Dell PowerEdge R-Series Reviews

The use cases are related to Medical Oncology, everything that has to do with radiotherapy.

By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, I wanted a platform with good reliability, good work, and good service.

It gives us reliability for our applications. It offers us a secure and scalable infrastructure, which has become essential to virtualize our workloads.

The PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture approach to security is very good. I see much more interest from Dell in providing security that reflects our requirements. Because of better monitoring capabilities, it eliminates dependence on third-party certification authorities.

In terms of energy consumption, I would rate it an eight out of ten. They continually add more and more features to improve power consumption. In all the years as a Dell PowerEdge user, I have seen an improvement in their power delivery and consumption.

The impact of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has been very high on our organization’s sustainability goals. In our company, we need a platform with high scalability and the capability to handle high workload. With the reliability of the platform, we feel free to be able to deal with other issues.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have clearly reduced unplanned production downtime, but I cannot exactly say how much.

The OpenManage console has affected the level of productivity of the IT team. In terms of system repair, they receive fewer demands, which makes them meet more goals than before.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have affected the overall flexibility of our operations or business. The better performance the servers have, the better the applications will work, which consequently leads to better performance for Dell as well as for the company that uses its services.

The reliability and the execution of the necessary assignments are valuable.

I would like them to be more flexible when implementing more capabilities.

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

The stability of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is very good.

The scalability of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is very good.

We used HP 15 years ago. We switched because of the decision at the company management level.

The implementation was very simple.

They are currently deployed on-premises, with the possibility of a private cloud. We use Microsoft Azure. They are implemented at several locations. In the Galicia community, we have an implementation of PowerEdge with VxRail as well.

We had project managers from our company and from Dell.

The biggest ROI is reliability. These servers never fail, and the performance of these servers is great. They are stable 99% of the time and do not show any signs of failure.

They are good and reflect the prices on the market. We always wish they were lower, but they are good.

At that time, we evaluated IBM and FUJITSU. In general, Rack Servers offer us much more reliability.

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers an eight out of ten.

Our Dell PowerEdge servers support a variety of workloads. We use them to host web servers, run internal applications, and manage virtual machines through VMware. Additionally, we utilize them for database storage.

The success of our entire business hinges on the reliability of our servers. Therefore, we require servers that meet our specific needs and minimize the risk of downtime. For this reason, we have chosen Dell PowerEdge servers.

We've automated the configuration process for our server racks. This allows us to easily and automatically apply the necessary settings during server installation. As a result, we can efficiently deploy multiple servers up to a dozen at once, and bring them up to standard quickly.

In terms of security, we primarily rely on firmware updates obtained from the Dell website. These updates are certified and considered reliable. However, we don't utilize many other security measures beyond this.

Regarding energy consumption, we haven't encountered any significant issues. The newer versions of the servers are demonstrably more energy-efficient than the older ones. We actively monitor and collect power consumption data to optimize power distribution across our server bays. The data from the PowerEdge servers helps us prevent overloaded bays and maintain balanced power distribution across the data center. Additionally, the server chassis allows us to effectively measure and distribute the load equally.

Unplanned production downtime has been significantly reduced thanks to the implementation of PowerEdge servers, particularly their robust monitoring capabilities. This allows us to receive comprehensive feedback on various aspects, including disk errors. Consequently, we can leverage the iDRAC feature to seamlessly switch to secondary servers in case of an issue, minimizing downtime. Additionally, the excellent support ensures timely replacements for any faulty disks, further minimizing disruptions. While disk failures may occur, the implemented solution effectively mitigates their impact on production.

We have only recently begun using the OpenManage console to centrally manage firmware patching and deployment across our chassis. This has significantly accelerated the update process. Previously, updates were cumbersome and often neglected. However, with the console, particularly in the data center where it is installed, patching is now much faster and allows for more frequent updates.

We particularly appreciate the iDRAC feature, especially in its latest versions, for its capabilities in remote server management and comprehensive monitoring.

Historically, servers required a large number of processors, with a maximum of four being accessible at a time. While processor capabilities have improved, some brands still offer servers with eight processors. Nowadays, with more powerful processors, the need for multiple processors has diminished. We've recently encountered more issues with graphics processing units. Access to specific card models can be limited, and sometimes we require smaller cards than those offered by Dell.

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

I have never had any problem with the stability of the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers. Our system has been running smoothly with no downtime for a very long time. Therefore, there have been no issues up to now.

Our scalability is currently good. We can easily add more servers as needed, so there are no concerns at that level.

Nowadays, we adopt a scalable approach to server deployment. This allows us to dynamically select the necessary hardware components, such as CPU and RAM, based on evolving needs. As our requirements grow, we can seamlessly add new servers to the existing infrastructure, similar to how video chains are extended. This flexibility ensures that we only allocate resources when required, optimizing costs and efficiency.

Regarding Dell's support, we haven't needed it much recently, which is a positive sign. We haven't had many issues with them in the past either. While there were some challenges in the past, they were mainly related to the support tools, which could become complex when dealing with multiple deliveries.

Specifically, the issue arose from the tool's organization. We encountered situations where eight different sites with the same delivery address were created due to an extra comma in the address. This made it difficult to configure the tools as they recognized each address with the extra comma as a separate location.

However, since we've consolidated our data centers and everything is now at a single location, these issues have been resolved. The complexity arose primarily during my initial onboarding when we had servers duplicated across four sites, making management cumbersome.

That being said, Dell's support itself was always helpful. The challenges stemmed more from the limitations of the tool, which didn't allow us to permanently remove these "ghost locations" and required workarounds like hiding them within the interface.

Overall, although there were initial hurdles due to the tool's limitations, Dell's support has been satisfactory.

We use HP servers in parallel to the Dell PowerEdge servers. We are already using several HP servers in production. However, we haven't conducted extensive testing on them. Occasionally, urgent needs may necessitate their use. For instance, we acquired our current HP servers during a period of tight supply when we needed a two-week delivery timeframe, while typical lead times were around two months. As a result, the supplier had HP stock readily available, which is why we chose them at that time. While each technology has its advantages and disadvantages, we are very satisfied with Dell's performance. Since we haven't encountered any significant issues with Dell, they remain our primary choice for the time being.

During the initial setup, especially for the iDRAC configuration, I created custom scripts to automate configurations for iDRAC, BIOS, and Syslog. This streamlining process allows for a quick server installation. Once placed in the bay and prepared, our team can efficiently install the operating system and other necessary components.

In terms of our deployment strategy, we configure everything directly on-site. This includes setting the IP address for the iDRAC based on its final location. I then deploy the system using a pre-defined password and run a script that configures the base settings. Following this, the NG systems, including both Linux and Windows, take over to install the operating system.

The implementation was completed in-house.

Regarding the pricing, it seems fair. However, it's worth noting that compared to some brands, it can be more expensive, particularly in terms of customization options. For example, with Dell, choices like the GPU might be limited, potentially driving up the cost compared to a smaller server from another manufacturer like Supermicro.

As project managers, we should explore alternative vendors that offer greater flexibility in hardware selection and potentially smaller form factors. However, no final decision has been made on this yet.

We evaluated Supermicro servers.

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

Our Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers cater to a multitude of purposes. They host a sprawling network of virtual machines, serving as the bedrock for our vibrant development department. These virtual machines, provisioned through Hewlett Packard Build Power, have proven to be dependable companions on the development journey. We prioritize reliability by meticulously maintaining updates, scheduling machine restarts, and thoughtfully automating numerous key processes in-house. This approach has yielded highly satisfactory results, fostering a robust and reliable development environment.

To gain complete autonomy and internal control over our IT infrastructure, we opted for the deployment of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers. This strategic decision empowers us to manage our entire computing ecosystem effectively, minimizing reliance on external service providers.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have improved our organizational infrastructure, fostering a paradigm shift towards centralized operation. This strategic decision has yielded a multitude of benefits, primarily the consolidation of hardware and the seamless integration of diverse applications and solutions onto a unified platform. Furthermore, the inherent security enhancements provided by these servers have demonstrably bolstered our digital defenses, while their exceptional reliability empowers us to dynamically scale resources and seamlessly navigate peak loads, a critical advantage in today's dynamic business landscape.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have truly played a pivotal role in propelling our organization's sustainability initiatives forward. Before their implementation, our IT infrastructure resembled a sprawling archipelago of individual machines, each dedicated to a specific application silo. In my previous stints at other companies, I've witnessed firsthand the unwieldy sprawl of server landscapes, sometimes ballooning to a staggering 80 machines! Thankfully, the PowerEdge series was meticulously crafted with server consolidation in mind, enabling us to streamline our entire IT ecosystem into a sleek and efficient operation.

In the bygone era of IT, each application resided in solitary confinement, tethered to its own dedicated machine. This antiquated approach not only squandered space but also devoured energy like a famished dragon. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, however, have ushered in a paradigm shift, centralizing the once-sprawling landscape of applications onto a single, unified hardware platform. This agile infrastructure transcends the limitations of its predecessors, allowing virtual machines to migrate seamlessly between servers in response to fluctuating workloads. This results in unparalleled flexibility, liberated from the constraints of the past.

I've been consistently impressed by the exceptional build quality of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers. Having tried solutions from HP and other manufacturers, Dell's service stands out as demonstrably superior. Both internally and with external clients, it consistently exceeds expectations and optimizes our operations. This unwavering reliability is the cornerstone of our continued partnership with Dell. Moreover, the exceptional craftsmanship extends beyond service. These servers have proven to be remarkably dependable, experiencing minimal malfunctions. While routine hard drive replacements are to be expected based on internal components, the overall hardware integrity has been truly outstanding.

Dell can optimize the size of its rack servers, offering a minimized physical footprint without compromising performance or security. This focus on space-efficient design will enable us to achieve greater efficiency and agility in our IT infrastructure.

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for over five years.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are renowned for their unwavering stability and steadfast reliability. Their robust construction and cutting-edge technology ensure exceptional uptime and unwavering performance, even under demanding workloads. These servers stand as an unyielding foundation for your critical applications, delivering peace of mind and unwavering confidence in our IT infrastructure.

When it comes to scalability, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers leave no room for doubt. Their ability to seamlessly accommodate expanding workloads and data demands is truly unparalleled. I wouldn't hesitate to rate them a perfect ten out of ten in this crucial aspect.

My experience with PowerEdge technical support has been nothing short of exceptional. I'm thoroughly impressed by the level of service they provide. The rapidity of response is remarkable, with knowledgeable technicians readily available to assist depending on our specific service agreement. The expertise they possess is unparalleled, consistently exceeding my expectations. I am extremely satisfied with their service.

While I'm fresh to this organization, Dell seems like a well-established partner here. In my previous role, my company utilized HP for years, but unfortunately, issues with quality and service ultimately necessitated a shift. HP's support infrastructure simply didn't measure up to our exacting needs, prompting the transition to Dell, which played a significant role in the decision.

It's abundantly clear that the specific licensing requirements will be dictated by the intricacies of the machinery we deploy. It's an integral component of the operational process, and while I'm unable to delve into the intricacies of pricing due to my unfamiliarity with the specific costs, I can confidently assert that from a corporate vantage point, the paramount concern is to secure the most cost-effective solution, especially when managing a sprawling infrastructure.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have consistently earned my highest praise, achieving a perfect ten out of ten in my book. Across all the companies I've had the pleasure of working for, where Dell was the hardware of choice, my experience has been one of unwavering satisfaction. This positive track record is precisely why the strategic decision was made to migrate away from other manufacturers and establish Dell as our trusted partner. While I may not hold the reins of decision-making, if the choice were mine, I would wholeheartedly advocate for maintaining our commitment to the physical realm. From my perspective, there's something inherently reassuring about having the equipment physically present, allowing me to take direct ownership of its care and maintenance, and experience the tangible presence of our technological backbone. Even in the face of the allure of the cloud, Dell would remain my unwavering choice.

The general direction seems to be towards increased machine efficiency. To remain competitive, Dell likely has followed suit and implemented resource-saving measures. This is a significant influence, and likely a driving force behind many companies migrating away from traditional servers, or in the case of PowerEdge, embracing the Azure Cloud platform. Ultimately, energy conservation appears to be a key motivator in this shift.

We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers in a hyperconverged environment for object storage and some VMs, just like a classic server.

By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, we were looking for good performance and cost-effectiveness. We wanted the best cost-performance ratio in relation to our use cases. For example, if we want to increase our object clusters, we would look for servers with a high disk density and not necessarily with a huge amount of CPUs and RAM. In other cases, we would be looking for a better CPU and RAM performance but with a lesser number of disks. It depends on the use cases.

We have been working with Dell servers for many years. Like everyone, there is more and more RAM, and there are better-performing CPUs. Storage is more and more condensed and powerful, so the applications are becoming faster, and we can respond better. The only downside is that we are not coding as well as before because the hardware compensates for the customization of the code.

I have spoken to the data center regarding the energy consumption, and we are average in terms of energy consumption. If I compare it with other companies, we have the same average. For example, I made a study of an installation of a power supply at 1100 watts and between 750 and 1100 watts, and it is the same as what we can find elsewhere. Having said that, if tomorrow we could achieve the same performance with only 400 watts, then there would be a gap. It depends on the usage or the disks that we would have, but it is not disproportionate to what we need it for.

We require these servers to complete a job, and they complete the job. When we reach a limit, we increase it, and we scale it again and again. There could always be a better product that could meet the requirements even better, but as usual, each to their own specialty. If tomorrow, we could put 75 tera disks on the servers, we would be even happier. That would mean smaller and less energy-consuming servers.

They are overall within the global average in comparison to others. We recently had an RSE implementation and we are looking to reduce energy consumption. When we talk about energy consumption, we also talk about cooling because it is generally linked together. Anything that heats up more will consume more, so we would need more. There is also the issue of space in the data center. If a 2U server can potentially do the same work as a 4U server, it will be an area for improvement for implementation.

For years now, we have had these servers with a supply and components that are resilient. and that functions well. So, instead of just the servers, it is the applications, the development, and the storage that help us to reduce any unplanned production downtime.

The overall development of technology has affected our operations. Along with many other components, the servers have contributed to making everything more flexible for our operations.

The server itself is valuable. It does what we ask it to do.

It is hard to make a comparison without any technical factsheets for the other servers to compare with but like everyone else, it is about the pricing. They already upgrade regularly, so I do not have any improvement areas. We rely on the required standalone configuration.

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers with my client for a very long time.

They are easy to build, and we have no particular restrictions.

I have not interacted with their support for the PowerEdge servers. It is the administrator who deals with the support.

We use Dell PowerEdge servers, and we also use HPE servers. We have a wide range. We also have servers from other brands.

The main difference is the pricing. At some point, we receive a call for tenders, and we increase the number of our servers. Generally, it is more or less the same in terms of the range, but in the end, the one that offers the best deal wins. It is always the same thing.

We have a wide range of servers and a wide range of disks, and there are times when our needs evolve. So, it is according to those moments, and there are times when Dell offers some great promotions that are potentially better than those from other manufacturers, and sometimes, it is the other way around. It depends on how we want to implement them, and it also depends on the price.

There are no problems to report related to their implementation.

We do it all in-house. Because we order quite a substantial amount, we have playbooks and many other things to do it. We have reached a certain level of maturity to implement rapidly. When there are new models, we make modifications with the playbooks, and that is it. We can do it. The base is essentially the same. There are no revolutionary changes between the new models.

With regards to the licenses, I do not have a definite idea about all the licenses available out there, but I do know that there are more and more manufacturers who offer licenses.

We take a package. We do not take a license for the software and then everything that comes on top and one for the base. The thing that is becoming more and more important for us, which is better with Dell than with other manufacturers, is the administration. We are now being asked to separate the administration networks as much as possible, whereas, for a while, there was a trend for virtualizing the administration and production ports. That is becoming a stumbling block now. The new regulations require us to separate the administration from the production.

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten. There are not any issues that we are seeing, but the price can always be improved. It is always the same thing.