Viglen HX2220i

The management controller delivers a well-designed web interface from where you can monitor the server, control power and set up virtual boot devices. You also get full server remote-control tools included - HP charges extra, as this is an optional feature on its iLO2 management chips. The bundled SuperO Doctor III utility handles general remote and local server monitoring, and provides plenty of operational information on all critical system components. It also provides basic remote-control facilities, so you can access the server from another system, shut down the OS and control power.

The HX2220i is undoubtedly an unusual solution to a familiar problem for data centres. Supermicro has done a superb job of combining two independent servers into a single 1U chassis. By its nature, the HX2220i is limited to specific markets, but for sheer density of processing not even the latest blade servers can come remotely close to it.

Author: Dave Mitchell