our main networker server is a sun v490 (4x1500 MHz CPU, 32 GB)
direct-connected via fiber to 3 LTO-3 drives in an L8500 library.
our current tape footprint is probably in the 20-30 TB range
but we're expecting some growth.

this server has more or less performed adequately, but it has two
limitations:

 - PCI bus only
 - only two network interfaces

we're in the position that a data center network redesign is going
to require at least three network interfaces, so we're going to replace
the server rather than just trying to wedge another network card into
an already-too-small-bus.

we're a sun shop with almost exclusively sparc hardware so we'd like
to stick with that. with this constraint, two obvious upgrade paths
are:
  - one of the coolthreads servers, t2000, t5220 or similar
  - one of the other "midrange" servers -- sun's M series or equivalent

does anyone have experiences, horror stories, warnings or
recommendations that they'd be willing to share?

rp

rick pim                                           rick AT post.queensu DOT ca
information technology services                          (613) 533-2242
queen's university, kingston   
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"Nine million terrorists in the world, and I gotta kill one with feet
smaller'n my sister."
                    -- Die Hard

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