Posted by Jason Flomerfelt
On December 07, 2011 09:00
Used hardware can help your business affordably support growth or try out newer technologies at a reasonable cost. IBM products offer your company reliability, simplified system management, and some of the most advanced technology on the market today. A reputation for dependability has put IBM products in high demand among businesses of all sizes. The addition of a used IBM server to your infrastructure can boost productivity, allow advanced processes, and sustain exponential growth. Selecting this hardware component is not always easy unless you know what purpose it will serve in addition to the performance capabilities required. A server may be dedicated to business roles such as the web, file distribution, device sharing, and database functions.
Refurbished Network: Important Pre-Buying Decisions
Begin by deciding what will be accomplished by the refurbished server in regards to the role it will perform. The main purpose of this hardware is to provide a central location for a set of processes. File servers store data in one location accessible by individual workstations called clients. Device sharing follows the same basic concept, allowing users to print or perform various functions from remote locations throughout a building or geographical area. Application driven setups contain enough power to manage database functions or systems such as email within a company. They act as a supportive tool for managing resources appropriately throughout a building or in long distance remote scenarios. Additional possibilities include web servicing, corporate intranets, and other scenarios with a multitude of users requiring extensive power. By knowing the exact purpose, you are more likely to get the
refurbished infrastructure hardware required to do the job right.
The next question is what amount of power will you need to accomplish set server tasks? File or device sharing setups do not require as much power as other tasks. Typically, a single processor is sufficient but you may also step up a little further with a dual processor. Application servers require a multi-core setup with increased storage space whereas internet driven purposes have the highest hardware demands. You also have to decide what redundant components are necessary. Less grueling setups can use a RAID solution whereas labor intensive processes need multiple network interfaces, RAID solutions, and hot-swappable components. Research can go a long way when making this type of purchasing decision for your business.
The vendor you choose for these products is equally important because they determine the reliability of your server. An adequate warranty, maintenance plan, and thorough support extend the value of this purchase. If you buy a used product with nothing to back it, you are setting yourself up for trouble. Always make these purchases from a reputable vendor who backs their products regardless of the warranty provided by the original manufacturer. A Canvas Systems professional can help you choose a product designed around the exact needs of your business. We offer used IBM servers in the xSeries, pSeries, iSeries and zSeries lines. Whether you are seeking a simple server solution or need to enhance a complete data center, our vast inventory meets these necessities head on with high quality components at affordable prices.