HP Builds The Perfect Server For SMB Market

Available for less than $4,000, which includes two Xeon processors and 1 Gbyte of memory, it is the perfect server for small businesses. The server supports two processors running at 3.2GHz with 1-Mbyte second-level ECC cache and 533MHz front-side bus. Memory can be expanded to 4 Gbytes, and the server comes standard with 512 Mbytes of PC2100 DDR SDRAM running at 266MHz.

The ProLiant DL140 is easy to install and service; the lid is held in place by a single thumbscrew. The inside of the chassis is as neat and clutter-free as possible. Everything can be swapped out quickly in case something needs to be replaced.

The ProLiant DL140's integrated dual-channel Ultra ATA/100 controller supports only two ATA/100 non-hot-pluggable hard drives. Even so, this allows for an internal storage capacity of up to 160 Gbytes. The server includes other useful features, such as one 64-bit/133MHz PCI slot operating at 3.3 volts and two integrated 10/100/1000 NICs.

The ProLiant DL140 includes a 325-watt power supply and five tiny system cooling fans, each about the size of a shot glass.

The ProLiant DL140 features four USB ports, with two on the rear panel and two on the front panel. USB ports are now handy to have on servers because many new peripherals such as printers require them. The server doesn't have any parallel ports, so hooking up any printer directly would require USB.

A CD-ROM drive is optional but recommended. In addition, one serial port is included.

HP's server has a very simple front panel with no RAID array. The front panel features just the CD-ROM drive, the power button and two USB ports. The hard drives cannot be accessed from the front; the top panel must be taken off to remove or add a drive. But since they are not hot-swappable drives, there is no need to have them immediately accessible. This simplified hard-drive installation scheme also helps keep costs down.

To further cut costs, a keyboard and mouse are not included, as rack-mounted servers are usually connected to a mouse and keyboard through a switch box. Keyboards and mice are available as options.

The back panel of the server is fairly simple as well. It houses the AC power socket, keyboard and mouse connectors, serial and VGA ports, two USB ports, two Gigabit NICs and the card-edge bracket for the single PCI slot.

Included with the server is everything needed for setup, including rails for rack-mounting. Also included is HP's Insight Manager 7 software, which allows the management of multiple servers running any supported operating system. The utility also allows the management of storage resources, clients, printers and more. Installing this server is about as easy as the job ever gets.

The server examined by Test Center engineers came loaded with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, though the price of $3,849 does not include the OS. The price of the OS will vary according to the number of users that the server will support. The ProLiant DL140 can also be ordered with Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows 2003 Standard Edition, Windows 2003 Enterprise Edition, Windows 2003 Web Edition, Red Hat Linux AS/ES/WS 2.1 or United Linux 1.0.

HP's one-year, limited warranty covers just parts, but better warranty packages are available as options. The server also includes lifetime toll-free 24x7 hardware technical phone support.

HP's PartnerOne channel program includes customized marketing assistance and a wealth of compensation programs. Collateral tools, presentations and other resources are available at the HP Partnership Web site. The server has an 8 percent solution provider margin.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>HP PROLIANT DL140

COMPANY: Hewlett-Packard
Palo Alto, Calif.
(800) 282-6672
www.hp.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Arrow, Avnet, Ingram Micro, Synnex, Tech Data
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.