Looking to buy a rack server - not sure on spec

h2009

h2009

h2009

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6 Jan 2008
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316
Hi there,
Im looking to buy a rack mounted server to be collocated in the docklands.
I'm thinking about going with dell but unsure which type of system to buy.

Basically I'd like some advice on which type of cpu to go with i.e. AMD or intel.

The work the server will be doing is VOIP routing, Im looking to be able to maintain about 500 concurrent calls.
Also i would like to host my webpage on the server too.

For the voip software this is what most companies recommend:
On average 1000 concurrent calls on a dual Xeon server with 2GB.

I dont plan to have more than 300 concurrent calls for awhile, so i need to tone down the spec a bit.


Also the second part is my budget i dont want to be spending more than £1000 inc vat (less OS). Also I need to keep the monthly costs of the colocation to a minimal so that means 1U format & lowest AMPs usage as possible (0.5 amps ideal)

Thanks for your help.
 
Would you guys recommend them over Dell's kits?
The only reason as to why i am considering Dell is because of the easy of configuration. The HP webpage doesnt seem to allow you to change much :(
 
The software will be something like voipswitch.com.
Its runs on a windows environment, so i think i'll be using 2008.
Just looking on the hp webpage - i cant seem to find a configuration tool, only the premade units.
I'll have a search a bit later again.
 
Thanks for your replies. I appreciate your help.

I'll have a look at the HP site configure - thanks for linking it for me.

Voipswitch have given the spec, but say this: On average 1000 concurrent calls on a dual Xeon server with 2GB. This was tested out to be 1500 concurrent calls before it started to reject calls.

I've seen on the bay (not sure if there any good) HP ProLiant DL140 1U Dual Xeon 2 x 3.06Ghz 4GB RAM - £180. They dont have any HDD (only sata connections). But do you think they are worth it for that amount of cash? I dont expect the concurrent calls to more than 300 for awhile at which point i could buy a new server.
Or would i just be best to buy a new one and be done with it, after all its only £700 or so, and new is always better.
 
Curiosityx said:
That gives you something to working off, i would go for a DL360 G5, better spec specfically the storage controller, spec 2 x 72Gb 10,000rpm SAS and 2 x 146Gb 10,000rpm, along with 2-4gb of memory and 2 x dual core 2.66Ghz Intel Processors.

Dont know the software but i assume that you can load balance between servers otherwise you may want to spend the money now and upgrade to a DL380 for added capacity.

It all realy comes down to how critical this service will be for your customers, you can get away will minimal downtime when it comes to data but outages with voice are noticed immediately and can have a more severe impact on a business.


1 x 416564-001 HP DL360G5 5150 2G Performance US Svr
2 x 375861-B21 HP 72GB 10k 2.5 SAS HP SP HDD
2 x 431958-B21 HP 146GB 10k 2.5 SAS HP SP HDD
1 x 264007-B21 HP Slim 8X/24X DVD-ROM Drive
Click to expand...


How does this sound for £800 (new) DL360 G4p
2 x Intel Xeon 3.6GHz - 2MB L2 Cache - 800MHz
2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 400MHz
2 x 72.8GB - U320 - 15K SCSI
2 x 460W Redundant Hot-Plug

With regards to the software, its can load balance and split the functions off into cluster nodes. But you are right Voice downtime will damage the business. Upgrading shouldn't be problem since we can 'switch' the servers between new and old on a flick of a button, thus having zero downtime.

Windows licenses are not need for this software piece, which is good news. And its works across 2008/2003 64x / 32x

My ideal situation would be to expand the needs of server as and when needed. The last thing i want to be doing right now is spending a load of cash on a business that may not even generate profit due to the tight margins.

The problem with VOIP at the moment is people are scared by it - if only they saw how much it could really save them. The big telcom companies hide costs so well, its not until you really read the small print that you see you paying out more than you really think. Just comes down to the of the day people like to believe what they see.
 
Well, inorder to provide tier 1 carrier service for VOIP (there are no companies that do that at the moment) The docklands is the place to go latency is very very very important.

But what do you guys think of that spec above for the price?
 
Ok i think i've found a great deal.
DL360 G5, 1x5405 cpu, 2gb ram

using hp's offers, free upgrade of CPU, free insight control.
Now just to find where to buy it from, that can do it all.
 
I can see your point, and i do agree but for £450 brand new, i cant really go wrong with that? Although the manufacture date is 26-09-2007 it should still be fine right?

I be honest i have very little experience with racks servers, so thats where im depending on the forums to help me out :)
 
Yes it includes the storage, just need the software (OS) and its ready to roll out. The support is upgradable so that can be done if needed.
With regards to the load balancing it would be an overkill really. I'll have redundant system in place, soon after this is setup and running.
 
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