Tower servers have been the work horses of the IT industry for years, but they have the limitation of a relatively large footprint compared to new server technologies. Bladed servers eliminate the space issue but can pose unique power and cooling concerns. If your business requires a highly efficient use of existing floor space and other IT resources without the technology curve involved with blades, you should consider a rack system.
This guide helps you determine if a rack solution is right for your business. You'll learn about the differences between several server form factors—tower, rack and blade—and come to understand the benefits of a rack system. You'll also evaluate the latest rack system features, including rack, server and storage hardware, and management software. Along the way, you'll understand factors that affect the total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) of a rack solution.
The sections of the guide include:
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Understand it: Learn the differences between tower, rack and bladed servers, and find out the numerous benefits you can get in a rack solution.
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Plan it: Explore the components that comprise a rack solution and take a look at the TCO and ROI of a rack solution.
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Do it: Select the right rack, server and storage options for your environment or consider a preconfigured package that makes a lot of the decisions for you.
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Use it: Learn how integrated management tools, such as HP Systems Insight Manager (SIM), provide business value and increase ROI.
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Buy it: Learn more about rack server products and purchasing information.
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