I'm in the process of upgrading our hardware and got a quote for Dell's ProDeploy Plus service priced at $60,000. Our setup includes two VMware clusters, each with: 3 Dell PowerEdge R760 servers and 1 Dell PowerVault ME5024 storage system, with direct fiber connections to each server. We already own the VMware licenses, and while we usually outsource installation, this pricing feels much higher than what we're used to with HPE services. Given our plans for the deployment, which involve direct fiber connections and simple configurations, I'm wondering if we could handle this on our own. Are there any potential risks we should be aware of, particularly regarding firmware compatibility or hidden complexities?
3 Answers
Honestly, if you're even questioning it, I'd recommend investing in the ProDeploy service. It might be steep, but ensure you check if the $60k includes just the labor or also the hardware. If it’s only for the deployment, you might want to seek cheaper alternatives or consultancies.
A solid admin can get your size cluster up and running within 20 hours—maybe even less. You’re right, there’s no FC switch involved, so the complexity is low. If they’re charging $60k, you could likely save a lot by reaching out to local Managed Service Providers who could do it for less.
I know, right? I was shocked at how high that price was considering how straightforward it seems.
ProDeploy Plus covers the architecture design, hardware installation, updates, and initial setup, which they say is great for someone with less experience. While that $60k does sound high for what you're doing, it might be worth it if you’re not confident with the setup. Either way, getting an estimate from a local MSP could bring that price down.
It’s just for the deployment, no hardware included. Seems a bit excessive. We’re confident we can handle the racking and maybe just hire consultants for more complicated setups.