Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 Server Appliance

[searain]

i am thinking about build a web hostiong platform as linux/apache/interbase/php

i saw many web hosting using Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 Server Appliance, my question is

for Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 Server Appliance (small)

Processor 1 @ 450 MHz
Memory 64 MB
Disk Drive 1 @ 20 GB

Database PostgreSQL & InterBase 6

Services Name & IP-based Virtual Hosting, Web, Mail, FTP & DNS

List Price $1,399.00

but now many PC server with faster processor, more memory, more disk space but cheaper price.

1) is that a good reason for sun to be expensive but the main feauter is lower than the some PC server?

2) what is your choice, PC Server or Sun in term of performance/cost?

thanks

[trooper]

Why buy a box outright?

Why not just "lease one", anyway that wasn't the question

i have used cobalt RaQ4 in the past and have had no problem before. The thing you might want to remember is that the RaQ is built specifically to be a server, a PC is more of a general machine.

In terms of cost / performace then that is a difficult one. That will all come down to how much hardware you the network you are on.

My advice (IMHO) is to go with a setup that you are comfortable with and stick to it. Also the question of support (both official and also in the wider community) is one that you ought to look at. After all you don't want to have a setup that no-one can help you with.

Sorry its not the definative answer you were hoping for but nothing is black and white these days in the world of web servers

GM

Originally posted by searain
i am thinking about build a web hostiong platform as linux/apache/interbase/php

i saw many web hosting using Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 Server Appliance, my question is

for Sun Cobalt RaQ 4 Server Appliance (small)

Processor 1 @ 450 MHz
Memory 64 MB
Disk Drive 1 @ 20 GB

Database PostgreSQL & InterBase 6

Services Name & IP-based Virtual Hosting, Web, Mail, FTP & DNS

List Price $1,399.00

but now many PC server with faster processor, more memory, more disk space but cheaper price.

1) is that a good reason for sun to be expensive but the main feauter is lower than the some PC server?

2) what is your choice, PC Server or Sun in term of performance/cost?

thanks

[searain]

1) How is the support of Cobalt RaQ4?

I was a windows guy. Now I am going to switch to Linux. Sun has its own Linux, right? Not the popular RedHat Linux. Can I get help as much as RedHat in Linux?

2) Are the FTP server, Mail server, Domain Name System Server on Cobalt Raq4 the same as the most poplular ones in the Linux web server world? If not, how is the support?

3) How many middle size database based e-commerce web sites the Cobalt RaQ4 can run in one box? Just for a rough idea
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by trooper
[B]Why buy a box outright?

Why not just "lease one", anyway that wasn't the question

i have used cobalt RaQ4 in the past and have had no problem before. The thing you might want to remember is that the RaQ is built specifically to be a server, a PC is more of a general machine.

In terms of cost / performace then that is a difficult one. That will all come down to how much hardware you the network you are on.

My advice (IMHO) is to go with a setup that you are comfortable with and stick to it. Also the question of support (both official and also in the wider community) is one that you ought to look at. After all you don't want to have a setup that no-one can help you with.

[dannys]

If the place where you'll be hosting (actually storing the box) requires you to use a 1U box (or charges a lot more for bigger boxes) then it might be a good idea to go with something like the RaQ4.

On the otherhand, if they don't mind you using a bigger box (most PC cases are 3-4Us) go with a PC, much cheaper to build and maintain IMO.

[Frag]

As for leasing a box. Are you going to have this for awhile? If so. Don't lease it. (I can't stand leasing anything unless there is a *real* reason to lease it. (using it for a short period of time) Leasing over the long haul isn't better.

What type of stress are you going to be putting on the box? If it's going ot be heavy or you expect it to grow into a heavy strss environment then it's better to go with a server built to be a server rather than a whitebox PC. I've never used a Sun RaQ Server (or pre-Sun RaQ) I currently use Dell servers (can't stand there PCs or workstations though) I've never had a problem with them so far. (3 years of using them) They handle stress much better than any whitebox PCs will.

Don't take that as they are the best servers. I'm just saying they arn't bad.

I use whitebox too. I have an intranet and a internal mail server that are cheapy whiteboxes that do their job without a hitch.

Just remember "Crittical = Buy Server" above all else. Don't go cheap on anyting crittical. (ie our MAIN internet email server is a Dell)

Good Luck

Frag

[dannys]

Well I'd never buy an off the shelf whitebox - building is always the best IMO, you know exactly what's gone into it (because you put it there) and can set it up to do the exact job you need - sorry if this wasn't clear :)