Boston Igloo 100LP

The embedded RAID controller teams up with Adaptec's Storage Manager, which provides a slick interface that monitors the drives and arrays and can remotely access Adaptec controllers in other servers. It provides an event log, but this doesn't include a notification system for detected errors or faults. For improved remote access, the server supports the optional AOC-SIMLC-HTC management card that offers IPMI 2 over LAN services but not KVM over IP.

It comes with the IPMI View utility, which allows you to keep a close eye on general system health, monitor critical system components and send out warnings if problems are detected. Both pager and email alerting are supported and you can choose from fan speeds, voltages, temperature and chassis intrusion items that you want to monitor. We'd recommend this upgrade if you want full control over power on the server.

Performance clearly isn't a high priority with the Igloo 100LP, but as a solution for providing basic network services it offers some unique advantages. Its low noise levels make it well suited to office environments, it offers particularly good value and its extremely modest power consumption makes it environmentally friendly.

Author: Dave Mitchell