IBM System X3550

For remote management, you get an embedded IMPI 2-compliant BMC along with IBM's web-based Director 5.1 software. The X3350 also introduces IBM's Power Executive initiative, which allows power consumption and thermal loads to be controlled remotely. Accessed from Director, power monitoring allows you to keep a close eye on consumption by server and also by domain, while power capping throttles back processor performance to reduce heat output.

As the first representative of IBM's Systems brand, the X3550 introduces a much-needed redesign. Whether you choose the Series 5000 or 5100 processors is essentially irrelevant, as the platform remains the same. Either way, it delivers a superbly solid and well-designed foundation with a wealth of exciting new features.

Author: Dave Mitchell