March 29, 2019
Hidden Gem For Education CTOs
Future Planned Uses
- Redundancy.
TrustRadius
https://media.trustradius.com/product-logos/8Q/b9/W47TSZK0C41J.PNGScale ComputingHidden Gem For Education CTOs2019-03-23T02:22:34.739ZWe initially purchased Scale H3 to shrink our physical footprint on servers and allow for affordable expansion across the entire district. This has allowed us to to lower maintenance costs as well as increase our server count to more evenly disperse services resulting in faster operations. We have also been able to create a reliable and ultra fast disaster recovery plan will little to no data loss.,Customer Support - A level of service that all vendors should strive to reach. Their customer service is equally fast and reliable as the product. In the two years of having the HC3, we experienced one hard drive failure. The support team was assisting us within minutes, had the drive replaced in less than 24 hours, and had our node fully functional with no disruption in service nor any data loss.
Migration - One of the quickest and easiest among all VM solutions. Older Windows operating systems had compatibility issues, but all servers running Windows Server 2003 and higher migrated within minutes with two simply clicks.
Reliability - The HC3 manages to work seamlessly in real-time with no indication from the end user during maintenance, recovery, or making changes to the VMs. In two years, we have had only one hard drive issue and no software issues.
Simplicity - The HC3 has the best of both worlds. It's simpler than the free Hyper-V and includes most tools one needs within VMware, yet the installation, operation, and recovery is leaps and bounds easier to manipulate.,The only negative is the maintenance support costs. What a dilemma Scale has as they produced a robust and reliable product yet the support costs for a 3 node system is almost $6000. After paying this for 2 years and only having one hard drive failure, I have spent $12,000 on one support ticket and three software updates. It defeats the maintenance cost savings.,10,10,Scale allowed us to load balance our services. Rather than have one application server supplying antivirus protection, print services, and windows updates I now have three separate VMs that run more efficient resulting in faster service.,If I were to remove the annual support, Scale is a tremendous cost savings to our infrastructure. However, that annual support removes any savings.,,23,,Disaster recovery is noninvasive, simple, and accurate. It is a large part of our disaster recovery plan in the event of an incident.
Smaller physical footprint allows for possible maintenance cost savings.
The simplicity, reliability, and speed allow for us to startup and test new services in a fraction of the time. It's a perfect tool for advanced technical courses with students which allow for them to experience multiple operating systems with no additional costs.,Endless ideas of services.
Robust testing of disaster scenarios.
Integration into advanced technical courses.,Redundancy.,5,Sophos Endpoint Protection,No,Product Usability
Product Reputation
Third-party Reviews,I would not change anything. The best finds are based on word of mouth and product/company reputation.,Implemented in-house,No,Change management was minimal,We had an older Windows Server that had extensive compatibility issues.,10,Online training,1,10,10,Because I was new to virtual environments and this was my first product, I relied on the help of Scale to help me build those skills.,No - we have not done any customization to the interface,No - we have not done any custom code,None,No,I have only dealt with Scale support once. One of the hard drives failed. I was pleasantly surprised that support answered my call quickly, troubleshooting commenced instantly, and a replacement drive was sent within 24 hours. After installing, I sent an email to the technician notifying which was responded to lightning fast. He remoted into the system and tested to ensure everything was back to functioning order. He surprisingly followed up a week later to ensure everything was still in working order.,Uploading media and mounting within VMs.
Backup and recovery.
Creation of VMs are simple and lightning fast.,Only when migrating older version of Windows Server. Compatibility issues tend to take time.,10,10,10,10,10,10,No negotiated was needed since they started with a great discount and included support and training.,None.,Yes,Role-based access controls.,None,No,NoMark SimmonsWeighing the Competition2019-03-19T18:49:23.483ZWe are currently using HC3 as the server backbone for a new location that is in the works. HC3 allows us to easily start up server instances and manage them just as easily.,Snapshot management.
Organization of VMs.
Cloning/deleting VMs.,Shrinking disk sizes.,10,10,We have (as of now), a Domain Controller, an Application Server, a Backup Server, and a Remote Desktop Server. Setting them up was easy since we cloned them all from a template, and after running into an issue with a server, we cloned it from a snapshot and it was perfect.,I think it was worth the price for the amount of function and scalability which we gained from purchasing it.,Hyper-V and Oracle VM VirtualBox,10,2,RDS Server
File Server
One of our Domain Controllers,Easily able to setup a test environment from one of our templates.,Multiple DC's within a given location.
Multiple RDS servers for different use-cases and users.,10,Veeam Backup & Replication, Microsoft Office 365, NinjaRMMJoshua JosephsScale Computing - Magnificent2019-03-20T17:55:37.468ZWe use Scale Computing in our North America location. It addresses the problems and limitations of using VMware. Scale Computing allows for a better set up of virtual server environments.,It has the best platform for virtual server management.
Upgrading memory and disk space was a breeze.
Customer support is fantastic.,The setup is still a bit new to some people, so offsite data centers are a bit unfamiliar with it.,10,10,One of the many applications we run on Scale is our companies' ERP system. It requires a lot of memory and disk space to run, but it handles it with no problems.,The most important impact was that it didn't require as much money to get it started. We started small with two server nodes and expanded from there.,,4,2,We use scale for all sever needs.
Setting up new virtual environments.
Segregation of large software items.,One great use is creating clone environments of our large ERP system.,It will help in better managing what we copy to our offsite backups.,10,Aruba Networks Wireless LAN (WLAN), Cisco Webex Teams (formerly Cisco Spark), Miradore Online, Rise Vision, Ubiquiti Networks UniFi, Spiceworks,Yes,Price
Product Features
Product Usability
Product Reputation
Vendor Reputation,If we had it to do all over again I firmly believe we would make the same decision. If we did not make the same decision then we would regret our decision. We love Scale Computing and the products we use from them.,Implemented in-house,No,Change management was minimal,We did not have any issues. It was seamless.,10,No,No,We upgraded the memory in 3 Scale servers. We used Scale support to upgrade to firmware while we had them down to upgrade memory. Scale stayed on the line with us through the whole process and made it absolutely seamless in the process. We kept the same support rep through the whole process which made it even better.,Creating new VM's
Cloning VM's
Monitoring RAM and Disc usage.,Have not found one yet in comparison to other brands.,10Verified UserSCALE is Pretty Darn Awsome2019-03-01T18:27:06.732ZWe use the SCALE platform across our whole Organization, It has helped us be more flexible , and faster to respond to issues. The smaller footprint has helped us with heating and cooling issues. Updates and patching has become less of a chore, and a more approachable task. Downtimes are becoming a thing of the past..reboots are amazing..!!,Implementation was smooth and their technicians were very knowledgeable
the training videos were very helpful
They responded to every issue, question, and situation very promptly.,Getting from our primary cluster, to our DR cluster through the console is kinda clunky, requires a login.
Adding different colors for each VM in the console, would be awesome ( or some way to differentiate them).
Possibly make it so the dashboard layouts are configurable??,9,9,We are planning on moving most of our mission critical Apps to SCALE. So far our migrations have gone well, and changing resources and moving servers has been fairly easy. Cert server, DC and DHCP are up and running. Plus HUGS, ( for infant security ) all run better and have had less reboots while running on the scale platform.,We have had to purchase fewer metal computers , and have been able to add servers quickly ,without waiting for hardware , less delays on implementation
Because adding VM's is so easy, we may need to update our nodes sooner than expected..( More Cost)
we are able to configure machines using only the resources needed , saving on disk space and Ram,,3,3,We have decreased our footprint within our facility, saving heating and cooling costs
we can be more reactionary to needs within our facility( spin up a server quickly, )
better control of our budget moneys, easier to plan and forcast for our future..
Gives us room to grow!!,we plan on moving our servers from the cloud, and placing them in our own !
Backup and recovery!!,8,No,Price
Product Features
Product Usability,likely wouldn't change a thingShane WorleySimply Amazing, the Node Cluster that can't be beat!2018-01-23T23:17:46.357ZWe use the Scale Computing HC3 across our whole organization to supply our Staff and customers with our software application. This infrastructure solves the issue we had with stability and redundancy when using servers in the past. Since purchasing and upgrading to this node cluster, we have never been happier or more confident in our solution to support our staff and clients.,Hardware redundancy. Although I haven't had a need to use it yet, I know that all main failure points of any hardware has a redundant secondary to pick up in any failures.
Easy upgrade; to update the Hyper visor or installing a new node is simple and easy to do. The configuration is a simple step by step process that even a non Techy person can follow.
Automatic Snapshots; with the latest update for automatic Snapshots & Backups, I can control what backup schedule I want and mange my snap shots with ease
VM Creation. I am constantly creating new Virtual machines for my programmers. With the easy to use tools provided by Scale, I can have a new VM up and running in seconds.,Automatic Exports. Although they have the ability to create scheduled snap shots, I am waiting on the tool to allow us to automatically create exporting schedules to a 3rd party NAS
Historical Reports, the Hypervisor allows us to see real-time reports of our cluster, but it would be nice to have detailed historical reports of this data to look for patterns in our software resources,10,10,Currently I have run the following applications critical to my business: Exchange 2013 & 2016, Active Directory 2008 & 2016, Sage CRM, Sage Accounting, LDAPs, Custom Applications, Sharepoint and many more. All applications I've installed have worked flawlessly on the Scale Computer HC3. Thanks to the assistance of their Support, I was even able to receive assistance in some of the install when I had questions about different drivers.,We have ended up saving money due to less hardware purchases from the capacity given to us during the initial purchase of Scale Computing.
We went from 6 servers and 2 NAS down to a 4 Node Cluster with a single NAS for off site replication. This has dropped our Power capacity by 1/4 saving us costs with our Data Center
We are able to mange the Cluster from a single portal. This has cut our management time in half and allowed us to work on other items and less worrying about our Node Cluster.,,3,1,All of my use cases are the same, Our entire network expect external backups reside on the Scale Computing HC3 cluster. Our web application is 24/7 to clients. If it goes down at any point; I can guarantee I will be getting a call from a client in seconds. With the Scale Computing HC3 cluster, we have had 0 down time due to Hardware or internal infrastructure,At this moment the only unexpected item we do with this Node Cluster is the automatic Exports to a NAS based off of using the Tag line. This is not currently a feature on the Scale Computing HC3, so their support team was able to assist me in creating what I was looking for.,Right now in my internal office (My Node cluster is at a Data Center), I have a WD NAS for a shared device between all of my staff members. I am looking at creating an FTP on the Node Cluster to be able to remove 1 more device from my infrastructure.
Currently I also configure computers every time we need a new one for additional hires. I am looking into different versions of Thin Clients and would like to see if this is something I can set up on the Scale Computing HC3 to give me easier management of computers.,10,Microsoft Exchange, Sage 50 Accounting, Pivotal Tracker, Microsoft Visual Studio Team System, Team Foundation Server,Creating a Virtual Machine. Simply fill out the size and specs for what you want and click Create. It is as simple as that
Media Management. Simply upload what you need and it is ready to use
Snapshots. Creating a schedule is simple to do. After that, simply edit your VM and select which schedule you want it to back up on.,Historical usage reports unfortunately do not exist yet. This would be a nice to have in the future.
Feature for automatic Exporting does not exist yet,10Brian DunkI love our Scale2018-02-02T23:21:31.070Z[It's being used] To host most corporate servers including AD, file, print, CCTV and app servers.,Ease of use
Superb value compared to traditional competitors,The time between order and delivery seems slow.,10,7,We currently host:
- Active Directory
- File Servers
- Print Servers
- Security Camera system & storage
- Stadium concession systems (critical game-day system)
- Stadium 50-50 system (critical game-day system). Our 50-50's are a huge deal in this part of the world.,Hewlett Packard,,2,Active Directory
File & Print services
Security Camera system & data storage
Stadium Concession system
Satdium 50-50 draw system,We are currently testing a new Windows 2016 domain setup
I hope to one day host the Football Operations Video services on the same system. Football Coaches use a dedicated system currently.,10,Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Microsoft Office 365,Creating a new VM
Adding OS Media
Creating VM snapshots,I wish I could change the size of disk volumes easily.,No,9Darren WoolstonScale helped consolidate our network needs into one solution2017-06-06T18:00:58.293ZWe are using Scale HC3 as a 3 in 1 solution. We use the Scale virtualization software for our servers, including a VDI server. We utilize a 16TB SAN for all of our Virtual servers, user files, etc. Finally, we use a 2nd Scale cluster at our 2nd location as a Disaster Recovery solution between sites.,Disaster Recovery using snapshots. Easy clones and restores.
Virtualization of servers is seamless and very intuitive.
San is provisioned internally by HC3 eliminating dead and wasted space.
Control panel is intuitive and easy to use,Would like to see ability to expand partitions without Scale Support.
Would like to be able to have restores to folder or file level,9,10,We are running our VDI for desktops on the Scale servers and expansion is relatively easy with the current solution.,We were able to reduce our maintenance costs by 50% with the scale solution by eliminating the need for a separate SAN, DR, and virtual server solution.
We are saving money by not having to upgrade/replace outdated San, DR and server hardware
IT maintenance time has been greatly reduced with an all-in-one solid solution,,120,2,Easy Virtualization of all servers in company
Large scalable storage SAN
Ease of use,Eliminated need for additional Disaster recovery software,Desktop virtualization,9,Microsoft Office 365, Sage 300 ERP,Yes,Product Features
Product Usability
Product Reputation
Third-party Reviews,I would choose Scale again. Have not found anything that we prefer over Scale currently.Scott PooleHands-Off Simplified Enterprise approach to Server Management2017-06-23T21:09:13.682ZDue to the success of the first scale cluster installation and the ease of use and administration, we actually have two different dedicated clusters. One runs the business servers and daily operations, the other runs the core of the refinery operation servers. The Scale Platform streamlined how we handled VMs in our company. Previously there was a lot of mismatched hardware, VMWare, Hyper-V, and dedicated hardware servers. The backup solution and redundancy started becoming an issue along with heat load and just sheer hardware management. The stress of having critical 24/7 process servers running on mismatched hardware was a daily stress. Scale has removed all of that and it really does just work. Plain and simple.,Super simplified interface. I like to tinker around like any true IT minded person, but I don't have the time to learn all the details on all new systems we implement. I was up and running and fully knew my system in less than a day.
The tech and setup department knowing we are an oil refinery and rarely, if ever, get a chance for a full shutdown. We got that chance unexpectedly and they literally customized and overnighted a cluster system in 2 days. It took us less than 72 hours from initial contact to have all servers migrated and online in the new cluster. Support engineers worked with us all weekend; they were amazing. They are truly their for their customers, not just a 9-5 company.,The only thing I can think of, and its to their service or systems, but the cost of some small upgrades seems excessive. a simple ram upgrade to one node was between $1100 - $1500. The actual hardware cost for that is about 25-30% of that.,10,10,The most critical thing we run here is an actual refinery. We are 24/7/365 staffed and data logging, HMI, and analytics servers MUST be online and safe running. That is what scale provides for us. A low-overhead, secure, robust system that just works.,The biggest thing for us was the time savings in management. There are only two IT personnel onsite and as you can image, running 30-40 servers and the users is a time consuming process. Scale takes literally all the management of hardware and servers away. The system alerts us if there are any issues and we just keep working on the business drivers rather than taking care of hardware and cluster management.,VMware ESXi and Hyper-V,70,2,Running an oil refinery process that never shuts down.
Cut down on hardware complication and continual licensing costs
Cut down on IT department involvement in management of VM's in different enviroments,I absolutely love the fact that the Scale system can not only take its normal server snapshots, but can automatically send its backup to another NAS onsite all by only adding it to one naming group. Click to add the group, and boom, remote backups occurring along with snapshots.,Virtualize the heavy processor desktop users. Allowing Scale to absorb the process and ram costs of high demand applications will keep future IT users costs to a minimum.,10John Brainard
Windows, Linux, Unix
Scale Computing HC3
240 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>
