Where did your dedicated server come from?

[Spiral]

Before you buy
Before you make that commitment to dedicated hosting, you should know where your machine came from. Is it new? Are any of the components refurbished? Is it a Dell, a Compaq or even a “clone”?

These are all very important questions that may not be approached unless you specifically ask.

For example, many Internet Service Providers will tell you that your dedicated server has a Pentium processor, or a Western Digital hard drive –but what does that really tell you about the reliability of your machine?

Virtually all computer hardware components that conform to IBM industry standards can be purchased separately. Anyone with a little know-how and the proper motivation can build an IBM compatible “clone” computer in a matter of hours, utilizing virtually the same hardware components found in any name brand machine.

To clone or not to clone
When properly manufactured and maintained by a knowledgeable IT staff, clone computers can perform just as well as those manufactured by the industry giants such as Dell and Compaq. But when you purchase a clone machine, you quite literally have absolutely no idea who manufactured it and under what conditions. In comparison, when you purchase a name brand computer, you know that it was manufactured under rigorous quality control standards and is backed in its entirety by a manufacturer’s warranty. Often times, if a name brand machine experiences a major hardware malfunction –the entire unit will be replaced, free of charge and with no questions asked.

The pitfalls of Computer “Clones”
As previously mentioned, only each individual hardware component is guaranteed by the original manufacturer’s warranty when dealing with clone computers. If your Western Digital hard drive fails, it must be sent back to Western Digital (for example). If your Pentium processor fails, it must be sent back to an Intel distribution center. If you begin to experience multiple problems with your clone machine, you could soon find yourself lost in a seemingly endless maze of Return Merchandise Authorization forms, warranties and late night e-mails.

A few more things to consider
Of course, your Internet Service Provider will assume the responsibility of wading through the support process in the case of a severe system failure, but would you sleep better at night knowing that they can simply place a single call to your server’s manufacturer in order to resolve the issue? Or are you okay with the knowledge that many vendors, manufacturers and distribution centers may get involved in the process before the issue is fully resolved?

Various start-up hosting companies offer clone servers as a means to cut costs. Purchasing the components separately and then building the machine onsite can result in saving hundreds of dollars per unit –as opposed to purchasing the pricier, pre-configured name brand units. If your ISP does not explicitly mention the manufacturer of your server, you should ask for this information. There could be a possibility that your machine was not built by an industry leader, is not backed by a full warranty and could be more trouble than it’s worth.