Out of Warranty server

[jmak]

Hi

 

I'm planning next year's budget and just before the end of next financial year our server (Dell T410, running Hardware RAID5, daily offsite backup) will have its 5th birthday and thus goes out of warranty. It's still easily able to cope with the performance requirements - I'd even consider replacing it with something lower spec'd and cheaper. All admin functions including MIS and email are remotely hosted - only an internet connection is required for 100% normal working.

 

Would any of you consider running at risk? Maybe hold a spare HDD, PSU and NIC onsite? It's the only physical server - and we're likely to remain with this. It will shortly be virtualised, so I could spin up a VM on a workstation as a quick fix to keep the school running in DR scenario. Another option is to move to a private cloud file server - we already have this facility, so no cost, just a change of process and introduction of a different single point of failure. I could then go with a really cheap server to just run DC and Print Server functions.

 

To put in context, a similar replacement would take up 60% of my annual IT budget, so it would be a major impact on budget whether it comes out of my area or if it's a one off allocation from the main budget. If I say it has to happen, it will be bought, but the price seems quite high to mitigate a relatively low risk event.

 

Thanks

[FragglePete]

You could always get an extended warranty from a third party provider, anything between £200 - £400 per server to cover parts and labour normally.

 

I'm sure some of the re-sellers who lurk on here will jump in, but I have warranties with companies such as CCS and Total Computers in place. They hold spares for most models.

 

Pete

[jmak]

You could always get an extended warranty from a third party provider, anything between £200 - £400 per server to cover parts and labour normally.

 

I'm sure some of the re-sellers who lurk on here will jump in, but I have warranties with companies such as CCS and Total Computers in place. They hold spares for most models.

 

Pete

 

Suppliers input welcome

[MYK-IT]

When the 5 Year NBD warranty ended on 2 of our older Dell servers; Dell offered us another 2 year warranty (extension).

 

Although the option is there; suppose you've got the time to decide if it financially feasible to do this; or put the money towards purchasing another server etc.

[SHimmer45]

Upgrade Options offer warranty extensions on Dell servers, for £200-£400 depending on length and support required.

 

http://www2.upgrade.co.uk/