Technical and Economic Analysis of Servers as Computing System Modules of the Warehouse Scale Computer Class

Objectives. The work set out to technically and economically analyze servers as computing modules of computing systems of the warehouse scale computer (WSC) class.

Methods. The research was carried out using the methods of mathematical analysis and modeling.

Results. The article provides a technical and economic analysis of computing modules or servers. Servers are created on the basis of Xeon (Intel) class microprocessors and the like. An overview of the microprocessor subclasses is given along with an indication of server organization options, as well as their main components and primary areas of use. Server reliability is a complex property that may include durability, maintainability and persistence, or certain combinations of these properties depending on the purpose of the object and the conditions of its use. To ensure maximum reliability, backup elements, including arrays of disks and power supplies, as well as backup servers, are used alongside special solutions, including the use of hot swapping and connection, checking and correction of random access memory errors, and temperature control of server compartments.

Conclusions. The review of options for organizing servers and their main components allows permits the conclusion that their operation is sufficiently reliable. However, servers integrated into the WSC class have special requirements, namely, continuity of operation in 24/7 mode for long periods of time. This requires the development of methods for assessing the reliability of such highly reliable systems, including backup elements, in relation to hardware and software failures, as well as methods for predicting failures and measures to combat their consequences.

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