IBM BladeCenter H Power Recommendation Reference Document

IBM’s BladeCenter H is rich with features, but requires planning before implementing, especially in regards to power.  Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of customers around the question of what power is needed for the BladeCenter H, so I created a reference document for my use and now I’m sharing it for you to use.  I know IBM has a reference document but mine is focused only on the BladeCenter H and hopefully it is a bit simpler to use.

Link to my document: –> BladeCenter H Power Recommendations – BladesMadeSimple(tm)
(Adobe PDF, 440kb)

Hope this is useful for you.  If you would like the actual Visio diagram I used for this, contact me via email with your info.

IBM Blades on the Battlefield

You have probably heard of IBM’s ruggedized BladeCenter offering, the BladeCenter T and HT but did you know there was another IBM blade server offering that meets MIL-SPEC requirements that is not sold by IBM?  Continue reading →

Cisco Releases UCS Firmware 1.4

As I’m sure most of you already know, Cisco has released an anticipated update to the firmware for UCS.  Of the dozens of enhancements that were added or modified, perhaps one of the most interesting is Cisco’s integration of their rack-based “C-Series” line into the UCS Platform.  This provides users with a single interface to manage both their rack and their blade server platforms.  Instead of re-creating the wheel, I encourage you take a few minutes to read up on all the goodness from M. Sean McGee’s site at http://www.mseanmcgee.com/2010/12/cisco%e2%80%99s-stocking-stuffer-for-ucs-customers-firmware-release-1-41/

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2010 Stats for BladesMadeSimple.com

As we wrap up 2010, I wanted to say thanks to the people who continue to support this blog.  I’ve had the opportunity to attend several trips and meet dozens of people in the technology blogger world, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  I have several blog stories in the works for the first part of January 2011, starting with a complete write up of HP and IBM blade offerings after which I will finish up with a summary giving my opinion on who has the best blade server, so stay tuned.  As part of my final blog posting for 2010, I thought it would be fun to give you some details about BladesMadeSimple.com and what  was hot, and what was not, so here we go.

Continue reading →

What’s Your Problem??

I’m deviating from the norm today to ask you a question: what’s your problem?  I ask not in a sarcastic way, but in a serious way.  Writing about blade servers is fun, but I’m looking to write up some posts on what problems blade servers, or x86 servers in general, help solve – and I’m looking for your feedback.  Of course, I could rely on the marketing that vendors provide on how they can “increase your ROI” or “reduce your TCO”, but I want REAL issues from you, the reader, and not a bunch of corporate buzz words. Continue reading →