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Adj Directeur at Boursorama
Real User
Feb 4, 2024
Fast delivery, reliable, and helpful for reducing data center footprint
Pros and Cons
  • "The speed of delivery is something super valuable. Reliability and performance are also valuable."
  • "Their support can be better. The speed of their support is not always great because the access to the data centers is sometimes complicated, so there is back and forth."

What is our primary use case?

We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for application servers, database servers, and virtualization. We also use them for hyperconvergence.

How has it helped my organization?

By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, we wanted to reduce the footprint in the data center and the costs. We also wanted to have better performance and, above all, durability because we keep them for a minimum of seven years.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are well placed in comparison to their competitors in terms of energy consumption. They are even better now with the AMD processors.

At the moment, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers perfectly meet our needs. We have never reached the limit, or there has always been a solution offered by Dell to manage the evolving needs of the high-performance workloads. It is always evolving, and there are no issues.

With regards to the durability of the servers, the advantage is that we keep the servers for seven years before changing them. That is important for us. It allows us to avoid using them for nothing. The support is also there afterward. There is performance too because we are putting fewer of them.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have helped to reduce unplanned production downtime. We have very rare breakdowns with it. That is why we keep them for seven years.

Using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has affected the overall flexibility of our operations or business. It has had an impact on the growth because we can deliver fast. We can grow very quickly because we have a growth of 40% per year, and we have a supplier who can react and install very quickly, which allows us to grow.

What is most valuable?

The speed of delivery is something super valuable. Reliability and performance are also valuable.

What needs improvement?

Their support can be better. The speed of their support is not always great because the access to the data centers is sometimes complicated, so there is back and forth. This is where there is room for improvement.

We have a lot of issues with OpenManage. We are currently in talks with Dell to be able to roll it out within the company, but we are struggling because we are a bank, and there are many things that are out of bounds. It seems that the people working on it are not familiar with this type of business, and it is struggling to function properly. We would definitely like to have something better integrated. There is definitely some improvement needed in this software.

One area for improvement could be the capacity to evaluate all of our servers with one console. They might already have it, and I might not be aware of it, but it would be great to have one console that could tell us what, for example, the overall consumption from our servers is. I should be able to know about every rack too. That would help me with my choice related to the new generation and the model I should go for. Because of the rack configuration, I must be careful with each rack’s consumption. I must be careful that it is not too stretched.

Currently, I use one of their suppliers for PCs to get this kind of information. If I could obtain the information directly from the server itself, it would be more interesting.

Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerEdge R-Series
May 2026
Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerEdge R-Series. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2026.
893,438 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

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

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are stable. I would rate them a ten out of ten in terms of stability because I have no problem.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is very good. I would rate them a ten out of ten in terms of scalability because I do not reach the limit as far as my needs are concerned.

How are customer service and support?

Their support needs improvement. Delivery times are quite substantial, and customer service is very important to us.

I would rate their support a seven out of ten. They can improve the response time because it is always the same system. Bearing in mind that our teams are already pretty highly skilled, their support does not need to ask the same questions, such as:

  • Have you updated it?

  • Have you done the tests?

Generally, when we identify a problem, it ends up being that one, but we lose quite a bit of time doing the tests because we have to follow a certain procedure. They do not want to change the part until that procedure has been followed and completed. That is how we end up losing time with the support.

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

We have had some from HPE and other brands. I switched because I have been working with Dell for several years now, and above all, because of the server’s modality and direct delivery. The delivery is very fast which is not the case with the others.

How was the initial setup?


What was our ROI?

The calculation for any return on investments is always a complicated matter. It is always complicated, but as far as durability is concerned, we always see some because we can absorb the costs over a longer period of time. So, that lowers our investment’s cost. In comparison to the competitors, they are in a fairly good position, and it is still the case today, but the ROI is difficult to calculate as we are still growing.

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

We do not know why they have increased the price by 25%. This is a very steep increase. In my opinion, it is not justified, but it is the same case with everyone. Margins should certainly not be increased.

With regards to the licenses, I do not use any licenses from Dell.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten because there are a few areas for improvement. Overall, it is a good product.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2339181 - PeerSpot reviewer
Head of Backup at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Jan 31, 2024
Works perfectly and provides the cyber resilience and security that we need
Pros and Cons
  • "It works perfectly, especially in terms of availability and reliability, without any type of issue, which is why we are very happy with it."
  • "The cost can be improved. For other use cases, we use Hitachi servers, which are a little cheaper but have similar functionality."

What is our primary use case?

Mainly, we started using them when we implemented a cyber recovery solution with Data Domain, in which several Dell PowerEdge Rack servers are also involved.

By implementing this solution, we wanted cyber resilience. We wanted a 1/3 copy cyber recovery solution that would prevent us from losing all the data in the event of a cyber attack.

In terms of deployment, we use them on-prem, directly with Dell as our provider.

How has it helped my organization?

They provide the cyber resilience that we were looking for. They are working perfectly so far, and we are happy with them.

The PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture approach to security is very good. Overall, Dell's approach to security is pretty good. I like using Dell products because they always have security configuration guides.

In terms of energy consumption, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers can possibly be improved, but this is what I would say regarding any other type of server.

I do not know specifically about Dell's sustainability goals or how PowerEdge can help, but at the level of on-prem servers, it can always be improved by moving towards new virtualization to reduce the impact and perhaps reduce the number of servers.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have helped to reduce unplanned production downtime. In our case, we have planned a maximum downtime of one week in the event of a cyber attack. These are the ratios we use.

The OpenManage console has affected our IT staff’s productivity. It has helped in a positive way because it is a console that centralizes many things that our staff manages every day. In that sense, it is in a centralized console. It helps a lot.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have not impacted the overall flexibility of our operations or business. In our case, it is an isolated additional system, so it is not like adding an additional layer to improve the flexibility per se.

What is most valuable?

There is no specific feature that is more valuable than other servers for us. Because it is part of an overall solution that Dell has offered us, we opted for Dell's PowerEdge servers. Overall, it is a good solution. It works perfectly, especially in terms of availability and reliability, without any type of issue, which is why we are very happy with it.

What needs improvement?

The cost can be improved. For other use cases, we use Hitachi servers, which are a little cheaper but have similar functionality.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for approximately two years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

So far, we have had no stability problems. They are very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is very good. We use them in several locations. The main department in which they are used is ours, which is for data protection backup. They are mainly used for a cyber recovery solution.

How are customer service and support?

I would assess their support very positively. I have been working with them for several years, and I am very happy with their support.

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

We also use Hitachi. We have not switched. We maintain two brands.

What was our ROI?

It has simply covered our use case.

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

They can improve the costs.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated Veritas. We evaluated Netapp solutions. There were five or six different vendors. We did not see a critical difference. In general, they were similar, but Dell was more present throughout the process.

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
May 2026
Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerEdge R-Series. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2026.
893,438 professionals have used our research since 2012.
IT at Seitt r3r5
Real User
Jan 31, 2024
Competitive price, very reliable, and helpful for business continuity and efficiency
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features are that they are very reliable, and Dell's technical service is also optimal."
  • "The price is the only thing that can be improved."

What is our primary use case?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are the production servers for the company.

By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, above all, we wanted to resolve issues of scalability and trust.

How has it helped my organization?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have improved our company in terms of efficiency and security. In terms of business continuity, they have never failed us, and they have helped us to have a good name in the market.

The PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture approach to security is very good.

Energy consumption is one of the things that I worry about. While looking at and comparing with other platforms, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers seem to be very good. I realized that it is not a platform that consumes a lot of energy, and that calms us down. Their direct competitor is HPE. We always evaluate its energy consumption, and the comparisons come out very well in favor of PowerEdge.

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are good for handling the evolving needs of high-performance workloads. As a matter of fact, we have a virtual environment set up on one of their machines, and it is going very well. It has not disappointed us.

The impact of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has been good on our organization’s sustainability goals. We started using them as an initiative to improve our energy system, and it is worth saying that it was exactly what we needed.

Using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has helped to reduce unplanned production downtime. In terms of reliability, the servers do not break down, which helps us a lot as service providers. I cannot exactly say how much, but I can say that we have moved on from the previous company, HPE, to these servers, and from having maybe three or four interventions a year, we went to having none.

The OpenManage console has not at all affected our IT staff’s productivity.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are that they are very reliable, and Dell's technical service is also optimal.

What needs improvement?

The price is the only thing that can be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for more than 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability is very good. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are very stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of Dell PowerEdge Rack Server is very good.

How are customer service and support?

Their support is very good. The only thing that I would improve is the language, which sometimes can be a problem. They can direct you to different centers depending on the product you are referring to, and the language often seems to be an issue. I remember a case of a breakdown that we had with a PowerEdge server. We had to escalate it. We talked about it with a center in India, and it was complicated and almost impossible, even with an English translator.

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

We used HPE servers. HPE is a direct competitor, and we were very happy, but we have noticed an improvement using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers.

We decided to switch because of what we read and what other colleagues in the sector recommended to us and also because at that time, the economic offer was better.

How was the initial setup?

The implementation was simple. There was no specific implementation strategy for it.

We implemented Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers in a hybrid cloud model. For the public part, we used ESSENCE IT. We have our servers deployed in several locations.

What about the implementation team?

We used the same company through which we purchased it, and together with their technicians, we implemented it.

What was our ROI?

One of the things we really like is being able to request a warranty extension of up to five years directly with the manufacturer. Not everyone does that, but that is an important ROI because the investment you make initially can be maintained for those five years with confidence.

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

They are very competitive.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated HPE. The difference was the price. There was a lot of similarity at the level of functionality and internal components. For example, in terms of INTEL or NVIDIA, at the manufacturer level, you pretty much have to integrate the same thing, but it does have its nuances, such as the issue of energy savings due to power supplies and so on.

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
reviewer2335590 - PeerSpot reviewer
Leiter interne IT und Rechenzentrum at a media company
Real User
Jan 30, 2024
Helps to enhance operational consistency and reliability of our applications
Pros and Cons
  • "What truly impresses me about Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is their unwavering commitment to customer service, providing great assistance throughout the entire product lifecycle."
  • "I would like enhanced latitude in the machine assembly process."

What is our primary use case?

To ensure the continued success of our clientele, we leverage the robust capabilities of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers within the confines of our data center.

The straightforward implementation of firmware updates on servers can often prove to be an elusive objective. Recognizing this arduous challenge, we opted to incorporate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers into our infrastructure, thereby facilitating a more streamlined and efficient process.

How has it helped my organization?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have demonstrably bolstered the operational consistency and reliability of our applications, thereby enhancing the user experience for our esteemed clientele.

Given our exclusive reliance on Dell servers, conducting a direct comparison of energy consumption across different vendors proves to be a rather intricate endeavor. Nevertheless, I am confident that the power usage falls within a range deemed satisfactory for our operational requirements.

We leverage these server systems for an extended period of time, a practice that demonstrably contributes favorably to the principles of environmental sustainability.

Dell PowerEdge servers have demonstrably curtailed the incidence of production downtime, the precise extent of which remains challenging to quantify. Nevertheless, a marked decline in service outages and a concomitant upswing in availability periods are irrefutable indicators of this positive development.

The OpenManage Console serves as a streamlined nexus, consolidating a multitude of functionalities within a singular, intuitive interface. This holistic design fosters an enhanced level of productivity amongst IT personnel by eliminating the need to navigate through a maze of disparate applications.

Dell PowerEdge servers have contributed to the overall flexibility of our operations. This translates to relatively short delivery times, which is a significant advantage. We can quickly acquire new servers without facing lengthy lead times.

What is most valuable?

What truly impresses me about Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is their unwavering commitment to customer service, providing great assistance throughout the entire product lifecycle. This unparalleled level of support extends for an extended duration, ensuring that our servers remain reliable and secure for years to come. Furthermore, the exceptional quality of these servers is evident in their engineering and robust construction, guaranteeing peak performance and unwavering stability even under the most demanding workloads.

What needs improvement?

I would like enhanced latitude in the machine assembly process. The current constraints, limiting configurations to a select few, often lack inherent rationality. This rigidity makes it challenging to construct servers that are meticulously calibrated to specific requirements. Ideally, we should strive for a system that allows for the bespoke tailoring of servers, ensuring perfect alignment with each unique need.

For how long have I used the solution?

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

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

While Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have generally garnered a stellar reputation for their reliability and performance, we did encounter a recent hiccup on one of our machines. Thankfully, a dedicated support case was promptly established to address the issue. It turned out to be a faulty component, which was swiftly replaced, and the machine was soon humming along once more. All in all, our experiences with these servers have been overwhelmingly positive, with this singular incident serving as a minor bump in the road.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The servers are provisioned with their core hardware components at the time of acquisition. In most cases, further augmentation isn't particularly rational, although it is feasible to add supplementary memory or storage devices in exceptional circumstances. While this approach generally proves acceptable, it can present challenges in situations where the servers haven't been outfitted with the potential for future expansion. For instance, if a server is only equipped with a single processor, installing a second one later on is an impossibility. While this might seem suboptimal, it does offer the advantage of being cost-effective. After all, there's no need to construct the entire infrastructure if only a portion of it will be utilized.

How are customer service and support?

While previously the realm of technical assistance left much to be desired, with technicians rarely dispatched and resolutions often left frustratingly in our own hands involving the mere shipment of parts or miscellaneous supplies, a remarkable change has taken place. The current landscape of Dell support stands in stark contrast, characterized by the prompt arrival of technicians armed with the requisite materials or their express pre-delivery and a demonstrably high level of ongoing machine support, exceeding even our most exacting expectations.

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

In the past, our server infrastructure relied on a patchwork of machines, cobbled together from various components and specifications. These solutions, while valiant efforts in their own right, often fell short in terms of reliability and consistency. Seeking a more robust and standardized approach, we migrated to Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, enticed by their reputation for superior quality and comprehensive warranty programs.

How was the initial setup?

The initial deployment has been occasionally straightforward, but we have also come across instances where machines brought about challenging difficulties that were difficult to pinpoint. In the majority of situations, it's positive, but not consistently.

Given the confines of our restricted IT infrastructure, we opted for a meticulous, hands-on approach to server deployment, manually installing each one within its own designated space.

What about the implementation team?

At the outset, our implementation lacked external assistance. However, we have now brought on board LSK Storage, a value-added reseller, to superintend a wider range of tasks, as we no longer shoulder the entire burden ourselves. Our interactions with them have been exceptionally positive, exceeding our expectations. Indeed, continued collaboration would not be on the table if their performance had been anything less than stellar.

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

The cost structure associated with Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers presents itself as a potential point of contention for budget-conscious consumers, as it could be more strategically positioned to compete within the broader marketplace. Additionally, the degree of configurability offered by these server solutions might warrant further scrutiny, as it may not invariably align with the precise requirements of every individual user or organization.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

During our evaluation process, we meticulously assessed a diverse range of server solutions offered by multiple manufacturers. Ultimately, Dell emerged as the frontrunner due to their unwavering commitment to long-term product availability, ensuring the sustained viability and stability of our IT infrastructure.

What other advice do I have?

I would give Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a rating of nine out of ten. While they offer excellent flexibility, I find that it can be limited in certain situations. Users are required to commit to specific configurations and cannot always choose every desired processor or combination of components. Additionally, there are sometimes unclear dependencies between components, requiring the use of specific minimum amounts of certain resources. These limitations prevent me from giving them a perfect score.

Our infrastructure is optimized for stability rather than raw processing power. While our servers may not boast the most formidable specifications, they consistently deliver reliable performance within their established parameters.

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
reviewer2318388 - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Engineer
Real User
Jan 16, 2024
Provides exceptional flexibility, reliability, and productivity, ensuring uninterrupted operations and scalability while minimizing downtime
Pros and Cons
  • "Our overall experience with their product and support has been consistently excellent."
  • "Occasionally, there might be extended wait times between placing an order and receiving the delivery."

What is our primary use case?

Previously, each branch or specific function had its own dedicated servers for tasks such as backups, file storage, print services, and directory management. However, the current approach has shifted towards utilizing VMware for site-related functions.

This means that instead of individual servers for each task, virtualization technology like VMware is employed to streamline and optimize server management for various purposes across the organization.

How has it helped my organization?

Implementing the solution with Dell servers addressed several challenges we encountered. The physical installation, especially in rack configurations, became significantly easier with a streamlined process - a simple click for various tasks.

In our energy research, we've been using Dell PowerEdge servers for an extended period. Recently, we introduced servers from IBM and HPE into our infrastructure. However, we haven't conducted a comprehensive comparison, particularly regarding power consumption.

The PowerEdge servers have proven to be highly effective in meeting our evolving needs. During server configuration, we strategically plan for around fifty to sixty percent usage, opting for a slightly higher configuration than is strictly necessary. This approach has ensured that we haven't encountered any issues thus far.

Dell PowerEdge servers have positively impacted our organization's sustainability requirements. We are extremely satisfied with their performance so far, experiencing minimal hardware issues. With their support in place, any problems, whether related to hardware or software, are promptly addressed and repaired.

The utilization of Dell PowerEdge rack servers has significantly enhanced the overall flexibility of our operations. The remarkable flexibility of these servers has contributed to increased productivity, eliminating downtime.

What is most valuable?

The integration of servers with VMware has been a smooth and positive process.

What needs improvement?

There is room for improvement in making it more cost-effective. Another area for improvement could be the delivery process. Occasionally, there might be extended wait times between placing an order and receiving the delivery.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using it for more than twenty years now.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We are highly satisfied with the level of stability provided.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of the servers has been excellent. As we transition to VMware, scalability remains a strong point. Our approach of configuring slightly higher than immediate needs allows for easy scaling without significant challenges.

How are customer service and support?

Our overall experience with their product and support has been consistently excellent. We would rate their support as highly effective, as we have not encountered any significant issues. I would rate it eight out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

The implementation strategy involves careful planning, determining the required components for the server, and configuring all aspects before proceeding with the actual implementation. Once everything is set up according to the plan, the implementation, whether for physical or virtual servers, typically proceeds smoothly without significant complications.

What was our ROI?

In terms of ROI, we have experienced zero downtime with Dell PowerEdge servers. Proactively, if there is any indication of potential issues or planned maintenance, we always prepare alternative solutions. This approach has proven to be highly cost-effective, ensuring uninterrupted operations in our environment. Over my thirteen years with the company, I cannot recall a single instance where colleagues had to wait due to server issues or encountered any significant problems. Overall, the reliability of Dell PowerEdge servers has contributed significantly to a seamless and dependable work environment.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We are continuously exploring offerings from various companies, always seeking the best solutions. Currently, we have servers from both HP and IBM, and specifically, we've integrated IBM storage and Solar devices for evaluation. This approach allows us to compare and assess their performance before making informed decisions based on our specific needs.

What other advice do I have?

Adopting the PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture for security involves ensuring that all firmware updates released by Dell are diligently applied. Regular updates are consistently implemented to meet standard security protocols. However, there is also a proactive stance in preparing for unforeseen circumstances, acknowledging the importance of expecting the unexpected.

Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
PeerSpot user
Ronald Stoffels - PeerSpot reviewer
System Engineer at Parkstad IT
Real User
Dec 5, 2023
Can be used for SQL servers, domain controllers, virtual center servers, and backup environments
Pros and Cons
  • "Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are easy to manage and install, and it gives us a lot of time to do other things."
  • "Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers could improve the bezels in front of it."

What is our primary use case?

We are local governments, and we use the solution for computing power and view. We use the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for our ESX cluster, SQL servers, domain controllers, virtual center servers, and backup environment.

What is most valuable?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are easy to manage and install, and it gives us a lot of time to do other things. We hang it in a rack, install software on it, and it is automatically deployed for the environment.

What needs improvement?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers could improve the bezels in front of it. Because they always change the bezels, it's strange when you come with the customer into your cell room and see ten different bezels hanging.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for 25 to 30 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is a pretty stable solution. When there's something wrong with the hardware or hard drives, it can be changed in a running system.

How are customer service and support?

The solution's technical support is good. I call the technical support team when I have a question or problem, and it's always fixed within 30 to 60 minutes. The technical support team resolves our issues on the phone, or the next day, an engineer would come with spare parts to fix the issue.

I rate the solution’s technical support eight and a half out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

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

We previously used HPE Compaq Server.

After surveying what was better for us, we came to Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers and stayed with it because it was good. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers' price is better than HPE Compaq Server, and it's easy to rack mount. You don't need equipment to hang it on a rack. With other equipment, you need a screwdriver and a bolt. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are easy to hang and get out of the systems.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's initial setup is a bit complex because we have a fiber environment and a network environment, which we always have to configure. The fiber environment takes a lot of time. The network environment takes some time, wherein you install the OS and deploy your configuration file on it. The implementation is pretty fast and takes five to ten minutes. Then, you do all the configuring around it because you want to connect it to your power store.

What about the implementation team?

In our environment, it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to get the solution out of the box into a running system.

What other advice do I have?

The solution's power consumption has improved a lot. We always have two power supplies on it. When there's a power outage, and one doesn't work, we have the other spare one. The power consumption is always balanced over two. So, power consumption has gone from high to medium and is even lower now. We are not using the spinning disk anymore.

The solution's ability to handle the evolving needs of high-performance workloads is good. We have a couple of power racks exclusively used for SQL storage. Since the SQL databases are running on them, they need performance, and they perform perfectly.

The solution has helped reduce our unplanned production downtime, but that is because we are also using VMware. So, you can do downtime during the daytime and plan it. Our hardware doesn't power off once a year.

We check every month for OpenManage updates. We check the OpenManage appliance, get a catalog, look at it to see if there is new hardware or firmware, and always deploy them every month. So we are always on top of the new updates.

Overall, I 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
System Administrator at a construction company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Nov 17, 2022
Decreased time to deploy new data centers, improved IT staff's productivity and reduced unplanned downtime
Pros and Cons
  • "The iDRAC is an excellent service; it allows us to install and deploy our software remotely."
  • "Using the OpenManage console decreased the time it takes us to deploy new data centers; we can do in one hour what previously took us four hours."
  • "Overall, the solution is excellent, though Dell could improve the monitoring."
  • "Overall, the solution is excellent, though Dell could improve the monitoring."

What is our primary use case?

We are a construction company operating worldwide, and we use PowerEdge servers for local storage at our construction sites. Each site has its own infrastructure, including a Dell server. When construction is completed at one place, we decommission the server and then recommission it to another location. There are many Dell servers in the company, somewhere around 3000-5000.

I used the solution to create a cluster consisting of three servers plus storage, and it automatically failed over using VMware. The OS on top of VMware is usually Windows, which is used for financial systems.

We leverage native Windows OS security features in our environment; we need third-party security tools to ensure the safety of our servers. 

Our infrastructure is extensive, so we rely on the reliability of the servers. If a server is down, we need to deploy the support team to fix any issue. 

We use the solution as a kind of high server, and they are our go-to servers for data forms. The overall integration of our workloads with PowerEdge Rack Servers is critical.

To protect from malware and other firmware attacks, we use McAfee and other antivirus software. We have our firewall and other layers of protection.  

How has it helped my organization?

Using the OpenManage console decreased the time it takes us to deploy new data centers. We use efficient division of labor and the technologies offered by the solution, so we can do in one hour what previously took us four hours. 

OpenManage very much improved our IT staff's productivity. We are part of a larger organization, and there is Dell service worldwide. As such, we can centrally control firmware updates and turn the power on and off to the servers. This feature works very well for us. 

Using the solution reduced our unplanned downtime by 20% to 30%. 

What is most valuable?

The iDRAC is an excellent service; it allows us to install and deploy our software remotely.

The OpenManage app is another excellent service, and VMware supports it. There is no problem with drivers because we can get all of them via VMware or Dell.

The solution is an excellent platform for handling the needs of high-performance workloads, it's a good server for high performance.

The solution's approach to security with signed firmware, drift detection, and BIOS recovery is robust and accessible. We can monitor the security landscape easily via OpenManage. 

The solution's energy consumption is excellent for managing the power supply, as it is very efficient thanks to built-in power factor correction. The power consumption depends upon the load; it increases with a high CPU load, and we manage this through Windows. We can also use OpenManage to fine-tune the power management.  

The major market players are HP and Dell, and we find Dell to be the more cost-effective server. We're also satisfied with its features; the security, management, remote management, and reliability are all favorable.  

What needs improvement?

Overall, the solution is excellent, though Dell could improve the monitoring.

The solution could be more friendly in terms of cost. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have worked at several companies using Dell PowerEdge Rack servers for over ten years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is very stable and reliable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable; we can increase capacity by adding CPU and memory as required.

How are customer service and support?

The customer service is good. We do a lot of remote work, so we sometimes contact them from sites to assist in making changes, doing updates, or installing remotely. 

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

I previously used HP servers, which are also good, but I switched due to the high cost.

How was the initial setup?

The initial deployment is straightforward, and that improved over time. Our project management is pleased with the quick deployment; nowadays, we can even deploy remotely. Deployment takes no more than one hour.

Our deployment strategy is to work remotely; technicians install a rack on site, and I can deploy as soon as I get iDRAC.

What was our ROI?

Typically, we receive an ROI. By the time construction has finished on a site, the server will already have covered its cost and more.

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

The product is cheaper than HP servers, but the price could always be better. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We considered public cloud servers, but PowerEdge wins in cost versus public cloud. We also have a vast number of files and operate a large number of sites. One of our requirements is to store files locally, so we need to place physical servers at our locations. That's why we went with the Dell Technologies solution.

The latency of PowerEdge versus public clouds was critical to us as end users don't want issues on the network. Some people prefer to go with the cloud no matter the cost, but the price is essential for us, and the PowerEdge servers are more affordable, especially over the long term. In the short term, going with the cloud could be cheaper. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate the solution ten out of ten. 

We use the Dell OpenManage console for our PowerEdge Rack Servers, and it's easy to use.  

PowerEdge servers are a good choice, as many people use Dell services on the market, and we find Dell to be the most cost-effective server. In terms of long-term cost, we would choose this solution over a cloud solution every time, so I highly recommend this product.

I recommend a good server room or rack with air conditioning to provide a favorable physical environment for the servers. I also recommend a good network as we can use 10G nowadays, and a good network contributes to computation.

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
Moshe Tzarfati - PeerSpot reviewer
Global Backup Admin Lead at Motorola Solutions
Real User
Jul 12, 2022
We can manage it remotely so it is useful for troubleshooting
Pros and Cons
  • "In regards to security, I have noticed that we can implement Active Directory to the iDRAC. It is more secure that way. Then, everyone can access it as they please."
  • "It is a good, high performance server."
  • "I would like them to add more NVMe slots. That would be good. That way, it would have better performance, e.g., enough storage for better performance than a spinning disk."
  • "I would like them to add more NVMe slots. That would be good. That way, it would have better performance, e.g., enough storage for better performance than a spinning disk."

What is our primary use case?

My division is backup. We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers powered by Intel to deploy backup systems to back up the entire area or region where we are setting it up. We actually use it as a media server for backup.

For this server, we bought several with a net of 30 terabytes to use with a memory of about 256 gigs.

How has it helped my organization?

We have benefited in performance, especially when installing the media server for the backup and performing backup for high performance and fast storage.

What is most valuable?

I like Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers powered by Intel. It is a good, high performance server. It is easy to manage, especially with the iDRAC. 

iDRAC is its most valuable feature. The management from the iDRAC port is useful for me because my server is located in Australia, and I need to manage it from Israel. Therefore, it is useful for troubleshooting.

There is flexibility to use a lot of storage on the server. It has the ability to have it as a RAID and support that. This is most useful for me in the case of a malfunction in one or two drives. It is like having a server and storage together, i.e., hyperconverged. We can manage this remotely.

In regards to security, I have noticed that we can implement Active Directory to the iDRAC. It is more secure that way. Then, everyone can access it as they please.

We use Intel Xeon Scalable processors in our PowerEdge Rack Servers. They have very much helped to improve the performance of our targeted workloads. 

What needs improvement?

I would like them to add more NVMe slots. That would be good. That way, it would have better performance, e.g., enough storage for better performance than a spinning disk.

There is some improvement needed in the site (with its arrangement) when trying to find some configuration or troubleshooting matches.

For how long have I used the solution?

We just bought two Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for a region. We installed them about a month ago.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is very stable.

I am using it for backup, so it has to be reliable. Even in cases where there is downtime, we can then use the solution to retrieve data. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Its scalability is great. I can add more storage and shelf to that server.

How are customer service and support?

I have not yet needed the help of Dell support for PowerEdge Rack Servers. In the past, I have enjoyed my experience with Dell support for storage. I would rate them as eight out of 10.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

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

Previously, we had an old HPE server that was backing up systems but taking a lot of time. Now, with the Intel Xeon and Dell server, it is a lot faster.

The HPE server was no longer supported, so we tried to check with some other vendors. Because of its flexibility to have more storage and scalability, we choose Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers.

How was the initial setup?

The deployment of PowerEdge Rack Servers was new for me since I used to work with HPE servers. The setup was a little bit different, but it was easy to catch up and do the installation.

It took several minutes to determine how to work with PowerEdge and configure the BIOS. The one thing that surprised me is the ability to configure the BIOS from the iDRAC, not going directly inside the BIOS in order to do so.

What about the implementation team?

I deployed it.

What was our ROI?

We installed the servers, and they are currently working.

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

The pricing and licensing are fair.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated HPE, Dell, and IBM. We chose Dell PowerEdge mostly because of the price and extendability.

What other advice do I have?

It is easy to manage and extendable. Compared to other vendors, the prices are much lower. Go for it.

I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers as 10 out of 10.

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
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Dell PowerEdge R-Series Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: May 2026
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Dell PowerEdge R-Series Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.