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Chief Information Security Officer at KNS
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Allows the management of multiple sites while maintaining disaster recovery and provides a unified solution
Pros and Cons
  • "On the Cisco side, there is a benefit in terms of server management. Cisco provides UCS Manager, which is a multi-tenant site manager. We can manage multiple sites while maintaining disaster recovery, a feature not available on other platforms."
  • "There is very little scalability for the cluster. If you need a higher availability, there is a user limitation. So that is the low side."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use is for virtualization.

They are currently used for VMware management.

What is most valuable?

On the Cisco side, there is a benefit in terms of server management. Cisco provides UCS Manager, which is a multi-tenant site manager. We can manage multiple sites while maintaining disaster recovery, a feature not available on other platforms.  That's about the added value.

What needs improvement?

For the Cisco side, improvements could be made in terms of scalability, costing, available capabilities, or support for multiple types of hard drives. 

Cisco currently supports a limited range of hard drives, so if possible, they can maintain further overhead rates and broaden support for various types of hard drives.

Another areas of improvement include pricing and scalability. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We have worked with Cisco UCS for around six years. Some of the servers are still running.

Buyer's Guide
Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We are stable right now. We are using 50 users. We use Cisco UCS C240 M5 Rack Server.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

There is very little scalability for the cluster. If you need a higher availability, there is a user limitation. So that is the low side.

We have around 5 to 16 customers using this solution. They are mainly in the educational sector. 

How are customer service and support?

Cisco's technical and learning support is better than Dell. Cisco provides a learning platform for technical guidance and free access for deployment engineers within our subscription, unlike Dell, where we have to pay for every enrollment.

How was the initial setup?

The setup process of the UCS is simple. But the one setting it up must know how to use the UCS manager.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment doesn't take a long time. UCS provides two options. One is from the local console. The other one is from the UCS manager.

So, from the UCS manager, we can autopilot to deploy into multiple servers at the same time. It takes around 20 minutes to deploy all the hypervisor solutions again.

The deployment process is very simple. We can get the firmware level and the operating system from the website. So we download it from there. And, using the console or the UCS manager, we can enroll it.

We have a Cisco-certified team responsible for managing the Cisco side.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Our customers don't pay for licenses. As a service provider, we cover the costs. They only pay for the services they use.

The subscription fee is on an annual basis. We always use annual. There are no extra costs in addition to the standard licensing fees.

What other advice do I have?

Evaluate the price and look for scalability. Cisco's cost has increased post-COVID, so exploring other options is advisable.

Overall, I would rate the solution a seven out of ten due to its scalability and expansion.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Presales Engineer at Telefónica
Real User
Useful for databases, excellent support, and easy setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Cisco UCS C-Series Rack is the use of databases, such as MySQL."
  • "Cisco UCS C-Series Rack could improve by selling storage. Cisco doesn't sell storage, which is a problem because some customers ask for storage. There are several brands in the market, such as HPE, and Dell EMC. However, Cisco doesn't have any storage. This is where the tension comes from buying this solution."

What is our primary use case?

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack can be used as an entry-level server for small database servers, and active directory servers, which are to be visualized with VMware.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Cisco UCS C-Series Rack is the use of databases, such as MySQL.

What needs improvement?

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack could improve by selling storage. Cisco doesn't sell storage, which is a problem because some customers ask for storage. There are several brands in the market, such as HPE, and Dell EMC. However, Cisco doesn't have any storage. This is where the tension comes from buying this solution.

If you buy a Dell server, you want Dell storage, if you want HPE, you want HPE storage. Other suppliers sell compatible Cisco storage but not one made by Cisco.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using UCS C-Series Rack Servers for approximately 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of the Cisco UCS C-Series Rack is good.

How are customer service and support?

The support from Cisco UCS C-Series Rack has been very good.

I rate the support from Cisco UCS C-Series Rack a five out of five.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of the Cisco UCS C-Series Rack is easy.

What about the implementation team?

To deploy one server, we only need one engineer. For larger deployment, the number of people we need depends on many factors.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of the Cisco UCS C-Series Rack could improve. It's a little more expensive in comparison with Dell or HPE solutions.

What other advice do I have?

My advice to others wanting to purchase this solution is only to purchase what you need because it is an expensive solution. However, they are very good servers.

I rate Cisco UCS C-Series Rack an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer:
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers
November 2024
Learn what your peers think about Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: November 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Lourenco Mendes - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Systems Administrator at Moza Banco
Real User
User-friendly, reasonably priced for enterprise, and offers great stability
Pros and Cons
  • "The product doesn't take up too much space on the rack and I like that."
  • "Technical support could be more responsive."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is primarily used for storage. When I came into the company, I found it already in use. The company contacted the provider to renew its infrastructure. The providers offered this solution, and the company approved it. When I arrived, they were already using that.

What is most valuable?

It's very easy to operate the solution. It's quite user-friendly. 

The product doesn't take up too much space on the rack and I like that.

The scalability is very good.

The solution is quite stable.

The pricing is reasonable if you are an enterprise organization.

What needs improvement?

Something about the storage is somewhat lacking. They should work to improve and expand it. I almost prefer EMC's setup more.

Technical support could be more responsive. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for about five years at this point. It's been a while.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product's performance is good. The stability is there. We haven't dealt with it crashing or freezing. We haven't had bugs or glitches.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is capable of scaling.

How are customer service and technical support?

I've found that it is hard to get a hold of technical support. I'd like them to be more helpful and responsive. I'm not completely satisfied with the level of service we receive.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We currently also use EMC storage.

How was the initial setup?

I can't speak to the implementation process as the product was already installed prior to my arrival at the company. I didn't participate in the process and therefore cannot comment on how easy or difficult it might have been. I can't speak to how long it takes to deploy either.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is fair. It is an enterprise solution, however. The price might be a bit less if the organization is a bit smaller.  

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

I used Dell servers in past and comparing them with UCS, I would definitely recommend UCS over Dell.

What other advice do I have?

We're just customers and end-users. We don't have a business relationship with Cisco.

I'd recommend the solution. We've been quite happy with its capabilities so far. 

I'd rate the solution, on a scale from one to ten, at a nine. It's been pretty seamless in terms of usage. I have no real complaints.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Brook Debebe Hailu - PeerSpot reviewer
Chief Technology Officer at Mehbub General Trading PLC
Reseller
Top 5
Easy to integrate but lacks in customer support
Pros and Cons
  • "Cisco rack servers are very easy to integrate with other products from different vendors."
  • "Some customers have complained about delivery time. So, the main weakness is the lead time."

What is most valuable?

Cisco rack servers are very easy to integrate with other products from different vendors.

What needs improvement?

Generally, the solution performs well, but some customers have complained about delivery time. So, the main weakness is the lead time.

For how long have I used the solution?

We provide Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers to our customers. However, the lead time for these servers, as well as for the switches, has been very long since COVID. So some people are looking at other products because of that.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is very reliable and performs well. The customers never had any problems with them.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability is okay. The solution offers good scalability.

How are customer service and support?

I've heard some complaints because Cisco didn't have a dedicated company to manage the accounts. They used to be very vigilant in customer service, but once they were acquired, the customer experience has not been so good, especially regarding technical support.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

How was the initial setup?

The solution is very easy to deploy.

What about the implementation team?

For a typical deployment, with the right information, it should take about 2-3 weeks. However, if you need to customize the servers or deploy them in a complex environment, it could take longer.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing is expensive. Compared to its competitors, Cisco servers are more expensive. The price of Cisco servers can vary depending on the configuration, the number of servers being purchased, the amount of RAM, and the storage capacity.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We are working with Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto, and all the popular options. We work with everything Cisco offers, like switches, routers, firewalls, and email security.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend them as long as they have the budget for it, but exploring other options is also worthwhile.

Overall, I would rate the solution a seven out of ten. In terms of the product itself, I don't think they need to add any features. However, they could improve the delivery charge and technical support price.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
PeerSpot user
Bien A.Vitorillo - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Manager at Atlas Fertilizer Corporation
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Reliable hardware and good support
Pros and Cons
  • "Its hardware is really reliable. We also like Cisco for its support."
  • "Its accessibility and manageability can be improved. Currently, we have to visit the office to manage it. It should be manageable outside our network. I would like it to be on the cloud."

What is most valuable?

Its hardware is really reliable. We also like Cisco for its support.

What needs improvement?

Its accessibility and manageability can be improved. Currently, we have to visit the office to manage it. It should be manageable outside our network. I would like it to be on the cloud.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for almost three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is scalable. We have around 200 users.

How are customer service and technical support?

Their technical support is good. Their response time is also good. I don't have any problem with their support.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We were using HP ProLiant. After migrating to the Cisco network, we are using Cisco products. For our server also, we preferred Cisco.

What about the implementation team?

The vendor installed the product. The vendor and our system administrator worked together. It took us three days to deploy. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Cisco is expensive, but we didn't look at the cost of the product. We were looking at reliability and support.

What other advice do I have?

I would definitely recommend this solution. When you hear the brand Cisco, you don't really need to recommend it. For me, it is the number one brand for network devices and servers. Cisco is always there in Gartner Magic Quadrant.

I would rate Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers a nine out of ten. They just need the ability to be managed on the cloud.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Madhup Mishra - PeerSpot reviewer
Opinion Manager at ZONES PVT LTD
Reseller
Top 20
The solution is highly stable, and the server can be configured easily
Pros and Cons
  • "The server can be configured easily."
  • "The product must add customer-friendly monitoring features."

What is our primary use case?

We provide the solution to our customers as per their requirements. Our customers are using the server, and they highly recommend it.

What is most valuable?

The server can be configured easily.

What needs improvement?

The product must add customer-friendly monitoring features.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with the solution for more than nine years. I am using the latest version of the solution.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool has high stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the tool’s scalability a nine out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

We require technical and pre-sale support.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy. I rate the ease of setup a ten out of ten. It is an enterprise-level solution.

What other advice do I have?

Compared to HPE and Dell, the commercial aspect of the product is on the higher side. Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
PeerSpot user
reviewer1333923 - PeerSpot reviewer
Pre-Sales Engineer at a computer software company with 201-500 employees
Real User
beneficial server management, reliable, and quick setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers is server management."
  • "Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers could improve by adding a wider portfolio because they only have two main categories, the C-220 and 240. There is no wide range of options as other solutions have, such as Dell. Additionally, if it was more flexible with the configuration it would be good."

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers is server management.

What needs improvement?

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers could improve by adding a wider portfolio because they only have two main categories, the C-220 and 240. There is no wide range of options as other solutions have, such as Dell. Additionally, if it was more flexible with the configuration it would be good.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers for approximately 10 years

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers are stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability of Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers is okay. However, we do not have many options in this category.

We have enterprise-sized customers using this solution.

How are customer service and support?

The support from Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers has been satisfactory. However, not all of the support agents have the same level of knowledge. We can experience some delays in having a response because the issue we are facing has to be escalated to the next level of agent for support.

How was the initial setup?

We did not have any issues with the initial setup of Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers. The process takes approximately 30 minutes.

What about the implementation team?

I do the implementation of this solution for our customers.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers is approximately 20 percent more than other solutions.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

When comparing this solution to others, I prefer Dell. Dell is more flexible and technical support is more accessible here in Egypt because they have a technical support office here. Additionally, Dell has a wider array of options that we don't have in Cisco.

What other advice do I have?

The intersite options for management make life easier for the operations and management teams because it's a single point of management for the whole server infrastructure.

I rate Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers an eight out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Head of IT Infrastructure at AMK Microfinance
Real User
A reliable and easy to use solution that is also easy to set up
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is reliable and easy to use."
  • "The solution needs more capacity and more scalability."

What is most valuable?

The solution is reliable and easy to use. 

What needs improvement?

The capacity is quite small, so I need the CPU performance to be a bit higher. The memory is also limited, and we cannot upgrade more. The solution needs more capacity and more scalability. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with this product for three years.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product is scalable. Currently, we have six people working with it in our company. 

How are customer service and support?

The technical support from Cisco is fair. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have used HP and Dell servers before. The products are pretty similar, but we use them for different purposes. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy. It was not complex. It took around two hours, including the installation of the operating system. 

What about the implementation team?

We handled the implementation with help from the local vendor. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price for Cisco is a bit higher than its competitors. We paid 40k for one server. We paid 50% at the time of the purchase order and 50% after the product was delivered. 

What other advice do I have?

I would rate this solution as a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: November 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.