HP Server Bundle Offers SMB Value

Many small to midsize businesses rely on inexpensive, base-model server appliances for their business needs. However, upgrading the appliances or expanding their functionality can be difficult, so they are often not the best option for growing companies.

Hewlett-Packard addresses these needs with a server bundle that combines an HP ProLiant ML110 server with Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Standard Edition software and offers a scalable, highly functional and easily upgradable solution.

Inside the ProLiant's space-saving tower case is a 2.8EGHz Intel Pentium 4 processor. The E designates that the processor is a Pentium 4 Extreme Edition processor, which supports hyperthreading. The processor can also support up to 4 Gbytes of dual-channel DDR400 (PC3200) memory, though 256 Mbytes is standard. The tower chassis features three external 5.25-inch drive bays, a 3.5-inch external floppy drive bay and an internal hard-drive bay. The motherboard's five I/O slots include three 64-bit, 66MHz 3.3-volt PCI-X slots and two 32-bit, 33MHz 5-volt PCI slots. A Broadcom 5705 PCI Gigabit NIC that supports 10/100/1000 Ethernet with Wake On LAN is built into the motherboard. The case opens easily for servicing and provides extra space for hardware upgrades. Overall, the server runs very quietly, a strong feature for small businesses.

The ProLiant ML110 server bundle is perfect for SMBs that need a general-purpose file, print and fax server without the enterprise-level hardware, such as SCSI controllers, redundant power supplies and multiple processors, that are included in most comparable servers. The ML110 can also function as a Web server or can be used for database storage. The server bundle costs $1,675, which is a tremendous value as Microsoft's Small Business Server software alone costs $599. SMBs would be hard-pressed to find a better deal on a server.The software is a complete small-business networking suite and combines Windows Server 2003, Exchange 2003, Share Point Services and Microsoft Shared Fax Service into one easily deployed and managed package. The Standard Edition is adequate for most SMBs, but companies who want or need to add SQL Server 2000, ISA Server 2000 and Front Page 2003 can easily upgrade to Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Premium Edition at no additional cost.

The Standard Edition includes five Client Access Licenses. The software is capable of supporting up to 75 users, but the cost increases with additional licenses. The licenses are sold in groups of five, priced at $489; a 20-pack costs $1,929.

HP provides a one-year parts warranty and lifetime toll-free 24x7 telephone hardware support. Better warranty packages are available for purchase.

HP has always played well in the channel, and its PartnerOne channel program includes customized marketing assistance and various compensation programs. Solution provider margins average 8 percent. The HP Partnership Web site offers collateral tools, presentations, marketing programs and other resources