What is the deal with Proliant rack rails?

[DennisCThornton]

Why is it every time I install a Proliant server the same thing happens?

Pull rail from box.
Pop into rack.
Ask self - "That was way too easy. There's got to be something wrong. Nope, it's in. Wow, these guys know what's going on. Cool."

No other mfgr I've installed rail kits from comes close to HP.

Kudos to the Proliant group and the engineer(s) that designed these kits!

The servers are pretty good too.

[Rob Leadbeater]

Indeed !

I remember the first time I installed one of the recent rail kits, I had to take it out again just to make sure it really was installed correctly...

Now if only the guys in the AlphaServer group could take a leaf out of the ProLiant's book... If you've ever installed a DS25 in a 10000 series rack, you'll know what I mean.

Cheers,

Rob

[Heironimus]

The most consistent thought I've had when installing Proliants is "Hey, these rails aren't the same as the last set." I once got two different rail kits for the same model of server in the same order. I'm not sure that I've ever gotten the same rails with more than two orders in a row.

What's really fun moving existing servers around and having half of them be the nice, easy, snap-in rails they use now and the other half be the old screw-in type with unmarked levers and catches.

[WFHC-WI]

There has been for me only one concern when it comes to the DL360/380 G5 rails.

If I rack say 10 360s in proximity and then I need to remove one in the middle, it is difficult to get behind the rail to apply pressure for release.

Other than that these things could not be more simple and they should be an example for other server manufacturers!

[RaMpaNTe]

I'm pleased to hear that!!!
I manage one of the HP's Labs for Proliant Server Support, I have racked prety much every single Proliant Model and I have to say that's a piece of cake.

In addition to your comments I have to mention that even in an enviroment where the servers are pulled out and push back every single day for research and issue replications those rails kits keep working as if they were brand new.

HP Rocks!

Regards,
RaMpaNTe