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Systems Engineer at Air France KLM
User
Feb 5, 2024
Robust servers for productivity, continuity, and quality of service
Pros and Cons
  • "Nowadays, iDRAC is very important. It is one of the features that we use the most because we do not always have physical access to our machines. iDRAC is a tool that we use daily. If we did not have it, it would be very complicated to manage the machines. This is a great feature."
  • "The pricing can be better. These are expensive machines."

What is our primary use case?

We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for virtualization with VMware products to host ESXi. We also use products such as vCenter and vSphere, and we are now in the process of moving towards the VCF solutions to do our SVDC infrastructure.

By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, we are looking to replace some of the old machines with more recent machines. We want to reduce energy consumption and also gain some space in our data rooms and our data centers. We are going to replace several machines with just one machine that is a more recent machine.

How has it helped my organization?

We have always had them. We have always worked with Dell PowerEdge servers. So, I have only known those servers. They have improved our organization in terms of productivity, continuity, and the quality of the service. They are quite robust. We are very happy with the malware incident-product resilience ratio.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have improved a great deal in comparison to the older generations of servers when it comes to energy consumption. I do not have the figures because I am not part of the teams that measure our data centers, but we have easily had 20% or 30% energy savings.

To manage the evolving needs of high-performance workloads, the racks or the machines that we buy have a lot of storage space to add memory or disks if needed. In terms of storage, we are using the PowerEdge servers to make some VMware vSAN. With vSAN, there is a storage layer with disks, flash, etcetera for the cache. We have the option to stretch it by buying more disks for more storage, but we also have the possibility to easily stretch and add memory to our machines, which is good. In terms of evolution, this is very important for us because in the beginning or at the kickoff point of a new project, it can be a bit vague for us and we do not know how our needs will evolve. We might need more over time.

The machines that we have today are the oldest that I know of from the Dell PowerEdge series. For example, they might be 11G. We still have some of them, and they still work. They are robust, resilient, and durable. However, they no longer get any support. If we want any maintenance from them for this hardware, we have to pay for support extensions. This way we get help when we have a supply or hardware breakdown with these models. We must pay for the support because this kind of equipment came out a long time ago, and it has reached its end of life, so the support exists but at an extra cost. That could be an area for improvement, but from a commercial point of view, it is hard to maintain the support and storage for parts and keep a stock of parts for aging machines while knowing that they have been replaced by new-generation machines that are more efficient and less energy-consuming. It is debatable, but commercially, it is understandable. We just live with it.

For all of our Dell products, including PowerEdge servers, we have a ProSupport contract for the data center. We are very pleased with them because any breakdowns are very quickly resolved. We get a technician in less than 24 hours. We can also resolve certain breakdowns quickly because we can simply get connected to the machine. Even when we no longer have access or a connection to the machine, we always have an administration link that allows us to connect to iDRAC and reboot the machine. As a result, this feature is helpful.

We use the OpenManage console. It helps the team and saves a huge amount of time with the lifecycle management and updating BIOS and firmware. It is good for that. Without it, we cannot manage to keep our servers up to date, so it is a very significant gain. It is very important for us.

Using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has affected the overall flexibility of our operations. We have gained productivity. To start with, we have gained in terms of performance at the writing level with IOs. In the past, our users used to complain a lot about the waiting time and the slowness. There was some congestion with IOs. Since we have been using the new generation servers, people are happier. We no longer get problems with the slow speed of the IOs writing, etc.

What is most valuable?

Nowadays, iDRAC is very important. It is one of the features that we use the most because we do not always have physical access to our machines. iDRAC is a tool that we use daily. If we did not have it, it would be very complicated to manage the machines. This is a great feature.

What needs improvement?

The pricing can be better. These are expensive machines. Especially since COVID-19, many organizations are trying to reduce costs in various directions, and they often end up challenging the IT services and IT teams to reduce the costs. As a result, the choice made today for IT machines is very much based on the price, especially for the hardware. We are currently working with Dell because when we do an RFP, we put several resellers in competition, and at the moment, Dell is able to produce competitive and interesting prices for our needs. So, the final decision is often based on the price. It is essentially the price that will influence the choice of the hardware.

We order vSAN Ready Nodes, but it can happen that between the moment we order our machines and the moment they get delivered, there are some updates or new versions that may have come out. As a result, when we receive our machines and switch them on, even though they are vSAN Ready Nodes, we still have to patch them and build them with a version to be able to integrate them in a cluster so that they are uniform and with the same version as the others servers. So, there is room for improvement with regard to getting the target version.

There can be a long time gap between the order, the manufacturing, and the delivery or receipt of the machines. After receiving them, we have a process of hardwiring. We still have tasks left, such as racking the machine and hardwiring, before using the machines. It can sometimes take several weeks before we are able to use them, and that is when we notice a difference between the production machines and the new machines. Although the new machines are vSAN Ready Nodes, they are not actually ready.

Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerEdge R-Series
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885,376 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for seven years, but it has been longer for our organization.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

They are scalable.

How are customer service and support?

We are very happy with their support because we benefit from ProSupport. It includes the intervention on the data center, the parts, and the technician in less than 24 hours. So, it is working well.

I would rate their support a nine out of ten because sometimes, there are issues. Sometimes, a part might not be available. When a part is not available, it can have an impact. They have several strategic points in France where the parts are stored, and the parts come from those points. When those parts are not in those areas, they widen the search for the parts, and that can be worldwide. As the parts can come from anywhere, they can take longer to get to us. Some service requests might also have gone over the SLAs, but we understand that it cannot be perfect.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

In this organization, I have always worked with Dell servers, but in the past, I have worked with HPE. They are fairly similar. HPE has the iLO card, and Dell has the iDRAC card. I do not have enough insights into HPE servers because I have worked very little with them. I do not have that many elements for comparison. The only elements for comparison that I have are more or less the same.

How was the initial setup?

I was involved with the new infrastructure. It was very simple because the new PowerEdge servers that we ordered were vSAN Ready Nodes. We get our own machines. We do the hardwiring. We switch them on, and we immediately have our ESXi installed. Only the configuration is left to do. We only need to integrate new nodes and new servers in the bay centers and ESXi in our clusters at the bay centers. We then do the configuration. That is the administration part, and then, we link VMware. So, the integration has been hugely simplified by the fact that we have some vSAN Ready Nodes.

What about the implementation team?

We do the implementation ourselves.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Personally, I find them extremely expensive, but my colleague is a part of the buying team, so he would know better than me.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers an eight out of ten. I am not entirely satisfied to rate them a ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Javier Domingo - PeerSpot reviewer
Responsable it at Fresenius Medical Care Holdings Inc
Real User
Jan 31, 2024
A robust server that integrates well and consumes less energy
Pros and Cons
  • "The way it integrates with other brands and its manageability are valuable. It is easy to use."
  • "The price is acceptable but could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

The entire company’s infrastructure is incorporated. We are 100% Dell.

By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, we wanted robustness. We have also tested other solutions, but in terms of time and the peaks of work, they did not give the same manageability that the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers provide.

How has it helped my organization?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have helped us improve in terms of ecology. Energy expenditure is an important part of our company's philosophy. We have changed to a more clean mindset, so now, we have to be eco-friendly, and it was one of the best things we chose to do.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have the PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture approach to security. I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten in terms of security. I never give a ten because there is always room for improvement, but Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have truly been very effective.

They are very good in terms of energy consumption.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are agile for handling the evolving needs of high-performance workloads.

They are perfectly aligned with our sustainability goals. We were looking for the company's line to be all eco-friendly, and therefore, they aligned with our decisions and needs.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have helped to reduce everything. We had to make a change when we suffered a cyber attack, and after we changed the solution, it became 100% effective. In other words, we have not had any service outages at any time, and the truth is that we are very happy.

We use the OpenManage console. We are happy, and we do feel that our company has improved, but our productivity has always been at a very high level.

In terms of the effect of using PowerEdge Rack Servers on the overall flexibility of our operations or business, the thing is that we implemented it while our company was dealing with a change of mentality. It has affected us for the best because it has accompanied us in that change of mentality.

What is most valuable?

The way it integrates with other brands and its manageability are valuable. It is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

They gave us a satisfaction survey, and we did not go below nine, so we are very happy with the solution. We are loyal customers. Obviously, the price could be lower.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are very stable. I would rate them a ten out of ten in terms of stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are very scalable. I would rate them a ten out of ten in terms of scalability.

How are customer service and support?

We work with the servers through an intermediary, so we do not deal with Dell's support in terms of help. It is difficult to evaluate them, but it seems to be very good because this third party has never complained about their support, so I am guessing it is great.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We had HPE. We suffered a cyber attack, which left us a little unsure about its ability to provide viable protection.

How was the initial setup?

We used an intermediary company, and it was very comfortable and easy to implement in our company.

It simply included a pre-installation session to see what we had to do exactly. The rest was very easy. The implementation was nothing out of the ordinary. It was a piece of cake.

Our environment is all private. We have it divided between Azure and AWS cloud. We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers at a single location.

What about the implementation team?

The company that helped us implement them is called DISIOTEC.

What was our ROI?

I am convinced that if we had another solution that belonged to another brand, we would have changed things or fixed them. With this solution, we do not have any sort of issue with managing or updating it.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price is acceptable but could be improved.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did not evaluate other solutions.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerEdge R-Series
March 2026
Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerEdge R-Series. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2026.
885,376 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Michael Fridman - PeerSpot reviewer
Field Application Engineer at NISKO TECH
Real User
Top 10
Sep 25, 2024
It is easy to diagnose, repair, and manage remotely
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable aspect of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is that they don't require support for card installation and offer extensive diagnostic software."
  • "The limited connectivity of the Rack Servers, due to having only three USB ports, is an area of improvement for Dell."

What is our primary use case?

Our company offers various solutions, but for Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, our clients had specific requirements such as a very new, unsupported CPU, extensive RAM support, and numerous PCIe lanes. Only Dell met all these needs.

How has it helped my organization?

The learning curve for Dell products is not steep due to the excellent support and easily accessible information. Compared to other projects I'm involved in, I found it much easier to learn and use Dell products. 

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have redundant power supplies that would help reduce downtime.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers offer flexibility due to their remote management capabilities, redundant components, and ease of diagnosis and repair.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable aspect of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is that they don't require support for card installation and offer extensive diagnostic software. I was able to work on the servers installed in our lab remotely from my office via the management tools. This eliminated the need for a physical display connection, requiring only an ethernet cable and power for remote access and management. 

What needs improvement?

Their servers are modular, but there are specific applications for which I wish they would publish the specifications, such as the specs of internal connectors. If Dell doesn't provide a connector, I'd like to be able to provide it myself.

The limited connectivity of the Rack Servers, due to having only three USB ports, is an area of improvement for Dell. Dell continues to use micro USB for the management port, and that cable type is increasingly more difficult to find. A shift to USB-C for the management port would be a welcome improvement from Dell.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for one year.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We sometimes build in-house using components from vendors we represent, but this project required something completely different, so we went with Dell. I hadn't worked with Dell before and had no prior experience. I had designed PCs based on Dell-style motherboards from one company and cards from another, handling integration, software support, and everything else. This was different because they didn't conform to usual standards and used their own products. There was a learning curve, but it was much easier overall.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers nine out of ten.

We collaborated with Dell Professional Services to obtain cable design specifications. The power supplies used DC voltage, and we needed to determine the recommended cable thickness and any other pertinent design considerations. We planned to install our cards, which necessitated an internal power supply, so we needed the specifications to ascertain the maximum power draw from each connector.

Dell Professional Services were great compared to others I have used. I would rate them ten out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. System Integrators
PeerSpot user
Ovadya Rachamim - PeerSpot reviewer
Storage & Data Protection Team Leader at TeraSky
Real User
Top 5
Sep 25, 2024
Better than other solutions in terms of heat and power consumption
Pros and Cons
  • "PowerEdge is flexible and adaptable. You can you can build whatever you want from it."
  • "The GUI could be improved. I primarily work with the command line, which enables you to do many things faster."

What is our primary use case?

We use PowerEdge servers for backup and VxRail. 

How has it helped my organization?

PowerEdge is flexible and adaptable. You can you can build whatever you want from it. It's used for Data Domain and many other purposes. Since Dell purchased EMC, you can use it for most solutions. It's better than other solutions in terms of heat and power consumption. PowerEdge servers reduce unplanned downtime for our clients. 

What is most valuable?

It's easy to install. The GUI is user-friendly. Everything is well organized, and you can see everything. You can do the command line remotely. I've done 20 servers in bulk.

What needs improvement?

The GUI could be improved. I primarily work with the command line, which enables you to do many things faster.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used PowerEdge servers for four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

PowerEdge servers are highly stable. I haven't experienced any failures, and updates resolve all bugs. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We primarily use PowerEdge for other solutions, and the software combines everything. PowerEdge is a node in a bigger solution.

How are customer service and support?

I rate Dell support nine out of 10. We did not use professional services for deployment, but we contact support when we have issues we can't resolve ourselves. They are cooperative, and if the frontline support can't answer our question, they escalate it, and we get an answer later. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

PowerEdge servers are easy to install. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers eight out of 10. It has all the features our customers need. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Reseller
PeerSpot user
David Mhitarian - PeerSpot reviewer
CTO at YazamcoPro
Real User
Top 10
Sep 25, 2024
It helps minimize downtime, is stable, and is easy to maintain
Pros and Cons
  • "From a technical perspective, the iDRAC system's most valuable feature is its performance, while from the customer's perspective, it is the other features."
  • "I want Dell to offer more virtualization platforms because the cost of VMware is getting too high."

What is our primary use case?

We are an MSP that sells, deploys, installs, and maintains Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for our customers who use them for storage and as their main server.

Our customers implement Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for better performance and lower prices. They have a lower price and the best performance. 

How has it helped my organization?

Dell is an established and trusted name for our customers. They have proven themselves as a leader in storage. 

PowerEdge cyber-resilient architecture approach to security is good. The updates come regularly and quickly when there is a zero-day occurrence. We trust that security is tight. 

PowerEdge does a good job handling the evolving needs of high-performance workloads.

PowerEdge has minimal downtime. Out of 100 servers, we may have an issue with two servers per year.

The OpenManage console has improved productivity through ease of maintenance. It's easy to use and it's good for the team. We use it every day. 

Because the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are stable and work well, our customers can work around the clock, giving them the flexibility to do what they need.

What is most valuable?

From a technical perspective, the iDRAC system's most valuable feature is its performance, while from the customer's perspective, it is the other features. It's easy to manage. 

What needs improvement?

I want Dell to offer more virtualization platforms because the cost of VMware is getting too high.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for almost ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We are able to plan for scalability based on the customer's requirements and have not had any issues with it.

How are customer service and support?

We use Dell technical support two to three times a year. They are professional and always meet our SLA time. However, there are sometimes service delays on weekends.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We also sell HPE and Lenovo servers. When we buy a Dell PowerEdge server, most of the features are included in the price, but for the others, such as HPE iLO for connecting or IBM X servers, we must purchase add-ons.

How was the initial setup?

The deployment of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is similar to that of other vendors in terms of complexity. It's easy.

What about the implementation team?

We implement the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for our customers.

What was our ROI?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are reliable, ensuring customers see a return on investment as they don't need to extend warranties on their servers.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers ten out of ten. I also deal with Lenovo and HPE, and we must pay extra for support and add-on features. This is not the case with Dell PowerEdge. With Dell, it includes all the servers. 

It is very easy to sell Dell.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
PeerSpot user
Systems Engineer at BnF
User
Feb 7, 2024
Offers remote management and makes administration easy with workload and consumption indicators
Pros and Cons
  • "These web servers were easily manageable from as early as 2003. We have a very large building, and it was possible to manage them remotely in a simple way from as early as 2003."
  • "All of the marketing terminologies from Dell are very complicated as they have names that sometimes involve the same technology."

What is our primary use case?

We use them for everything—from infrastructure services to virtualization, as well as storage.

By implementing these servers, we wanted to meet our needs regarding office automation. I work for a national library, so it was essentially about being able to distribute digital books and being able to create applications and a digital library.

How has it helped my organization?

At the time, they were the only ones to offer a remote management system, and that is a very important feature for us, especially bearing in mind that we have only two people for hundreds of servers. It is indeed very important.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have the PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture approach to security, but I do not believe in that. We put the security in place well in advance and early on the servers as well as the networks in order to filter everything, so we have minimal exposure to the servers. Once it is on the servers, it is too late. They must be stopped well in advance.

In terms of energy consumption, it depends on what you are doing with the machine. If it is to manage AIs or other similar things, they consume far too much energy. If it is for the purpose of heritage conservation, then it is consuming what it needs to. It depends on what you are using it for. If you leave the light on in a room and everyone has their eyes closed and nobody is doing anything, then it is excess energy consumption. Even if it is barely a fraction of any watt being used, it is already too much. However, if it is for reading and learning about things, it can be justified. The justification does not take place at the server level but at the level of how we use that server. Certain servers are very energy-consuming because there are certain projects that have no purpose at all, and there are projects, such as the digital library, that are very useful, and I do not find them very energy-consuming.

They have very good indicators on them that allow us to follow the workloads as well as consumptions. That is very good. One good thing about those servers is that we are remotely warned. There is a follow-up, and the administration is much easier for us.

In terms of their impact on our sustainability goals, we do not have much money in the public sector, so we make them last for a very long time. I have some servers that are more than ten years old, so the maintenance or support no longer exists for those models. This equipment is well-manufactured and reliable, and it works very well.

For the last 20 years, there have been far fewer breakdowns. The servers function much better and the OS too. For sure, we are getting a much better quality product than we used to about 20 or 25 years ago. That is for sure. The machines no longer stop. We now only stop them for some safety updates or something similar, but that is it.

The OpenManage console does allow us to combine everything, but we had that system well before it was a VM. At the time, it was still an application.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have affected the overall flexibility of our operations. The fact that they are easily manageable is an essential aspect.

What is most valuable?

These web servers were easily manageable from as early as 2003. We have a very large building, and it was possible to manage them remotely in a simple way from as early as 2003.

What needs improvement?

All of the marketing terminologies from Dell are very complicated as they have names that sometimes involve the same technology. It is something very complex for me as well as for many people who are not that familiar with Dell’s catalog. Apart from that, from a technical aspect, Dell is following the technical progression of the motherboards and processors from other manufacturers, and as a result, they are always up to date.

Their price could be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

The first one was in 2003, so we have been using them for about 20 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

They are very stable. They last a very long time.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We never make any changes. We buy the equipment. Sometimes, we even buy a lot of identical equipment, and according to the lifespan, we add server disks from an obsolete server to make another server more powerful. That is the only thing that we do. We do not make any changes to processors or anything else. We buy the servers based on necessity.

How are customer service and support?

Their support is always very good. It is always a ten out of ten. They have very competent people. There is no need to negotiate something or explain it ten times when a server strip is faulty and needs to be returned. There is no problem regarding this, and it is very good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We have some Lenovo servers, and we have some HPE servers. Dell does not always offer the best prices, and the competitors are also offering products at a good price. That is what the competitive game is about, and sometimes, it is the competitor who wins.

How was the initial setup?

I was involved in the initial setup. It is extremely simple.

In terms of the implementation strategy, we had two delivered. We watched how they were cabled up, how they were built up, and we put the others. We had ordered together with a guide, and there were no problems.

What about the implementation team?

We did the implementation with a guide. We always do this, but while telling him what to do. We made our own terms and conditions. We were the ones in charge.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Dell’s licensing is perfect. In comparison to the competitors, it is perfect. It is simple and well done. It is working for us.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a ten out of ten. Out of all the brands that I know, they are the best together with HPE, but there is something that I do not like about HPE, and that is the licensing. I find their licensing absolutely unbearable.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Service Owner Basic Infrastructure at Goldfish IT solutions
User
Jan 28, 2024
Is versatile, energy efficient, and simplifies our IT process
Pros and Cons
  • "The defining characteristic of the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers lies in their ability to function as the pivotal nexus of the server infrastructure."
  • "Enriching the operational efficiency of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers could be achieved through the strategic implementation of a central management console hosted in the cloud."

What is our primary use case?

Our primary server solution is the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, which we leverage for a variety of purposes. Its robust capabilities enable us to deploy it as a hypervisor platform, most notably utilizing VMware or for secure data backup operations. Additionally, it excels in handling large-scale storage needs and can accommodate bare-metal installations of the Windows operating system.

Recognizing the need for a more streamlined and uniform server ecosystem, we made the decisive move to incorporate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, effectively resolving the longstanding challenges associated with disparate server configurations.

How has it helped my organization?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have demonstrably simplified a multitude of IT processes, transforming what could be intricate configurations into exercises of remarkable expediency. This newfound ease is further amplified by the seamless integration between PowerEdge and VMware, fostering a user experience characterized by intuitive clarity and straightforward execution.

The Dell EMC PowerEdge Rack Server's robust Cyber Resilient Architecture framework has demonstrably bolstered our organization's cybersecurity posture, proving itself an effective solution for mitigating and recovering from cyber threats.

The Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers shine in terms of energy efficiency, dynamically adapting their power draw to match workload demands. However, my current data pool for comparative analysis is somewhat limited.

Managing the ever-shifting demands of high-performance workloads isn't an insurmountable challenge with Dell PowerEdge servers. The true differentiator lies in the scale of operation: from compact, nimble servers to robust, expansive workhorses, the PowerEdge portfolio offers adaptability across the entire spectrum. This comprehensive array ensures that, regardless of our needs, we'll find the ideal configuration for our specific processing tasks. Moreover, Dell operates as an invaluable partner, readily equipped to identify and deliver the perfect PowerEdge solution to seamlessly tackle our evolving computational requirements.

By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, I am empowered to meticulously track and analyze their energy consumption. This oversight allows me to generate detailed reports and actionable insights, readily available to be disseminated to the sustainability department, or any other stakeholder requesting such data.

Thanks to our robust high availability architecture, meticulously crafted with VMware's leading virtualization capabilities and the unparalleled reliability of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, we've experienced an immaculate track record of zero production downtime. This means our critical operations consistently run like clockwork, uninterrupted by unexpected outages, ensuring seamless service delivery for our valued customers and fostering an environment of uninterrupted productivity.

The implementation of the Open Management Console has demonstrably enhanced the operational efficiency of our IT team by streamlining and reducing the volume of administrative tasks they previously undertook. This has resulted in a significant optimization of their workflow, freeing up valuable resources for them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

What is most valuable?

The defining characteristic of the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers lies in their ability to function as the pivotal nexus of the server infrastructure. This central platform orchestrates the flow of data and facilitates seamless operation across all interconnected components.

What needs improvement?

Enriching the operational efficiency of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers could be achieved through the strategic implementation of a central management console hosted in the cloud. Such a cloud-resident platform would empower administrators with enhanced visibility and granular control over the entire server fleet, fostering agility and optimizing performance.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for about 15 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

In terms of rock-solid stability, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are a near-perfect ten out of ten. However, even the most robust machinery is susceptible to the occasional gremlin, and we've encountered instances where an SSD might unexpectedly conk out, a RAID controller hiccups, or a battery throws a tantrum. It's the nature of the beast; these are, after all, intricate marvels of engineering comprised of numerous, hardworking mechanical components. It's like that saying... even the sturdiest oak can shed a leaf or two now and then.

But here's the beauty of Dell's proactive approach: when one of these hiccups does occur, their automated error reporting system ensures we're promptly notified. It's happened before – we'd stroll into the office on a Monday morning, greeted by a chipper receptionist with, "Guess what? A taxi dropped off a replacement hard drive at 3 AM on Saturday!" "Which hard drive?" we'd gasp, scrambling to review the security footage. And there it was, undeniable evidence of a fallen comrade. Turns out, Dell had pre-emptively dispatched the cavalry, delivering the fresh drive two days prior - all without us even missing a beat.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

At its core, the capacity to scale Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers gracefully is unquestionably advantageous. However, the notion of swapping out central processing units, the brains of the operation, is rarely entertained. Instead, augmenting the system's memory or storage capacity reigns supreme. This approach proves particularly fruitful when we have the foresight to anticipate the system's potential demands three or even five years down the line. For instance, neglecting to incorporate hard drives during the initial configuration renders their subsequent addition impossible, creating a technical hurdle and, undoubtedly, impacting the financial equation.

How are customer service and support?

Awarding Dell's technical support a perfect ten would be bordering on the realm of unreality, where glitches and hiccups cease to exist, a near-impeccable nine feels eminently fitting. This singular point of contact, often an initial call center interaction, serves as a well-oiled gateway to a seamless resolution. Problems are promptly absorbed, swiftly escalating to the realms of L2 and L3 technicians, where collaboration blossoms. Imagine: we launch a ticket about storage woes, and the designated expert confidently identifies the issue as server-related. Instead of bouncing us back and forth, they seamlessly hand us off to a competent server specialist, keeping us firmly anchored in the loop. The beauty lies in their proactive approach, tirelessly seeking solutions with minimal disruption to our workflow. Of course, access needs might necessitate contacting us, but Dell's arsenal of innovative techniques, both current and yet-to-come, are poised to further streamline and standardize the entire process, promising an even smoother sailing experience in the future.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Prior to our current configuration, Hewlett Packard Enterprise servers were entrusted with managing our critical operations. However, after thorough evaluation, we embarked on a strategic shift towards Dell's PowerEdge Rack Servers. This decisive action has demonstrably enriched our organization by fostering a more stable and robust technological environment.

How was the initial setup?

The initial deployment unfolded with unexpected simplicity. The seamless integration and pre-configuration of the server components, coupled with the foresight of ordering my VMware directly from the factory, streamlined the process to a handful of minor configurations. As a result, the system sprang to life effortlessly. It truly was a plug-and-play experience – unpack, install, power on, and everything runs.

Our deployment strategy generally revolved around the substitution of aged server units. The process essentially amounted to a seamless sequence of insertion, installation, network attachment, activation, and rudimentary baseline configuration. This enabled the initial decommissioning of the legacy servers, facilitated by the meticulous pre-configuration undertaken in collaboration with Dell. Essentially, they delivered the system precisely as per our specifications.

What about the implementation team?

Due to limitations in both personnel resources and physical proximity, collaborating with a partner emerged as the optimal solution for facilitating the implementation process. The on-site presence of certain team members proved impracticable, necessitating the valuable expertise and capabilities offered by our external counterpart.

What was our ROI?

I understand the frustration of wanting to quantify the value of our work in concrete terms like monetary return on investment, but sometimes the intangible benefits are just as, if not more, important. It's fantastic that managing these servers now demands significantly less attention from us, freeing up precious bandwidth for other endeavors that were previously shackled by the complexities of their administration. This palpable reduction in workload has demonstrably translated into enhanced satisfaction among our colleagues, which in itself speaks volumes about the success of our efforts. While a meticulously calculated ROI figure might be absent, the liberated resources and elevated morale constitute a powerful testament to the value Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers undoubtedly deliver.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Pricing appears to be comparatively favorable, particularly within the project's scope. However, the licensing terms can occasionally be somewhat opaque, making it difficult for me to fully grasp them. I often rely on my partner's expertise in this area for clarification. It would be more agreeable if the licensing could be streamlined a little, potentially by providing more transparent and concise language.

Furthermore, the current nomenclature for different tiers, e.g., Enterprise, Super Enterprise can be confusing and uninformative. It would be much more beneficial if the functionality of each tier were simply described in plain language, allowing for easier understanding and comparison. Additionally, the process of requesting clarification or support could be improved. Having to ask multiple times can be cumbersome and inefficient. Ideally, there would be a more streamlined and efficient system for obtaining assistance.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

During our initial search, established industry giants like Lenovo, HP, and Fujitsu were naturally under consideration. However, after thorough evaluation, the team arrived at a conclusion: Dell, with its comprehensive and compelling value proposition, emerged as the clear frontrunner in meeting our stringent requirements. Dell's distinct advantage lies in its ability to function as a one-stop shop, a convenience often lacking when dealing with multiple manufacturers. By consolidating our needs under the Dell umbrella, we eliminate the complexities of juggling various vendors and establish a single point of contact for all product-related matters. This streamlined approach translates to seamless communication and eliminates the dreaded "ping-pong effect" that can often plague collaborations involving multiple manufacturers. Dell's commitment to holistic solutions ensures a frictionless experience, allowing us to focus on our core objectives with unhindered clarity.

What other advice do I have?

While I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers an eight out of ten, the intricacies involved in pre-configuring the system leave me yearning for a touch more user-friendliness. The sheer breadth of its capabilities necessitates a certain complexity, a sprawling landscape of options that, at times, can feel overwhelming. It's almost as if the system strives to be a one-size-fits-all solution, encompassing every conceivable need under the sun – an admirable ambition, yet one that occasionally comes at the cost of streamlined user interaction. Ideally, I'd prefer a configuration process that guides the user along a predetermined path, gently navigating through key decisions rather than presenting a daunting open expanse. However, I readily acknowledge that this is largely a matter of personal preference, and the inherent power and flexibility offered by the current system are undeniable. In the grand scheme of things, the configuration complexity isn't a deal-breaker, merely a minor bump in an otherwise smooth and rewarding experience.

The standardization inherent in Dell PowerEdge rack servers significantly enhances the overall operational malleability of our organization. This is primarily due to their ubiquitous compatibility, allowing for unimpeded deployment across diverse locations, as we've already successfully demonstrated. However, while this standardization excels in initial placement, it hasn't been fully tested in terms of intra-operational adaptability. Granted, component failure mitigation remains straightforward, with replacement parts readily dispatched and swiftly configured, ensuring rapid service resumption. Nonetheless, the internal flexibility facilitated by these servers hasn't been extensively explored.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Nir Rom - PeerSpot reviewer
Account Manager at NISKO TECH
Real User
Top 10
Sep 25, 2024
It's flexible enough to integrate the IOs we need into the server
Pros and Cons
  • "We could install all the other accessories and cards the customer asked us to implement on Dell servers and integrate cards from different companies. Each requires a different OS. Dell helped us integrate all the systems."
  • "When integrating the PowerEdge rack, we needed help from all the different companies to combine it with the servers. Each company has a system, and things must align with the server."

What is our primary use case?

We won a contract, and the customer preferred Dell as the OEM manufacturer. 

How has it helped my organization?

PowerEdge is flexible enough to integrate the IOs we need into the server.

What is most valuable?

Dell's team supported us all the way. It's an excellent corporation, and customers here in Israel are different. They're difficult to deal with and constantly change their minds. We wouldn't have won this tender without cooperation from the CMS distributor and Dell.

We could install all the other accessories and cards the customer asked us to implement on Dell servers and integrate cards from different companies. Each requires a different OS. Dell helped us integrate all the systems.

What needs improvement?

When integrating the PowerEdge rack, we needed help from all the different companies to combine it with the servers. Each company has a system, and things must align with the server. 

It would be better if they integrated Dell and Ubuntu, for example. It would be easier to handle the mission. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We are in our first month of working with the Dell team. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

PowerEdge's overall scalability is excellent. We've got a great technical team.

How are customer service and support?

I rate Dell Professional Services 10 out of 10. They were excellent and were the reason we won the tender. They supported us. We had a whole team supporting us and providing us with answers. When we were implementing VxRail, they found the person in charge  who gave us the correct information. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

What other advice do I have?

I rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers nine out of 10. We're happy with it. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. System Integrators
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Dell PowerEdge R-Series Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: March 2026
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Dell PowerEdge R-Series Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.