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This is certainly the right move for google, facebook, etc, and maybe even for startups who for some reason want to avoid the cloud and run their own couple of

This is certainly the right move for google, facebook, etc, and maybe even for startups who for some reason want to avoid the cloud and run their own couple of one-off servers. For the rest of us in the great middle, direct from manufacturers like HP and Dell is the best option. I have not had the same experience as you with Dell; we have an established "medium business" account and get pricing online that generally reflects our base discount. We can sometimes get more off by dealing with those salespeople (especially if it's near a quarter end), but in general we get a fair and predictable price, visible on the web site. Servers show up (sometimes later then I'd like) configured as ordered, and just need put into a rack and powered on. Our "server specialist" certainly isn't the most technical guy in the world, but he knows the hardware line in and out, knows what works, and what other people are using for similar projects. I regularly buy servers with no OS (if I'm reusing an old MS license), or with Redhat (my standard OS) at a price competitive with others.

Udo 15y ago
If I understand you correctly, you're implying that an industrial-grade server company like Dell necessarily has to work like this. But I assert that they don't. I believe there is a niche in the market just waiting for a modern, transparent, fast new startup that gives you these products at a transparent price, with minimal fuss, no tricks required. Configure a blade rack online, order it, next week it's in your office. It works like that for consumer stuff, let's bring that kind of convenience to businesses.
- scottm01 15y ago
  No, I'm suggesting that in my experience Dell operates more like what you're proposing then what you're originally describing. I get (generally) transparent pricing, flexibility, and the servers show up at my datacenter next week as ordered. I'm done defending Dell though; and don't think I'm arguing there is no room for improvement. At the very least, one's experience with Dell seems to vary wildly depending on account reps and established agreements and processes. There is no reason our experiences should be so different.

Udo 15y ago

If I understand you correctly, you're implying that an industrial-grade server company like Dell necessarily has to work like this. But I assert that they don't. I believe there is a niche in the market just waiting for a modern, transparent, fast new startup that gives you these products at a transparent price, with minimal fuss, no tricks required. Configure a blade rack online, order it, next week it's in your office. It works like that for consumer stuff, let's bring that kind of convenience to businesses.

scottm01 15y ago
No, I'm suggesting that in my experience Dell operates more like what you're proposing then what you're originally describing. I get (generally) transparent pricing, flexibility, and the servers show up at my datacenter next week as ordered. I'm done defending Dell though; and don't think I'm arguing there is no room for improvement. At the very least, one's experience with Dell seems to vary wildly depending on account reps and established agreements and processes. There is no reason our experiences should be so different.