Are server warranties a rip-off?

We have covered how to save money by shopping smart and how to save money on hardware, now let’s tackle warranties! Whether the standard warranty is sufficient will depend somewhat on your individual needs and the equipment you purchase, but I typically recommend sticking with the standard 3 year NBD warranty. Some newer upgraded warranties offer operating system support and even support for major applications. I have no experience with any server manufacturer’s application support, so I cannot comment other than to say I am skeptical that a server manufacturer will provide better support than the application vendors themselves. I also think that operating system support direct from Microsoft and various Linux vendors is better than what the server manufacturers offer. Since most OS vendors provide high quality tech support on a pay per incident basis or as part of a maintenance program, I don’t see any value in paying HP or Dell up front for the same service. (more…)

Server manufacturers often charge far more than market price for RAM. When pricing a new server check with www.crucial.com or www.kingston.com and see if the cost of RAM is significantly less for the particular model of server that you are looking to purchase. Physically adding RAM to a server is just as easy as adding it to a PC and the memory configuration tools at those websites will make sure you are selecting the correct type of RAM and in the correct quantity. I prefer Crucial because you can purchase direct from them, they have a lifetime warranty on all of their products, and you are guaranteed that their memory is compatible. Most of the HP and Dell servers I have purchased in the last few years come with Crucial brand RAM, so why pay $400 to HP or Dell for the same stick of RAM that you can get for $300? Multiply that savings times the number of RAM modules that you need and it can really add up. This is especially helpful when looking at a Smart Buy server from HP which typically comes with the smallest amount of RAM that the server can accommodate. The downside to this tip is that the manufacturer warranty does not cover customer installed RAM, so don’t expect HP or Dell to replace memory that you added. RAM failure may cause the server to be down or degraded to the point that it unusable, so it is important to know how quickly it can be replaced. Consider your server’s warranty and the timeframe that the manufacturer is required to provide you with a replacement part. In the case of a Next Business Day warranty, you will be able to order a replacement and install it in the same timeframe as HP or Dell. RAM is solid state and very rarely fails, so this is a low risk cost saver. (more…)

This post is intended for small business owners that need to minimize the cost of a name brand server. I typically deal with HP and Dell servers, so the information here applies specifically to purchases from those two companies, but it may apply equally well to other brands. These tips can save you a lot of money, but they will sometimes come at a convenience cost which has been noted where appropriate. Some of these tips assume that you have a fairly high level of knowledge of hardware and the computer industry, so if you find yourself lost in the terminology or techniques, contact us at www.bastionpoint.com. A good consultant can help you find your way to picking an appropriate server at the best price.

Shop smart! (more…)