.2%, into a commodity. Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2008
HP: 250 users have migrated from mainframe to Itanium
HP reports that in the past three years, over 250 customers have migrated from IBM's mainframe to their Itanium-based servers. The company has also released a new blade server and service package. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2008
EPA releases third draft of Energy Star specifications for servers
The Environmental Protection Agency released its third draft of the Energy Star specifications for servers, which includes the schedule for specs to take effect. The Tier 1 server spec (up to four processor sockets) is scheduled to take effect on Feb. 1. Tier 2 (more than four processor sockets) will take effect in 2010. Blade servers and DC-powered servers that lack a built in DC-to-DC power supply are not included. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2008
Is x86 servers' grip on the market slipping?
IDC released its Worldwide Quarterly Server Tracker for the second quarter of 2008 (2Q08). The results showed that despite growth in the overall server market in 2Q08, x86-based systems experienced their slowest growth rate in 23 quarters at only 3% of year over year sales. The 2Q08 was also the first quarter that spending for non-x86 systems outpaced revenue growth for x86-based systems since 4Q00. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2008
Windows Server 2008: PowerShell basics and top commands
The Microsoft PowerShell team offers up the top commands and usage scenarios for the new command line shell and scripting language for Windows Server 2008 Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2006
IBM rolls out blade package for retail
Big Blue is targeting retialers with its new BladeCenter package, bringing compute power out of central data centers and into individual stores. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2005
IBM promises to boost blade servers and break HP's spirit
IBM's blade server plans for 2006 include a 4x infiniband blade chassis in addition to its existing BladeCenter model, and blades with the new Intel dual-core Dempsey chip. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2005
Windows tool points to performance problems
Microsoft has released Server Performance Advisor 2.0, free software that helps diagnose the root causes of performance problems in Windows Server 2003. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2005
Solaris on x86 has promise
Sun's Solaris x86 offering could be a Linux-killer if the company can catch up. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2005
Intel ramps up for new chip architecture
Chip-maker Intel is reported to unveil a new processor architecture at its Developer Forum later this month. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2005
AMD files x86 antitrust suit
Advanced Micro Devices filed an antitrust suit against Intel yesterday in U.S. District Court. AMD said Intel coerced x86 customers away from AMD. Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2005
AMD pins hopes on blades
AMD is betting on dual-core 64-bit Opteron processors to help close the market share gap with leader Intel. AMD says HP, IBM and Sun will begin shipping blade servers with the new chip this year, which may give AMD a boost. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2005
Dell offers new line of 32- and 64-bit servers
The hardware maker's eighth generation of servers feature 64-bit processors tailored for the next version of Microsoft's SQL Server, as well as 64-bit Windows. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2005
Blades cool hot, crowded data center
Tier 1 suppliers aren't the only ones that can come up with highly efficient Linux clusters. Just ask the managment team at Silicon Valley's Magma Design Automation. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2005
Blade servers help cut through storage challenges
Some companies are discovering that blade server technology lets them do more -- like save precious data center space -- with less. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2005
Sun angered by IBM x86 rejection
IBM's decision not to test, certify and support enterprise software applications on Solaris 10 for x86 platforms has angered Sun Microsystems Inc. IBM officials said that while its software supports a range of platforms, decisions to do so are made on the basis of customer demand. But customer pressure may be mounting on IBM to support the platform. Continue Reading