Make sure a 1U rack mount server is enough to power your network

1U racks provide a big punch of power in a very small space. That said, a 1U server does not provide as much power as a larger tower server, nor do 1U servers have as many expansion bays for extra storage. As a result, you have to make sure a 1U server is enough to power your network before you proceed. If you decide that the limitations outweigh the space advantages, then another option is to create a cluster of multiple 1U servers, gaining extra power without sacrificing too much space.

I recommend: InfoWorld has a great article on 1U rack servers, which reviews several available units. The article goes into great detail about what tasks these 1U servers can handle well, so it is a great first read in the process.

Decide on an operating system, and a manufacturer for your 1U racks

If you already have an existing IT infrastructure running Windows software, then chances are you will want to run Windows on your 1U server. Luckily, Windows servers comprise a majority of the market, and you will have a vast array of options to choose from. If you are starting from scratch, however, you might want to consider the alternative operating systems. Apple recently released an incredibly high-powered server that runs flawlessly on a Macintosh network, and many IT people love servers that run on the Linux operating system. The latter can be used with computers on your network running Windows or Mac as well.

I recommend: If you're not already committed to Windows for your 1U rack, check out Apple's high-powered Xserve. Dell's PowerEdge servers are one of the best for running Windows, and their website offers a wealth of customization options. This is a good place to go to see what options are available on 1U servers, even if you ultimately don't buy a Dell.

Decide where to buy your 1U rack servers

Once you've decided on an operating system, it's time to make your purchase. If you decide to go with Apple, Dell, or any other major manufacturer, it's best if you buy directly from them, as you will have access to the best warranties and service plans available for the product. If you decide to go with a custom-built rackmount server, or one from a smaller company, there are many computer retailers to choose from. Be sure to do some price comparison before you buy.

I recommend: FreedomTechnologies has a variety of 1U racks that can be configured with a number of custom options. These servers are known for running Linux with ease as well. TigerDirect is one of the best computer stores around, and they have a wide selection of 1U servers that are worth a look.