X Serve and X Raid 1

[rliebsch]

I was wondering if anyone was using these in the Enterprise. My current file servers are nearly full, and I am looking to invest and expand my file storage capacity.

Our current servers are Compaq SCSI arrays. They are very fast and very reliable. However, they are also VERY expensive. For the same price I can get 7TB instead of 2.

Is anyone using them willing to offer up any information?

thanks much

Robert Liebsch
Stone Yamashita Partners

http://www.stoneyamashita.com/

 

[jmgalvin]

Apple has corporate reps for Xserve. It might be worthwhile to have a discussion with them about the products.

http://programs.apple.com/contactme/xserve/

Don't know how many people you have or what present os yo use on servers, but its worthwhile to remember that there arfe no per seat costs with the mac server os that comes with the machines - a possible further savings.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[Zelandakh]

I've got numerous XServe and XServe RAID arrays. Some joined to each other, some joined to other kit. They are good.

They aren't as fast as the Dell Powervault 220S which is half the price but a quarter of the size.

The Apple's are pretty quick though, don't get me wrong.

The XServe runs 10.4 which integrates to AD. Kinda.

 

[rliebsch]

Can you elaborate a bit on the AD (*kinda*)?

I have a full windows2k3 infrastructure, and I'd prefer that the UID/PWD's stay synched up.


Robert Liebsch
Stone Yamashita Partners

http://www.stoneyamashita.com/

 

[dodge20]

Apple's support is not adequate for business even with the premium support.. Compared to Dell it is a Joke. Here is an example of my last nightmare. (PS if you buy the spare parts kit it doesn't come with a processor).

3:30 pm on Wednesday - Server Crashes and I call support. We go over a few things on the phone and we are unable to fix it so they decide they are going to send a new logic board. (Already lost 1 logic board - so don't have an extra one in the spare parts kit).
5:05 pm - they order the logic board. Since the logic board was ordered after 5 we won't get the logic board until Friday.

Friday
The new logic board comes and we install it, but it turns out it is the processor that is bad. They don't ship over the weekend, so Monday is the earliest that we can get the new processor - they forget to ship it and we don't get it until late Tuesday night.

If your business requires timely data - DO NOT USE APPLE. Until they fix their business model, don't get sucked in like I did.



Dodge20

 

[Zelandakh]

In 10.4 you join the domain, authenticate using a domain admin. Don't specify a DC - let the Apple search for it as that leaves you safer.

You have to create local groups on the Apple and add AD members to those groups then share a folder to the local group. Don't try it with an AD group as it just sucks.

Once you've done that, ensure that both Apple and Windows share options are all set right then trial it. Include copying files both ways, Mac and PC if possible.

It works but the local folder makes the admin a bit more complex. You can VNC to the Apple box using UltraVNC but there is a remote control setting tick box to allow remote management by things other than Apple Remote Desktop.

 

[rliebsch]

dodge: I had read similar things the first time around when I was considering a RAID option. I had the PO ready to go then found a board where a load of people with Xserve and Xraid lost loads of money due to loss of production because the Xraid was inaccessible after an update to the Xraid.

Z:
Do you have anything to offer up with experience in this capacity? ...relative to hardware and support?



Robert Liebsch
Stone Yamashita Partners

http://www.stoneyamashita.com/

 

[Zelandakh]

Been using them since they launched without needing to call for support. Once drive failure but I bought spares anyway. My reseller is also pretty cool.

 

[MrAppleMac]

Dodge: I think it's like that with any 'customer service' call centre mate.

Best bet is to come on somewhere like this first and ask a few questions. To eliminate the time factor have you considered maybe having a backup server for if the main one goes down. You'll have no down time then.

 

[dodge20]

MrAppleMac

Dell's support is great. They have a part and a person at your location within 4 hours. Guarenteed.
I agree about the Backup Server - it would be nice. But many places aren't able to invest that much money on having a backup server just lying around. I wish it was the case, but usually isn't so.

Dodge20

 

[JustShady]

We have 11 Appple XServes here and one spare. Some G4s and some G5s Each XServe is attached to an XRAID or a half of one. We have experienced one failed FibreChannel card and a some failed drives over the last 3 years.

If you are investing in Apple Server Solutions, it pays to have an inside sales rep at Apple.

Response times have been great.

Additonally we use Linux and Windows 2003 Servers.

Maintenance on the Apple side is so much less time consuming.

JustShady