Re: [cobalt-users] I am getting ready to purchase a RAQ3i (Reliable) ??

[Kris Dahl <krislists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

on 4/20/00 12:47 PM, Nat Chicoria at nat.c@xxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> I am getting ready to purchase a Raq3i.  I am getting a little worried about
> it's reliability after hearing from some of you about the experiences that you
> have had with them.  I am wanting to buy a RAQ because it seems everything you
> hear on the outside of this list makes you think the RAQ is a reliable
> solution for web hosting.   Anyone's thoughts on this would be appreciated.

I've been really happy with the Cobalt solutions on a whole, but you need to
realize from the get-go that it "is what it is".  If you are looking to go
beyond the scope of the web interface, or you require additional
availability requirements (i.e. its super mission critical and must be able
to survive a drive failure, etc.) you may want to consider going with a more
standardized, robust machine.  The HP LPr, Dell 2450, or a VA Linux Full-On
2x2 are all good examples.

But as far as an high-density entry-level server is concerned you can't do
much better than the Raq3.  And they are fairly reliable.  Its just that
occasionally 'these things happen' such as a drive failure and then you're
out of luck.  Obviously you need to keep good backups.  So if the added
expense of having online failover storage isn't worth it to you, then the
Raq3 is a great way to go.

Also, you're going to want to make sure you purchase this thing from a
Cobalt authorized VAR that will be there in case the whatever hits the fan.
If your machine fails, you want someone to be able to go to bat for you and
make things happen.  In a mission critical situation, its not worth ordering
the stuff mail order and then waiting for 3 weeks for you RMA to get
processed if your power supply eventually dies.

Good luck!

-k