Dell PowerEdge R-Series Reviews

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

The company that helped us implement them is called DISIOTEC.

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.

The price is acceptable but could be improved.

We did not evaluate other solutions.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for application servers, storage servers, or some hypervisor servers.

By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, we wanted centralization, security, and meeting the needs of the job.

The performance of these servers is similar to the servers from another brand, but Dell’s after-sales customer service is better than other brands.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers can be configured depending on our needs. They are adaptable.

In terms of energy consumption, we do not have any way to supervise the energy consumption of our servers. However, I know that there is a possibility to have several power supplies as a backup on the servers. It meets our needs, but I do not know if they consume more energy than the servers from other brands.

With regard to durability, we keep our servers for ten years or so. After that, we call upon a company that recycles them. We have never had any problem with the RSE for these servers.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers can help to reduce unplanned production downtime, but it all depends on the chosen configuration. A simple PowerEdge server with just RAID 5, for example, would function, but if we have a problem with the power supply or two disks, it would not work. It depends on the configuration. We put several of them which helps us to have less production downtime.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have affected the overall flexibility of our operations. As a general rule, we put Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers in racks, or we have them in tower mode for certain production systems. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are a standard in our company. They are needed. We have to have them. We will soon move. Our server room has been designed with tables that can have PCs in tower mode. In our new buildings, we have reduced the space or rather the surface area for our server room. All that has a great impact on the costs.

The iDRAC feature is valuable. It is for remote handling. If there is a connection issue when we deliver a server to a remote site, we only need to ask them to switch iDRAC on. We then have direct access to the RAID server configuration without having switched it on.

Its price could be better.

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

The stability is fine. It meets our needs.

For handling the evolving needs for high-performance workloads, I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a seven out of ten. The problem is that we are restricted with regard to the equipment. That means that at some point, we will either have to buy an extra component to put it in the SAL mode, for example. So, I have an issue with the restriction on the equipment that we have acquired, and as a result, we are forced to either replace it or upgrade it.

We generally keep a server for more or less ten years. After that, it is no longer compliant and reaches the end of its life cycle. It no longer complies with the standards for our systems, so we are forced to replace it. It is that simple. For example, at the moment, I have a PowerEdge server that I need to replace because, in terms of storage space, it can no longer meet our needs. For operational maintenance, we have chosen to opt for two identical servers with a SAN underneath. It is just evolution. We just need to adapt to the situation, and when it gets to a certain point, we just have to replace them. There is always an option that meets this evolution.

I would rate their support for these servers a solid eight out of ten. We have not encountered many problems, but when we have to renew them, their salesperson informs us and gets in touch with us. The technicians helping out are not necessarily from Dell. Because we have network sites that are fairly sensitive, we are obliged to have the technicians’ usernames in a certain way, and that is a fairly complex matter.

We had some servers from HPE and Siemens. We replaced them. We changed everything to harmonize our environment. Considering that all of our PCs and screen equipment are from Dell, we thought about adding the servers from Dell in order to have just one sales contact and better prices as we are grouping the equipment.

I was involved in the initial setup. It was rather simple.

We add solutions that allow us to manage them remotely. We can connect them remotely through a port called iDRAC that we need to add. We can then configure them fairly easily.

We buy them from Dell and implement them ourselves.

It is quite good. However, in terms of the ROI for the company’s business, I cannot say exactly where we have been saving but we have been able to meet our needs. As a result, the company has been making money.

The prices increase every year. We bought a few PowerEdge servers just two days ago for 4,300 euros. Previously, we used to buy them for 2,500 euros before tax. The prices are going quite high, but in terms of equipment, we have never had any specific problems. The maintenance is perfect, and when we need a disk replacement, the technicians help fairly rapidly.

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten. They do what they need to do.

On a la centralisation, la gestion à distance et un bon service client avec ces serveurs

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.

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.

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. 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.

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

The stability is good.

They are scalable.

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.

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.

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.

We do the implementation ourselves.

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

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