FileEngine Comparison
There are many considerations that must be made when evaluating the purchase of a file server. First among them is the security of critical business data. Following closely is a concern for the cost and the risk of unbudgeted maintenance expenses. Since the productivity of dozens of users depends on your server reliability is a key factor as well.
You don't just need a server, you want a solution that will keep your data safe and your business running. FileEngine® is more than a server, it's a promise.
Microsoft servers are complicated and expensive. Becoming a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) is a costly and time-consuming enterprise. No wonder only the most competent and experienced technicians achieve this status. Does that describe you?
Dell is happy to sell you a Microsoft server. They advertise them starting at under $500. Unfortunately, for $500 you won't get anything you can use - better pick the Configure & Buy option!
Do you know what you need? There are dozens of options and hundreds of combinations. Frankly, it is hard to compare FileEngine® to a Dell running Microsoft Windows Server. Which version do you need? How many users will use it? What about backup? Have you considered updates and maintenance? Do you need a UPS?
Until FileEngine®, Dell and Microsoft wanted to sell you a server and make you responsible for it. We believe you don't want to be responsible for your server. You want to run your business. Choose FileEngine® and let us worry about your server.
The following table compares FileEngine® to a typical Dell server targeted at businesses with less than 50 employees: the SC1420 Base. You will notice that we've included service in the table of comparisons - and it accounts for a significant share of the total cost. This service includes installation, connection of the PCs on your network with the server, setup of the backup system, UPS, network, etc. We don't think you'd want a server without service.
The FileEngine® price includes service - the Dell price doesn't - so we had to add them. The cost to deliver these services may be higher or lower depending on your locale and the complexity of your network. While both servers are feature rich, only FileEngine® is service rich.
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Dell PowerEdge SC1420 with Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition & 10 CALs including OS, backup, installation, maintenance & monitoring
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Advertised Price |
$235/mo |
$614 (without Windows) |
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Processor |
Pentium 4 |
Xeon - 1 |
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Storage |
Included, RAID 1:
2 X 120GB SATA |
$337 upgrade: RAID 1:
2 X 136GB SATA |
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Operating System license |
Unlimited users at no additional charge |
$979 for 10 Users, (Maximum 75 users; additional users $75.00/ea) |
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Monitoring |
Included |
$3600 - $100/mo for 36 months |
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Remote Administration |
Included |
$3600 - $100/mo for 36 months |
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Backup System |
Included |
$523 (IDE Travan 20/40 GB with Yosemite Backup Enhanced Pro) |
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Backup media, 100 generations |
Included (DVD+RW/DL) |
$1104 for 30 X 20/40 Tapes |
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Disaster Recovery |
Included |
$773 (SunGard) |
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Updates & Service Packs |
Included |
Depends on Microsoft License |
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Installation on 10 PCs |
Included |
$1000 - $1500 (Estimate) |
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3 Year on-site warranty |
Included |
$569 (after $200 mail-in rebate.) |
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600 VA UPS |
Included |
$300 (including shipping, installation & configuration) |
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License Audit risk |
None |
Criminal & Civil Penalties |
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Offsite Backup |
$5/GB/mo, Integrated |
Available from 3rd Party |
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Self Serve Restore |
Included |
Available |
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Groupware |
Optional |
Optional |
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Repair plan for total system failure |
Overnight delivery of replacement FileEngine |
Overnight delivery of parts and technician visit |
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Total |
$7199/10 users, $235/mo
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$13,103/10 users, $450/mo
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