1

I take care of several small businesses who replace their servers only when necessary, For two of them, it’s necessary. Last time around, I could just call sales for HP, tell them what I was looking for, and I’d get a quote. Now it’s HPE, it’s a different human every call, and I can’t even seem to figure out Windows Server licensing. What happened?

Location 1 is a law office. It’s basically a file server that also maintains security for about 20 users. It doesn’t run any programs. It controls AD for two locations. All user files are redirected to the server to ensure backups. I’d probably split it into 2 VMs–one for files, one as DC.

Location 2–It’s only 4 users. But their POS software has to connect to SQL on the server, and the server is slowing to a crawl on invoices with many entries. It’s not even much of a file server other than redirected folders, because the users seriously save everything to their desktops. They could have 3 screens and still run out of icon space. Drives me crazy, but not my call. I just redirect their desktops so if their PC crashes, at least they don’t lose everything. Outside of the SQL instance, the users basically watch Netflix. (“911! The Internet is down and we can’t do business!” No problem, I’ll get Netflix back up and running for you.) It’s a weird job, but it pays.

I’ve bought HP in the past because of their tech support and warranty. Whatever stops working, the tech is here in no time with a part to replace it.

How do you buy your servers? Any ideas on what you might get for these clients?

6 Spice ups
2

If you can get a decent Dell Rep (can’t recommend mine), then Dell is pretty good. Get the Pro Support for 4 hour service. You can also try to find a VAR, they tend to do better on licensing.

1 Spice up
3

I don’t think a ton has changed in the separation of HP and HPE. Sales support for smaller accounts (accounts that aren’t named) is via the inside sales team. I don’t know if in the past you were “big enough” to have a dedicated person to help you but happy to try to connect you with someone that can help. Let me know - also tagging Ryan as I am a storage guy and am not as well connected to the server teams as I am with storage at HPE.

@ryan-hpe

1 Spice up
4

Yeah, that’s the problem. I’m not “big enough”. So for those of us who work with small clients, where do you go? Are we talking Newegg? CDW? As James says, finding a decent rep is a pain. Many don’t care about the little tech either. The ones I’ve dealt with recently might as well be a vending machine–send them the quote, and they’ll take the credit card number. No help whatsoever. And try to figure out how to buy Windows licensing on the HPE web site. CALs? Cores? It looks like I can add the Cores, but where are the CALs? Last server I bought there (last year), I ended up having to pay another $900 for the CALs. Seriously, I think I got them on Amazon or somewhere like that.

5

Hello,

If you send me your contact information, I can set you up with a reseller that is great with SMB customers. They handle customers from small to large based on what you need. I can have someone call you ASAP so you can get a quote with pricing for anything IT related.

My email is ryan.harris@hpe.com. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks

6

I always go Dell Direct via an account manager though we spend the time to spec it out ourselves. You can become a Dell reseller very easily.

I’ve heard good things about xByte here on Spiceworks if your clients will entertain refurbished equipment.

1 Spice up
7

xByte, refurbs with full warranty. I buy just for my office, so I’m low volume, had good experience with them. They should have a SW discount too.

@ryan-xbyte

2 Spice ups
8

I’d recommend doing your own research and decide what you want to purchase then look around and decide if you should buy direct, Amazon/Newegg, etc., or even used from XByte or ServerMonkey.

I’d never let a sales person decide what I need - that’s against your best interest.

3 Spice ups
9

I’ve lost track of how many I’ve bought from xByte, but probably enough to fill a rack now. It comes with a Dell warranty (and in great condition as well) so apart from the price it’s not much different than buying new.

2 Spice ups
10

Servershop24 is good second hand server if it needs to be new i recomend you buy hp dell or intel servers.

Make sure you have upgrades available (add more ram,more cpus,more hard drives,nics)…

11

Dell Outlet or XByte/ServerMonkey for refurbished. Xbyte will sell you a refurbished Dell server with a Dell warranty if you want so you call and receive support from Dell, not Xbyte.

1 Spice up
12

You could definitely reach out to a Dell rep and they can get you set up! I’m going to tag Kelly for Dell here since she’s my US counterpart.

@kellyfordell

1 Spice up
13

Dell Outlet is a great place to find lower priced servers! If you’re comfortable with refurbished/certified refurbished servers, here’s a link to some of the servers we have available currently: Refurbished Business Laptops & 2-in-1s: Dell Outlet | Dell United States

Let me know if you have any questions!

14

If you’re looking for refurb, xbyte is great. If you’re looking for refurb + long term maintenance, Service Express is great, and vendor agnostic. I’m not in sales but am happy to put you in touch with the right people.

15

This is exactly what I’m looking for. I hadn’t even considered refurbished. And I’ve never heard of these companies. I will definitely check into them. Thanks!

@xByte_Technologies

2 Spice ups
16

So you use Service Express as an alternative to the HP or Dell warranty that might not be available for refurb? Is that what they do?

17

XByte only sells Dell. They offer a next business day parts warranty. On newer models, they offer optional full Dell warranties (4 hour response, 24 hour, etc. and you deal directly with Dell) My understanding is they are the only refurb reseller that can offer Dell warranties.

Server Monkey sells both Dell and HP.

1 Spice up
18

Hey there- sorry to be late to the party, but if you’re still looking for an answer, I’d definitely recommend taking a look at TigerDirect and PCM in your search for a place to buy servers. We carry every brand listed in this thread at generally lower or competitive pricing points, and you’re able to search based on your unique needs to find exactly what you need! Linking below to what we’ve got for you:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=30

http://www.pcm.com/n/Servers/navLinks-535

Feel free to reach out with anything!

1 Spice up
19

For the past 14 years I’ve used Eastern Data Atlanta ( www.ediatlanta.com ). My guy is Justin Parker, but it may depend on your location. They ship anywhere in the continental US. They serve hundreds of SMB’s, school systems, small IT firms (one man shops up to the big MSP’s), and have trainings and events a few times a year.

They’ve always given me great service and pricing - usually better than anybody I can find online. They’re HP, Lenovo, SuperMicro, and more. They can build systems to specification, and are big Microsoft resellers. They also sell peripherals, printers, and components.

You can get the service level you want from HP after the sale, without the impersonal service up-front. Justin knows how to configure servers, and has never led me astray.

Once you get set up with an account, you just call or email your Rep and tell him/her what you need.

I highly recommend them.

20

Thanks for your suggestions. I’m checking out Tiger Direct right now. It’s funny that it’s easier to learn about a particular HP server on a web site that has nothing to do with HPE. And that the software and CALS are on the same page as the server. Call me lazy, but seriously.

1 Spice up