Linux Enterprise Servers
An enterprise server is a server intended for use in a data center. The term implies a certain level of functionality above that of a simple PC-class box running a hobbyist version of Linux. An enterprise server supports the computing needs of a larger organization, with needs that are larger and more complex than those of an individual user or department.
Historically, mainframes served enterprises, and smaller systems served departments or users. However, over the past 20 years, there has been a significant change in computer technology. Now, enterprise-class servers are being built from commodity hardware. At this point, an important distinguishing factor in determining if a server is an enterprise server is the software functionality it provides.
The functionality that is expected in an enterprise server includes the following:
Advanced management capabilities
Performance monitoring and tuning
Storage management, usually in the form of a logical volume manager
Resource management
Security monitoring
User account creation
Performance and scalability
Capability of the OS to make effective use of the system resources
Raw system performance capable of doing enterprise-level computing
Multiple processors
Capable of supporting GBs of memory
Large I/O capabilities (disks, networks)
Reliability, Availability, Serviceability (RAS)
Five-nine's of availability (99.999% available)
Problem diagnostics
Debugging tools
Error logging
The criteria for calling a server an enterprise server are subjective, but the capabilities listed here are factors to consider.
The enterprise server serves the complex needs of today's businesses. You can add to this complexity by including clusters. Linux cluster technology allows intensive tasks to run on multiple servers, allowing you to pool your resources.
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