Sun Microsystems Sun Fire X4140 review

HP is the only other server vendor to offer this feature as its embedded iLO2 chip is present on all its mid-range rack servers. For Dell you require its optional DRAC whilst IBM wants you to cough up for its RSA II card. In terms of features Sun's ILOM is the match of HP's iLO2 as it presents an equally well designed web interface. Sensor data is provided for all critical components and you have full access to the power supplies.

For general systems management Sun offers its xVM Ops Center software suite which is designed to monitor both x64 and Sparc platforms and provides features such as firmware provisioning, inventory, system monitoring and alerting. However, unlike Dell, IBM and HP you don't get the management software included as standard. Sun's thinking here is that the X4140 may well be installed in a network already comprising other vendors' servers and by integrating fully with their own management software it neatly gets its foot in the door.

With systems like the Sun Fire X4140 we're baffled as to why Sun isn't selling more of its industry standard servers. The X4140 packs so much more into its chassis than the rest, it's extremely well built and designed and easily matches HP's ProLiant DL365 G5 on price.

Author: Dave Mitchell