One last thought...
Jens Frank wrote:
1 CPU at about 2GHz
2 GB RAM
2*36G 15kRPM SCSI Disks
Remote controller (rILO, eRIC) for remote "lights out" management
1 Unit rack mountable
redundant power supply
Jens priced this configuration at $4000. I was able to replicate the
same performance configuration for $2500 or less. I think that for
$2000, or half the price, I could match the performance of the box he
describes.
However, my proposal does not include either remote controllers nor
redundant power supplies. Here is my thinking, please think with me
if this is right or not.
1. If my server costs $2000, and Jens costs $4000, then I don't need
redundant power supplies since I have redundant *servers*. With only
a little bit of work to make sure that dead machines are taken out of
service, we have a lot more capacity for the same money.
2. A remote controller would be sweet in our current facility. But
we are going to move to a facility with the following features -- (1)
24 hour a day remote "hands on" service (2) geographically close to me
and my employees so that we can physically drive over (more on this
later today or tomorrow after I tour one more facility).
--Jimbo