Groupware News

So, I’m just walking down the street minding my own business and I’m hit!

No, not by a car or falling safe but by the fact that I really need a complete hardware refresh. Now, this isn’t exactly a new thought in my mind, just a nagging one really. See, I have a client that has a plethora of under-powered/over utilized servers. For years, I’ve been suggesting to them that the guy who sized these boxes may know something but it ain’t how to size WinTel boxes for Domino. I can continue to come out in crit-sits and get everything running again but it’ll only break again. Eventually, no matter how much mud I use, will it fix the damn… er dam. I’m hoping that finally people realize something needs to be done.

In any event, knowing I have to get some sizing info together, I say, “Hey, why don’t I look at Server.Load … again?”

Now, I’ve been doing Notes and Domino for 14 years. I’ve never used S.L because the docs on it have always been crappy. So for my sizing estimates, I would head over to NotesBench, see what they generated and use them.

The problem is, I don’t know if NotesBench is really still relevant. There is one new report in the past 90 days, from Sun, and the last one prior was from HP last November. IBM’s last was Feb, 07. I understand that perhaps hardware of this caliber doesn’t change much but no one has even updated anything with ND8 load info. That would be spiffy… but I digress.

Back to Server.Load.

OK, So, I’m looking for something on this because for the first time, I want to see what this thing does. Where does any dashing, enterprising bloke head for info: DeveloperWorks. So I search. I got a few articles that COULD have been helpful. They were missing one thing.

They told me how to use it but not why or when.

Every article I read on S.L says “oh we’ve just scratched the surface of what this can do for you” but there’s no real reason WHY or WHEN I should stated. They really need to clear up when this should be used:

* Are they saying I should use this on a new server that I haven’t rolled into production?
* Can I use this on a production server? It doesn’t really look like I can but,
* If I can’t, what good does it do me to run it after I’ve purchased the boxes?
* Are they suggesting that I get demo boxes from the vendor and check this out? That’s a hassle.

I mean honestly, in any scenario I can create, based on what’s been written, I can’t really see why I’d use it. If anyone has an idea, please let me know.

My apologies but a family emergency has prevented me from kicking this thing off properly. I’ll be relaunching shortly. Until then, watch for my random thoughts on Planet Lotus linked blogs!

For Yancy et al who love the drum solo and forget how amazing Phil & Chester are as drummers.

On 01 May 2008, Tim Lorge & Groupware News, the world’s first Notes & Domino Blogger returns! You guys missed me, didn’t you? No really … didn’t you?