Re: Switch To Sun Hardware : I Need More Facts

From: Robert Mazur (mazur_at_raincode.net)
Date: 04/08/04 

Date: 8 Apr 2004 07:25:18 -0700

Rich Teer <rich.teer@rite-group.com> wrote in message news:<Pine.SOL.4.58.0404071420460.3314@zaphod.rite-group.com>...
> On Wed, 7 Apr 2004, Robert Mazur wrote:
>
> > SUMMARY:
> > I need to buy a new server or two and want to realize why I should go
> > Sun/Solaris rather than x86/Linux.
>
> You have a third option: Solaris x86. Have a look around
> http://www.sun.com/servers/entry for the specs.
>
Ya, I thought about this. But I guess my draw towards Sun was more
for the hardware, opposed to the OS. Thus if I were to go x86, I
would likely stay with Linux. Then again, I suppose I can put Linux
on Sun hardware too. I guess all these options are the reason why I
started the thread, to think things through and have great folks like
yourself provide advice to things I didn't think of.

> > I administer about 5-6 servers that run Linux (RedHat and SuSE). They
> > handle a few web apps (apache/tomcat), a few websites, dns (bind),
> > mail (sendmail,postfix), and a MySQL database for us. Our office has
> > just 10 people in it, but our internet-exposed web apps may be used by
> > up to 100 users at a time. They do relatively simple address
> > entry/editing and simple order taking (ie. not big number crunching
> > procedures). Point being, we are not huge, but not insignificant.
>
> > I need to replace two machines (maybe more later) as precaution, just
>
> There's your first reason to stick with Sun HW. Most Sun sites run
> their kit into the ground, unless it is no longer capable of running
> the load, or becomes unsupported. Replacing servers "because they're
> old" doesn't sound like a good use of cash to me!
>
> On the other hand, you might save some $$$ by doing some sort of
> server consolidation.
>
The reason I am doing a precautionary replacement is that I have 2
systems that have already failed on me. And these two systems are of
the same vintage/vendor of a few other systems I have live. Well, in
fairness I lost a hard drive in one, and memory in the other....which
isn't exactly "full system failure".

We are a seasonal company and do the bulk of our business in a 10-week
timeframe (though we gear up for that 10 weeks througout the year).
What I try to do is reduce the likliness of computer-related failure
as much as I can. So if I can replace 4-year-old machines (where two
of their siblings have already exhibited trouble), then I'm going for
it! I'd prefer to roll the dice on fresh-new hardware than aged
components.

Yes, I could consolidate down too, power-wise. But I like the comfort
of things spread a little, such that if I lose my database server, it
doesn't mean I have lost my email and app server too.

> > due to age. They are dual PIII-700, 512MB ram, SCSI hard drive boxes
> > (Dell Poweredge). I would like to replace them with Sun boxes. I am
> > thinking V100 or V120 will due.
>
> I'd go for the V120, because of its hotswappable SCSI drives.

Noted. Thanks!

>
> > It is no secret this will cost be a bit more going Sun/Solaris rather
> > than x86/Linux. Maybe the difference between $1700 (x86) and $2500
> > (Sun) for what I guess to be a apples-to-apples comparison (I am
> > guessing at delivered cost).
>
> Again, what about Sun x86 hardware, running Solaris x86?

True. But starting price of the Sun x86 systems (like v20z) is higher
than that of the v100 and v120. 'Course, this may not be an even
power comparison. Tough call.

>
> > It is difficult to knowingly pay more for "nothing". Well, is it
> > "nothing"? What am I getting by going to Sun? More reliable
>
> End to end scalability, LOM, and better security (on SPARC).
> One vendor to go after, and the undoubted technical superiority
> of Solaris.
>
> > Oh, an how about the latest settlement with Microsoft and the
> > departure of Rich Green? Is the settlement, and then his quick but
>
> Who's Rich Green?
>
Rich was a Sun V.P., directing the vision for Java and other
software-side developments in Sun. To quote Rick Ross from JavaLobby:
 "Rich has been a tireless champion of the Java values and vision most
of us share in the developer community". More info can be found at
JavaLobby:
http://www.javalobby.org/

I saw Rich give a keynote speech here in Seattle at Sun Tech Days last
year. The guy seems to bleed Sun-purple and was very inspirational.
Thus his immediate departure after the settlement announcement has
some eyebrows raising in the Java community.

> > quiet departure something we should be reading between the lines on
> > regarding the longevity of Sun?
>
> Not at all. ANALysts have been predicting the demise of Sun
> for years.
>
Correct. But you may better understand my angle given the blurb
above. It was a sad day when Bill Joy left....now Rich Green. Who's
next, and why? I'm going a little off-topic....sorry.

> > p.s. Sorry for the length. I figure more detail will yield more
> > understanding of my angle.
>
> Absolutely.
>
> HTH,

You bet it helps, Rich. Thanks for taking the time to give your
advice!
Rob

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