Linux Enterprise Servers

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An enterprise server is a server intended for use in a data center. The term implies a certain level of functionality above that of a simple PC-class box running a hobbyist version of Linux. An enterprise server supports the computing needs of a larger organization, with needs that are larger and more complex than those of an individual user or department.

Historically, mainframes served enterprises, and smaller systems served departments or users. However, over the past 20 years, there has been a significant change in computer technology. Now, enterprise-class servers are being built from commodity hardware. At this point, an important distinguishing factor in determining if a server is an enterprise server is the software functionality it provides.

The functionality that is expected in an enterprise server includes the following:

  • Advanced management capabilities

    Performance monitoring and tuning

    Storage management, usually in the form of a logical volume manager

    Resource management

    Security monitoring

    User account creation

  • Performance and scalability

    Capability of the OS to make effective use of the system resources

    Raw system performance capable of doing enterprise-level computing

    Multiple processors

    Capable of supporting GBs of memory

    Large I/O capabilities (disks, networks)

  • Reliability, Availability, Serviceability (RAS)

    Five-nine's of availability (99.999% available)

    Problem diagnostics

    Debugging tools

    Error logging

The criteria for calling a server an enterprise server are subjective, but the capabilities listed here are factors to consider.

The enterprise server serves the complex needs of today's businesses. You can add to this complexity by including clusters. Linux cluster technology allows intensive tasks to run on multiple servers, allowing you to pool your resources.

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    Performance Tuning for Linux Servers
    Performance Tuning for Linux Servers
    ISBN: 0137136285
    EAN: 2147483647
    Year: 2006
    Pages: 254

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