Mid-range Server

If you’re looking for a server to handle your office’s file and print services or to act as an application server for small to medium workgroups, then the SkyRunner is a good choice. The model we reviewed came with two CPUs, but you can opt for a server with just one, and add another CPU when you feel the need for more processing power. Usually, a single CPU is sufficient for regular file and print functions, but for application server functions (like databases or messaging) you’d need two CPUs. 

The server comes with a redundant power supply and two 10/100 Ethernet ports, one of which is a PCI card and the other onboard. Other onboard functions include a display controller and SCSI controller. There’s also an Adaptec AIC-7899G 64-bit PCI RAID controller card. Three hard drives accompany the server for you to be able to set RAID

level 5. 

Expandability isn’t a problem with the server as it has four DIMM slots, six PCI slots and two vacant bays. It comes with Intel server-control management software, which can be integrated with other management software such as Intel LANDesk and HP OpenView Network Node Manager. This software can measure various server parameters and notify through broadcast, SNMP, etc to the network-management software. Other management features of the server include hardware-failure detection for voltage, fan and power supply. There are also the regular functions of Wake-On-LAN and RING.

We tested the server using the NetBench 7.0.1 benchmark, which measures file server performance as they handle client I/O requests. We stressed the server on an isolated 100 Mbps Switched Ethernet network, where both the server and clients worked at 100 Mbps. The benchmark measures how much throughput the server is able to achieve and the response time. Starting with a single client, we increased the load to an equivalent of 15 clients. Each client was configured to supply the load of multiple clients. The server managed to serve the client requests even as they increased. 

The bottom line For its price and performance, the SkyRunner is a good buy. It, however, doesn’t come with a proper manual specific to the server. Instead it has manuals and PDF files on CDs, specific to certain server components. In times of trouble, a good manual is always a boon for network administrators. 

Anil Chopra at PCQ Labs