Review: From White Box To White Mod

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The Intel Modular Server is a 6U monster box that combines servers, storage and networking into one solution. It also subtracts complexity. The CMP Channel Test Center examined the Intel Modular Server and believes it will have immediate impact on the channel and SMB segment.

The Specifics
Weighing in at a rackable 200 pounds, the Intel Modular Server is built with a capacity for six dual- or quad-core servers and as many as 14 2.5-inch hard disk drives—for a total capacity of up to 2 Tbytes of storage.

The systems will ship without the servers or storage, allowing system builders to customize solutions to fit the needs and budget requirements of customers. A key element of the Intel Modular Server is integration of Layer 2 switches in the back of the box. That design could allow an end user to entirely eliminate one layer of infrastructure from the solution.

The system in the Test Center lab came with two switches, one server module and a management module. There is an available slot to add a second server module.

For solution providers developing a storage solution for their customers, the server simplifies the process. Solution providers no longer need to purchase or configure a separate server unit to work with a SAN appliance. The integrated approach from Intel means that with one management interface, both parts can be administered and configured at the same time. Intel also didn't change any of the storage rules. Anyone familiar with storage technology can work with the server.

The unit the Test Center examined had five hard drives installed. Four drives were configured under RAID 5, with the fifth acting as an automatic hot spare. Regular system health checks ensure that as soon as one of the drives in the RAID array fails, the spare drive will be swapped in to prevent any data loss. A convenient LED on top of the drive bay gives a visual indication as to which drive needs to be replaced.

Intel also included a well-designed management interface for on-site or remote management, including a Virtual Presence feature that provides a virtual—and realtime—view of the server units, storage disks and all other key metrics to be monitored.

Next: What's Not To Like? What's Not To Like?
The offering isn't perfect, however.

Intel executives were coy about pricing during the Test Center's conversations with them at initial testing. While system builders and solution providers will play a major role in how the offering is priced depending on precise CPU and storage builds, there is a concern that it may be a little too pricey to acquire for smaller businesses in the SMB segment. But nervous customers can opt for, say, a two-server configuration, and be safe in the knowledge that they can scale up.

Total cost of ownership and ROI could also counter any skittishness. For example, after several days of operation in the Test Center, the system ran at a relatively cool 84 degrees and consumed about 198 watts with two servers running (it ticked down to about 96 watts with one server in operation). Compared to horsepower required and heat generated by legacy systems, system builders could easily calculate a strong ROI for many customers on energy and cooling requirements alone.

As far as noise, the system generates about 80 decibels of noise when it starts up, but dropped into the mid-60s when one server was operating and the fans had to work a little less. Intel said a quiet kit can be added on deployment that will take the noise down another 10 decibels or so.

How Do I Look?
The chip giant has done a bang-up job simplifying the look and feel of the Modular Server's Management Server Control console, given the complexity of the server's Multi-Flex technologies. Navigating and configuring the two servers that came with the Modular Server was a breeze. To access the Web-based console, the Management Module's Ethernet port needs to be connected to a network.

The console neatly divides system and server settings using a series of tabular panes and a navigation bar on the left side of the workspace. The navigation bar links to the same options available on the tabs. The virtual views of the servers, storage and switches, provided by Virtual Presence, are displayed as part of an image of the server's front and rear chassis.

Now That It's Here

With little fanfare, Intel began shipping the Modular Server to the channel in late 2007, and it was available to the public immediately after its launch. As yet there are no similar offerings from either Intel processor rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif., or other tier-one vendors such as Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, Calif., IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., or Dell Inc., Round Rock, Texas.