Xserve as a Primary computer?

Other than form factor, there's no significant difference between using an XServe on your desktop vs. a PowerMac.

You can even install Mac OS X (client) software if you want (some apps such as iLife won't install on the 'Server' OS).

As for hooking them all together to form a 'super computer', that depends on the applications you're using. You can use XGrid for some tasks, although many high-end production systems use their own distributed computing engine, so you'd need to check each app to see what options it supports.

Lucky you!

That is a boatload of Xserves! Are you sure that you won't want to keep them all configured to do whatever it was they were doing before?

Whoever set that playroom up had some serious horsepower behind his/her intentions. If it is a publishing company, aren't they using something on the front end for workstations?

I am sorry to be so intrusive, but my instincts tell me that your situation may be more along the lines of properly converting your current horsepower to serve your current and immediate needs. If you do not "need" all of the XServes, perhaps there is a company that might be willing to take a few off of your hands in exchange for some nice Quad workstations or something equally as appealling.

By the way, are you taking resume's for someone to give you a hand?

Good Luck!

-DaddyP

But even if you install OS X on the Xserve, you won't be able to run the Pro Apps (Anything in Final Cut Studio, or Aperture), because the graphics card (and PCI slot) aren't up to the task.

I know this isn't the forum for this but, you dont' have a public e-mail posted.

I work for a small school in Northern New Hampshire. I have a very minimal technology budget.

I'm wondering if you'd be interested in selling cheap or donating (we're a non-profit) one of the xserves (or otherwise) to us. As a non profit it would eb a tax deductable donation.

Thanks,
Andy

andyw@whitemountain.org

Dear Mr Skate/Surf etc.

63 Servers is a lot (that's about $250K at present costs!) - but not much storage space if your divide over the servers that is... If the count is correct then about every 10 people had their own server ! ?

WOW... That sounds weird !

Down to business though...

As the others have mentioned you can use these macs for different purposes BUT...

The Xserve is designed to live in a server room ie: their fans aren't as quiet as a desktop machine. Not sure about the newer Xserves but the one's I've had have been SO noisey people have complained about them and in one instance I needed to soundproof the cabinet it was in !

So if you are interested in pursuing this avenue, get someone to grab one of the newer ones and put it on a desk (or under if you can find room) and see for yourself.

I think you'll find them too noisey for anything other than servers in a server room...

Anyone else agree ?

Good luck !

Mitch

PS: RE: "However if handling the servers becomes to difficult I will be looking for a Maintnance Staff, and I will try through these forums, since they've helped so much." - If you retain the equipment as is, I'd be seriously looking for at least 1 technician to maintain the stuff, otherwise you'll be spending all YOUR time doing it !

That is a bigger boatload of toys than I originally imagined. Somebody was having some fun ;>)

Another point I do not believe that the others have mentioned yet and that is SECURITY.

If someone sold that large of a physical plant then I am guessing that at least one person whose job it was to keep the gear going has been "displaced". Should you put that system online and as-is, security should be paramount. That person or persons would at least be capable of doing your company great damage.

The job of getting that stuff all back up and running securely and smoothly will certainly be a challenging one to say the least. But having been through this myself in a medical facility I can almost bet that the job will be a daunting one. There is no telling what "surprises" may lay in store for the "next guy" .

Once you have worked through all of your start-up issues and your systems are stable, this should be a very reliable and capable system for most of your needs.

I will agree that it doesn't seem like enough storage capacity for what you have described. Are you sure that you got ALL of the storage devices?

Hint: look for empty spaces in racks with no dust around the "blanks" that cover the openings. Most systems suck dust through every crevice possible, and if that system was operating for any length of time at all dust will have accumulated around the edges of the blank. If you have empty spaces in a rack with no blank covers then the IT guy knew little about cooling rack mounted equipment (doubt it) or something is missing.

You will also know soon enough if you flip the switch and it starts reporting missing hardware.

It sounds like you have this under control. But remember, Macs (even servers) make up a small percentage of the total computer systems out there. Whomever you have assisting you (especially if it is a recovery company or some other contracted service) should know their stuff when it comes to assisting you. You have a lot of horsepower there, but it won't do you any good if someone else has the keys.

Good luck!

We are here!

-DaddyP

By the way, the only reason I even questioned the "abilities" of whomever is assisting you on an IT level with your equipment is because if that person or persons were familiar with Macs and XServe products you should have had a good answer about an XServe filling your needs prior to posting here.

Know what I mean?

-DaddyP

Great, thanks!
That would be HUGELY appreciated.

Thanks,
Andy

"However if handling the servers becomes to difficult I will be looking for a Maintnance Staff, and I will try through these forums, since they've helped so much."

If you need someone, depending upon where you are, either myself or someone I know would be willing to assist you. I have a range of people along the east coast that are willing to work in a networking type field such as this. Most CCNA certified. I myself have taken courses in Mac OS X Server and Mac OS X Tiger as well as CCNA.

I am currently working on getting funding to begin a new server project here at a local high school to power a state of the art multimedia lab.

If you are interested in this you can email me for more information.

These forums are truly great. I find myself constantly coming here for suggestions and tips.

If you have some really processor intensive applications, you could easily run them on your Xserves, and access them with Apple Remote Desktop. It'd be almost like having the Xserve right at your desk without having to tolerate the really loud fan noise.

We have 2 Xserves in a soundproof rack in the next room, and they are still too loud, so you certainly wouldn't want to try to make your graphics snobs cohabitate with them.

-jason

Hey Skate-

Got my XServe. All I can say is that the loudest mac Ihave ever owned is my G4 tower. This thing makes the G4 sound like a whisper.

I am not thinking, based on the sound alone, that this is a computer that you want sitting anywhere near the same room that you are in.

-DaddyPaycheck

Howdy,

Without other contact info, I resort to this forum to inquire again on the status of your multitude of xserves and wonder if you've considered donating any of them?

Thanks,
Andy
andyw@whitemountain.org