[CentOS] Universal server hardware platform - which to choose?

Tue Jun 26 13:40:21 UTC 2012
Rafał Radecki <radecki.rafal at gmail.com>

Hi all.

I am working for a hosting provider in Poland. We are currently
searching for an universal, extensible hardware platform which we
would like to use in our server infrastructure.
The platform should have:
- possibility to install up to 32GB of RAM and at least 4 slots for it;
- at least 6 SATA ports;
- the possibility to use SAS disks;
- at least one 1Gb/s network interface and the possibility to add another one;
- size of 2 or 3U;
- hot swap for disks.
We are looking for a solution in which we would be able to deploy a
basic server with for example 2 SATA disks, 8GB of RAM, 1 NIC, 4 cors
and to be able to use the same enclosure and motherboard and extend it
to deploy a more heavy-duty server with for example 6 SATA disks, 24GB
of RAM, 2 NICs, 8 cors.
Which manufacturer can you recommend and why? We are looking for
something rather not expensive but reliable which has a good support.
All servers will be based on CentOS5/6 :)

Best regards,
Rafal Radecki.