For many decision makers who are considering investments in new data center hardware, today’s cutting-edge servers have the power to enhance their company’s performance across the board. Server upgrades can unlock the ability to integrate new technologies, crunch more data, handle more transactions, and support more customers. Upgrades can also improve the efficiency and day-to-day experience of IT staff by introducing advanced server management tools that reduce complexity and automate ongoing tasks. With the right blend of new hardware and powerful management tools, data center refresh projects can be a real boost at every level. In a crowded market, objective comparison data can help buyers have confidence that they’re investing in a winning solution.
To explore the differences between two popular server management solutions, we executed two management scenarios in both a Dell PowerEdge MX environment with Dell OpenManage Enterprise (OME) and OpenManage Enterprise Modular (OME-M) and a Cisco UCS X-Series chassis environment with Cisco Intersight. In both environments, we recorded the time and number of steps that it took to make VLAN changes and schedule firmware updates, and we noted any differences between the two approaches.
In the first scenario we tested, we learned that the Dell solution’s method for performing VLAN updates was quicker and simpler than the Cisco solution’s approach, requiring 40 percent less time and only two-thirds as many steps. In the second scenario, the Dell solution allowed administrators to schedule firmware updates in advance, which would eliminate the need for IT involvement during overnight maintenance windows. With the Cisco approach, admins would have to be present and engaged whenever they wished to issue a firmware update.
Our findings suggest that for companies investigating all-new data center buildouts or upgrades to existing older Cisco UCS servers, Dell PowerEdge MX servers and OME and OME-M management tools may provide a blend of hardware and management capabilities that enables highly efficient data center operations.
For more information about our Dell PowerEdge MX with OpenManage Enterprise and Cisco UCS X with Intersight comparison study, check out the report and infographic below.
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