Dell PowerEdge 2850

We did find the IPMI features awkward to use and supported by overly complex and muddled documentation. We'd therefore heartily recommend adding the DRAC 4/I remote management controller, which delivers full access to the server irrespective of its condition and all from a smart browser interface. It's as good as HP's iLO. It provides a secure interface to all power settings and console redirection plus a handy virtual boot disk feature that can remotely boot the server from a DVD, floppy or other storage device on the remote management station.

The PowerEdge 2850 is a versatile server, offering a wide range of optional features allowing it to be customised to suit. It doesn't have the classy look of the latest HP servers, but it's built well enough and does manage to pack a lot of hardware into its low-profile chassis.

Author: Dave Mitchell