INFOBrief Dell PowerEdge 1855 Key Points The Dell PowerEdge 1855 can pack up to 43% more processor, memory and storage density into a 42U rack than traditional Dell 1U servers 5 while using up to 13% less power. 6 The Dell PowerEdge 1855 is the first blade server delivering on the promise of high density computing by providing a complete set of server class features combined with greater density than traditional rack servers. The Dell PowerEdge 1855 is a high performance, high availability blade server providing cost effective support for a wide range of software applications. Support for the latest server technology including dual core Intel Xeon processors. The Dell PowerEdge 1855 uses the same management tools and relies on the same deployment strategies as classic rack dense servers. Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 1 September 2005
Background The Dell PowerEdge 1855 is a high performance, high availability modular server. Modular servers utilize a chassis that functions as the housing unit as well as facilitates a shared infrastructure consisting of power, cooling, server management, KVM switch, Ethernet switches, optional Fibre Channel and other I/O technologies. The blades are literally a server on a card ; containing processors, memory, hard drives, integrated Ethernet NICs, optional Fibre Channel HBAs, hardware management functionality, and other I/O technologies. This product strikes a better balance between power consumption and thermal dissipation, density and computing capability features than competing products in the marketplace. The PowerEdge 1855 features 10 blades in a 7U chassis, providing the capability of deploying up to 60 blades per rack. Each hot pluggable blade supports up to two single core or dual core Intel Xeon processors with Extended Memory 64 bit Technology at up to 3.8GHz. All critical support modules, including I/O, cooling, management, and power are redundant and hot pluggable. I/O connectivity includes options for redundant Gigabit 1 Ethernet layer 2 switches, Gigabit Ethernet pass through modules, Brocade and McDATA Fibre Channel switches, Fibre Channel passthrough modules, and InfiniBand pass through modules. The PowerEdge 1855 also supports other features that are consistent with the rest of Dell s Eighth Generation of PowerEdge servers Intel Xeon processors with EM64T (single and dual core), PCI Express, DDR 2 memory, 800MHz front side bus, and IPMI 1.5 compliant Baseboard Management Controllers (BMC), Target Market The Dell PowerEdge 1855 is targeted at customers who deploy multiple servers, either for scaling out their data center or to achieve the higher densities of servers associated with high performance cluster computing (HPCC). Medium to large corporations, federal and state agencies and universities are ideal candidates for the PowerEdge 1855. Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 2 September 2005
The PowerEdge 1855 is ideal for customers who: Need to conserve valuable floor space without sacrificing performance Want easy deployment and headroom for future growth Require flexible connectivity and seamless integration with leading I/O technologies Do not want to make significant trade offs between density, server class features, and price Key Customer Benefits Uses less Physical Space Not only does the PowerEdge 1855 reduce the amount of required physical space in a rack by offering 10 servers in a 7U chassis with full server class features, but it also reduces the amount of required physical space in a rack by integrating KVM switches, Ethernet switches, and Fibre Channel SAN switches in the 7U blade server chassis. Now customers can reduce their physical space requirements for servers by up to 43% without making any compromises..5 Reduced Workload for IT Resources The physical proximity of blade servers and reduced form factor help minimize the time and effort spent deploying and managing servers. The PowerEdge 1855 is designed for quick and easy installation, management, and service allowing for a more efficient and proactive use of IT resources. Helps Reduce Power and Cooling Requirements Dell s PowerEdge 1855 consumes up to 13% less power than the 1U Dell PowerEdge 1850 server with similar hardware configuration. 6 Of course, customers should work closely with their account team and Dell Professional Services to ensure an optimal datacenter infrastructure and deployment design. Eases Integration into Existing IT Environments The PowerEdge 1855 features technologies from industry leaders including Intel, Brocade, McDATA, Topspin, Q Logic, Avocent, and EMC. These industry standard technologies allow customers to seamlessly integrate the PowerEdge 1855 into existing environments. Reduces Cable Sprawl The PowerEdge 1855 consolidates and aggregates many of the network, power, KVM, and I/O cables allowing for a cable reduction of up to 70% vs. similar number of 1U servers. 5 Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 3 September 2005
Features and Benefits Feature Customer Benefit Chassis Hot plug Redundant Cooling Fans Hot plug Power Supplies 10 servers in a rack-dense 7U chassis 4 I/O Bays in the blade chassis DRAC/MC Provide cooling for the system; allows the system to continue to function, even in the event of a failed system fan. Failed fans can be removed and replaced while the system continues to operate. Provides fault tolerance in the event of a failed power supply or power grid. Provides a pragmatic level of density Provides I/O flexibility and optional redundancy for important I/O modules including Gigabit Ethernet switches, Brocade and McDATA Fibre Channel SAN switches, Topspin 10Gb (4x) InfiniBand HCA and Pass- Through module, and other future technologies. Offers remote management of the chassis and blade server including power control, event log reporting, and inventory reporting. Blades Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 4 September 2005
Up to 2 Intel Xeon Processors with Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology Performance and scalability for today as well as an easy transition to 64-bit in the future. Includes support for the first dual-core Intel Xeon processors: Intel Xeon Dual-Core 2x2MB cache 2.8GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 1MB cache 2.8GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 1MB cache 2.8GHz 800MHz FSB Low Voltage Intel Xeon 2MB cache 2.8GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 1MB cache 3.0GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 2MB cache 3.0GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 1MB cache 3.2GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 2MB cache 3.2GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 2MB cache 3.4GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 1MB cache 3.6GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 2MB cache 3.6GHz 800MHz FSB Intel Xeon 2MB cache 3.8GHz 800MHz FSB 800MHz Front Side Bus Up to 16 GB DDR-2 SDRAM PCI Express architecture Integrated Baseboard Management Controller Up to 2 SCSI hard drives Hot plug hard drives High speed bus between processor and memory helps increase performance by moving data faster along this critical path Scalable memory delivers high performance for resource-intensive applications like databases, SAN compute nodes and HPC clusters. DDR-2 memory provides great density, high performance and great data integrity for information processing. Next generation I/O architecture that is designed to add improved scalability and performance at a lower cost, both for now and for the future. The x8 PCI Express slot provides the bandwidth to support dual port 10Gb/s I/O modules. Adheres to the IPMI 1.5 standard, allowing customers to manage the server remotely, over a network or via a serial connection, with any industry-standard management tools. Up to 600GB 2 of enterprise class performance and reliability per blade server, plus the option to add a Fibre Channel I/O daughtercard for additional storage via a Dell/EMC storage solution. Allows the drives to be removed and replaced while the server is operating (when RAID 1 is enabled on the PERC4/im RAID controller). Should a drive fail, it can be replaced without taking the server offline. Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 5 September 2005
PERC4/im RAID Controller Dual Integrated Gigabit 1 NICs on each blade Daughtercard Slot on each blade Embedded RAID option provides data protection by mirroring (RAID 1), helping to ensure data protection for each blade, even in the case of a drive failure. Offers failover and load balancing for increased availability. Optional I/O card that allows for greater flexibility and performance. Options include Gigabit Ethernet, 4x InfiniBand, and FC2 Fibre Channel. General Dell OpenManage Dell Enterprise Support Services OMSA, IT Assistant, Storage Services, and plug-ins for 3rd party systems management applications From Bronze to Platinum, Dell s Enterprise Support Services provide the right level of support and outstanding service quality that your datacenter requires Service and Support Please note: Dell services vary by region. The services listed below are available in the United States; please contact your local representative for more information, or visit http://www.dell.com. Dell offers a broad portfolio of Enterprise services that helps optimize the use of IT technologies, rapidly deploy systems, educate IT professionals and maximize system uptime. Dell provides expert advice and technical assistance and a single point of contact, and helps reduce overall total cost of ownership (TCO). Professional Services Datacenter Assessment Professional Services Server Consolidation Professional Services Storage Solutions Professional Services Migration Suite Professional Services High Performance Professional Services Deployment Services Custom Factory Integration (CFI) Services provide high quality, onetouch integration of enterprise hardware and software. Asset Data Services assist with asset tagging, control, and reporting of systems. Customized delivery helps ensure timely response when and where required. Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 6 September 2005
On site installation, de installation, moves, and upgrades by trained and experienced technicians. Dell Financial Services offers efficient and environmentally safe disposal for nonfunctional or older equipment designed to comply with environmental standards. Training and Certification Services Dell Certified Enterprise Engineer Program offers Foundation, Associate, Master and Master Instructor level courses in the following areas of study: http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/services/en/dcee_courses?c=u s&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd. PowerEdge Server Systems Management Business Continuity Network Storage Dell/EMC SAN Backup Restore Industry Certifications like MCSE, Linux, Cisco, and Novell Support Services Platinum Enterprise Support = Comprehensive site based support for complex production and operational environments. Gold Enterprise Support = Rapid, expert support for key systems, such as production and operational servers. Silver Enterprise Support = Enhanced, prompt hardware and software support for non critical systems, such as departmental or development servers. Basic Enterprise Support = Basic hardware support for simple systems, such as file or print servers, with Next Business Day on site response. 3 Software support for enterprise software including Windows, Novell, and Linux Limited Warranty 4 and Service and Support are provided with all Dell servers including 30 Day Getting Started Phone Support, 7x24 technical phone support, E support, and NBD on site response: o o Service Upgrades are available to enable rapid resolution through same day on site 6 services. OpenManage Subscription Services help keep customers informed of the latest BIOS, drivers, and utilities to better manage the Dell solution. For details on all programs contact Dell. Service specifications are valid in the US only and subject to change without notification. Dell cannot be responsible for Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 7 September 2005
pricing or other errors, and reserves the right to cancel orders arising from such errors. 1 This term does not connote an actual operating speed of 1 Gb/sec. For high speed transmission, connection to a Gigabit Ethernet server and network infrastructure is required. 2 For hard drives, GB means 1 billion bytes; actual capacity varies with preloaded material and operating environment and will be less. 3 Service may be provided by third party. Technician will be dispatched if necessary following phone based troubleshooting. Subject to parts availability and geographical restrictions. Service timing dependent upon time of day call placed to Dell. Subject to terms of service contract. U.S. only. 4 For a complete copy of our guarantees or limited warranties, please visit: http://www.dell.com/us/en/gen/misc/policy_010_policy.htm or write to Dell USA L.P., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682, Attn: Warranties. 5 Increased density based on comparison of similarly configured 42 Power Edge 1850 1U servers with 6 PowerEdge 1855 chassis. 6 Power savings based on Dell internal testing comparing input power of similarly configured 10 Power Edge 1850 1U servers with 10 PowerEdge 1855 blades plus chassis. Dell, PowerEdge and OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc. Microsoft Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, Celeron, Pentium and Xeon are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Copyright 2005 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information contact Dell. Dell cannot be held responsible for errors in typography or photography. Dell Enterprise Systems Group Page 8 September 2005