[WEB4LIB] web services server suggestions

[Peter Verhagen]

I've been eager to experience an Opteron server myself, largely based on this
comparison:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=1816

And with the NX bit (non-execute bit) in the Opteron, this statement from
http://hardware.earthweb.com/chips/article.php/3358421 becomes more
interesting:

"For example, with NX in place, the MSBlaster worm would still have caused a
denial-of-service (DoS) attack, but would have lost the ability to replicate
and spread to other systems."

The above is moot until Microsoft implements it in their O/S software (coming
in their next service pack I believe).

As for where one could buy an Opteron server, IBM has a blade configuration
ready:
http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/opteron/325/index.html

Rack Mount Unit from HP (way upper-end?)
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantdl585/index.html

Just recently I had spec'd out a Dual Opteron tower/server config for our
Dynix/Horizon/IPAC server, complete with hot swappable power supplies, 2Gig
ECC PC3200 DDR, dual SCSI 36Gig 15,000rpm and 40/80 DLT1 Tape drive for about
$6,800cdn from a local OEM. Granted it didn't come with any software, but you
get the idea on the hardware pricing.

> Hi all,
>
> I have a few servers that I need to add to my network that will be
> handling basic web-oriented services like WindowsUpdates and intranets
> as well as some other services like DNS and DHCP. In the past, I've used
> retired boxes to run these services. However, I'm fortunate enough to
> have some money to go out and buy some dedicated server boxes for these
> uses. Also, some of these servers will be taking on some roles where
> reliability and uptime will be of paramount concern and I don't want to
> rely on second-hand boxes for those uses. These servers will be running
> a mix of Linux and Windows 2000/2003 Server and probably won't be doing
> any major database processing.
>
> I'm looking for suggestions for server hardware that people have been
> happy with in these kinds of roles. The preference would be for a
> rack-mounted box.
>
> This Dell box:
>
> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=pe750&s=bsd
>
> looks like it would be happy handling web services and the price is
> nice. We've also used Compaq at the Township and have been happy with
> their servers. Anyone have any other recommendations or warnings they
> would like to share?
>
> Thank you!
>
> Andrew Mutch
> Library Systems Technician
> Waterford Township Public Library
> Waterford, MI