ISPPlanet Cache Review Series - Compaq TaskSmart

NICS With Integrated Management:
Compaq TaskSmart

by Lisa Phifer VP Core Competence, Inc. [January 24, 2000]

Once deployed, web caches become an integral part of network infrastructure: a critical component with direct, immediate impact on overall network health. Mission-critical networks demand products that are suitable for integrated management. In our third installment of this ISP-Planet series, we take Compaq's TaskSmart C2000R out for a test drive. The TaskSmart C2000R is a turn-key cache appliance with built-in support for the integrated management tools found in larger ISP and enterprise networks.

TaskSmart C2000R $20,750 (as tested) Compaq Computer Corp. Houston, Texas http://www.compaq.com/tasksmart

Under the Hood
The TaskSmart C-Series combines Compaq hardware, management software, documentation, and support with the Novell Internet Caching System (NICS) cache engine. According to Chy Chuawiwat, Product Manager, the TaskSmart leverages its Compaq heritage through built-in features that enable health monitoring, remote support, and drop-ship configuration, and a large, network-savvy support staff to assist with sizing, location, and tuning.

We evaluated the TaskSmart C2000R, sized to handle 1275 client requests per second (list price $20,750). The top-of-the-line C2000R includes 1 GB RAM, six 9 GB hot-swappable SCSI HDDs with disk cloning and mirroring, five 10/100 Ethernets, and redundant hot-swappable power supplies. For half price ($10,999), the C1500R handles 500 client requests per second, with 512 MB RAM, two HDDs, and three Ethernets. The low-end C1200R rings in at $8,999 for 250 client requests per second, 256 MB RAM, one HDD, and two Ethernets. Redundant power supply options are available for the C1500R and C1200R. External storage can be attached to the C2000R. All models have a higher rated capacity when used for reverse proxy, ranging from 7200 to 1800 requests per second for the C2000R and C1200R, respectively.

 

Introduction/Under the Hood	Tuning Cache Behavior
> Getting Started	NICS Monitoring
Where to Use the TaskSmart	Integrated Management
Configuring the TaskSmart	Compaq Insight Manager
Defining Cache Services	Product Support/Final Thoughts