Dell PowerEdge T710 review

Either way, you get Dell’s unique Lifecycle controller, which provides 1GB of NVRAM memory for storing drivers and other software for immediate access. You can boot the server directly from this controller by selecting the System Services option in the boot menu, which loads Dell’s UEFI (unified extensible firmware interface) environment complete with GUI and support for mouse and keyboard.

The GUI provides access to OS deployment tools so you no longer need to boot the server with Dell’s Server Assistant disk. The UEFI offers a deployment wizard where you enter your details and leave the server to get on with installing your chosen OS. HP and IBM still require you to use their respective SmartStart and ServerGuide discs to boot the server to access the OS deployment tools.

General network systems management is handled by Dell’s Management Console, which is based on Symantec’s Altiris Notification Server. This provides an automated search process that populates its database with discovered systems and SNMP enabled devices.

The Altiris agent can be pushed to selected systems and this provides enhanced inventory, system monitoring, remote management capabilities and extensive alerting facilities. There’s no denying it’s a comprehensive management package but it is a real heavyweight. Single server sites will be better off just using the iDRAC6 options for remote management and monitoring.

The T710 scores well for its excellent build quality and internal design. It offers a high storage potential with plenty of room to grow and management facilities are also good with Dell’s LifeCycle Controller and UEFI making the PowerEdge servers quite unique.