How to Build a Blade Server
Blade servers are comprised of a server chassis which houses multiple thin electronic boards that have all the components needed to run a single application. Thus, by using more processing power, simplified cabling, less rack space, reduced power consumption and blade server technology, blade servers respond to the critical need for increased server performance and availability while avoiding the complexities associated with space and power demands. A lack of standardization in blade server design means each individual vendor is free to make products that give customers plenty of choices. Online interfaces even allow potential clients to design their blade server and have it shipped as per specifications provided.
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Instructions
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Manual Design
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Select a blade server platform. The blade vendor landscape includes the shortlist of HP, IBM and Dell as the overall leaders. Other lower-cost options are also available.
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Select the server blade chassis. This is the enclosure that will house all the server components.
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Choose your blades that are going to be hosted inside the server chassis. The chassis and platform will determine the number of server blades that can be hosted.
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Select your storage options. Here, the options are diverse and can even include external storage.
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Select your power and cooling configurations. This involves determining the number of active fans to be used, as well as setting up the power outlets, power distribution units (PDU) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
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Choose your Ethernet connection and interconnections. This includes switches, fiber channel modules and other networking components for the blade server.
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Select your operating system and the applications to be hosted.
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Add infrastructure management software to help you manage your server environment.
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Choose other services that include data center management applications and dynamics applications, among others.
Use Online Interface
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Open the vendor site.
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Navigate to the system options page and select "System Components" or a similar option.
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Select the processor type, operating system, virtualization options, memory capacities and the network interface options provided. Select other hardware options provided, which vary with vendors. Use the price tag to avoid going beyond your budget.
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Select the licensing option, support services and user documentation. These will affect the pricing of your product.
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Contact the vendor using the address provided to clarify other details and regarding payment options.
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Tips & Warnings
When selecting a blade server platform, evaluate the server vendor and their platform capabilities. Pressure them to reveal the platforms' strengths and weaknesses in order to make an informed decision.
References
Resources
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