2006 Products Of The Year

NETWORKING HARDWARE
Server Partners File Engine

Some integrators may be unsure how to balance their existing revenue stream from network hardware with their need to extend their managed services capabilities. With its FileEngine product, Server Partners offers solution providers the ability to straddle the two worlds.

Slide Show: Top 10 Products Of The Year

FileEngine, an on-site server appliance, is managed remotely as an SMB service. This unique approach, combined with the product's potential for up-front profitability, earns FileEngine the Product of the Year nod for networking hardware.

Server Partners' FileEngine combines Linux, open-source software and the Pentium 4 platform in a system that is leased for a flat monthly fee for a three-year term. There are no hidden costs, and the appliance is simply replaced every three years along with a new lease agreement.

FileEngine is ideal for VARs selling to companies that need flexible networking capabilities but don't want to deal with licensing and maintenance costs. The appliance comes with redundant hard drives, integrated DVD-R backup, a free American Power Conversion SmartUPS 620 UPS, remote administration and monitoring—and it works with all versions of Windows and Mac OS X.

The platform supports an unlimited number of users with no license costs or repair bills. What's more, customers are guaranteed that their data is safe, and solution providers are guaranteed to make money because the appliance is leased and maintained remotely.

Prices start at $235 per month for a unit containing two mirrored 120-Gbyte hard drives. The monthly fee covers installation, integration, monitoring and maintenance. Updates are performed automatically as needed. Configurations with larger capacities are available at a higher price. A built-in double-layer DVD burner lets users put up to 18 Gbytes of backup files on removable media from an easy-to-use push-button interface. To prevent user tampering, no mouse, keyboard or monitor come with the appliance.

In addition to earning revenue from handling installations, partners can generate recurring revenue by selling an off-site remote backup option tied to FileEngine. The service is sold to partners for $3 per Gbyte per month, but the partner can typically charge customers $6 to $10 per Gbyte per month. The partner then receives a check each month from Server Partners. If there is ever a problem with the appliance, the partner is paid to fix it. (Customers never have to pay more than their agreed-upon monthly lease price.)

Server Partners has successfully created a product that is the sound foundation for a real solution, keeping VARs involved and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. A rare combination indeed.

-- Frank J. Ohlhorst