[dba-Tech] OT: Compaq vs. Dell

Hi John,
You didn't mention what size company or the purpose of the server so I'm
assuming its a small business domain/file server.

I've worked with both Dell and Compaq Wintel based servers. I have a Dell
PowerEdge Server (Dual Pentium). I have no preference between the two as far
as servers go. Both companies have fine products and support in my
experience.

Keep in mind that the supporting equipment and setup will be as important as
the server. I usually include things like UPS, backup, OS, licensing, etc.
in the price estimate.

I personally think HP/Compaq has more of a IT friendly, strategic outlook as
a company but if you're dealing with a company that has a knowledgeable
support staff that is of little consequence. There are other companies to
consider buying a server from but since you didn't list them...

I have recently read that Dell has purportedly discussed adapting a policy
whereby its support staff will not be allowed to inform its customers
concerning the prevention/removal of Add/Spyware (malware), to the point of
not even mentioning the possibility that malware may be the cause of the
customer's problem. In my experience malware can cause major problems by
consuming RAM and causing system conflicts/lockups/crashes. Its not a small
issue. If Dell or any other company adopts a policy such as this (and I
repeat, I have not verified that Dell is following through on this) I would
have to regard that as extremely poor judgment and avoid their products. I'm
not suggesting that they help anyone fix malware problems but only that they
inform people of the possibility of them and offer possible alternatives on
how to remove the trouble software. Even Symantec does that much. (Norton
anti-virus now removes some malware but the tech support will still refer
people to use Spybot Search & Destroy if it is warranted.) I understand that
big compaines are being pressured by the potential for lawsuits from malware
companies. Kind of like suing a fast-food restaurant for giving you hot
coffee!

HTH
John B.



> -----Original Message-----
> From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
> [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com]On Behalf Of John W. Colby
> Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 5:23 AM
> To: DBA - Tech; AccessD
> Subject: [dba-Tech] OT: Compaq vs. Dell
>
>
> A client is looking to buy a server and has always favored Compaq servers,
> but is asking me and others their opinions of Dell vs. Compaq.  I am not
> knowledgeable where servers are concerned, and I know that you
> folks are an
> opinionated bunch <grin> so I'd like to get your opinion on
> whether Dell is
> as good as / better than / worse than Compaq when it comes to servers.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John W. Colby
> www.ColbyConsulting.com
>
>
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