We're updating our old UNIX system to a new server with Red Hat 8.0

The server will be:-

4x 1.5GHz Xeon Processors
4GB RAM
12x 18GB SCSI Hard disks

We've had quotes from both Dell and IBM (Both are around the same proce). We have the budget to buy any.

Which would you lot recommend? We have 4 dell server none of which has had a hardware fault and caused down time (just windows). The IBM Bloke keeps slaging off dell saying there servers are unreliable. Give me some ideas, we're ordering tuesday!

They are not unreliable as far as I know. They do have excellent support. I can't say I have dealt with IBM, so it's hard for me to compare the two.

Well I know this isn't what your looking for but I'd say neither and go with Sun.. That's if you are willing to spend the money.

Dell don't have a lot of linux info on their site but IBM do, I'd pick the one with the best linux support.

We don't need the supply to give Linux support. This is coming from the Application supllier as they are doing both the OS and setting-up there software.

I've got a lot of IBM servers in operation at various customer sites running Linux. SMP boxes, Xeon/Hyperthreading boxes, IBM RaidSERV cards, IBM gigabit ethernet cards, etc... Great support and rock solid in all cases. IBM's Linux support is great (I mean kernel/device compabitility with their hardware, servers were bought bare and I installed Linux on them).

I have a lot of Dell workstations running Windows but no server-class machines so can't comment on those.

All I know is that IBM knows how to build a server. Air circulation and cooling in particular.

IBM. Everytime if you can afford it.
I once met a guy in Japan who worked for IBM Japan (which is a separate company admittedly) I met him in a famous Linux shop in Akihabara, Tokyo. When I explained I was looking for an IBM laptop to install Linux on, he said all of them would be fine, and the iSeries laptops were great. He gave me his business card and said "I work in IBM Japan Research, but if you have any problems, give me a ring ... "

I'm writing you from a Dell. We buy a lot of Dells because they are affordable. That means they cut a lot of corners.

Buy IBM.