MBX Systems Offers Free Configuration Analysis for Security Appliances

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MBX Systems, a leading manufacturer of custom-built OEM server appliances and embedded systems for software vendors and service providers, is offering a free appliance configuration analysis for security companies attending the RSA Conference that opens today at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The service – designed to identify engineering changes that can optimize appliance performance and costs – can be arranged at MBX Booth #528 or by emailing [email protected]. 

The five-point analysis will include BOM review, component evaluation, component lifecycle prognosis, performance assessment and platform optimization advice by in-house MBX platform engineers who regularly perform the same service for MBX customers. Recommendations can help OEMs right-size components for the particular application, reduce chassis size and associated hardware costs and power consumption, improve system performance, and lower overall appliance program costs. 

Specific benefits achieved by OEMs that have utilized MBX configuration services in switching from legacy builders have included:

• A reduction in chassis size from 4U to 2U for a developer of live-to-air graphics rendering and video server systems, accomplished with a custom chassis configured to fit more capture, display and mastering cards. This enabled end users, who generally install multiple systems, to conserve rack space with a 50% reduction in system density.
• A 50% improvement in memory performance for a vendor of unified web and email security software, achieved by changing an over-spec'd dual processor to a single-processor configuration as well as optimizing the memory. The new configuration also reduced chassis size, associated power consumption and system costs.
• A 200% increase in storage subsystem performance for a provider of real-time network capture and network traffic analysis software, enabled by adjusting the operating system and hardware for the specific tasks the software performed. The new configuration also provided fewer failure points and reduced appliance costs.
• Significant latency reductions as well as improved performance for a healthcare-focused content management provider, made possible by replacing larger RAID arrays with a single fuller-featured and more efficient RAID controller as well as employing solid state disks (SSDs) to remove latency issues.

"Nearly every appliance platform we evaluate can be improved in some way, whether it's changing an unneeded two-CPU processor to a one-CPU model, replacing a motherboard that will cause supply problems because it's about to reach end-of-life, or fitting more components into less space," said Jeff Luckett, Engineering Manager at MBX. "These changes almost always translate into better performance and lower costs."

MBX's purpose-built appliances provide a reliable alternative to delivering software and media applications via electronic download, virtual instances or in the cloud. Each system is built to optimize the performance of that particular application and loaded with the vendor's software, eliminating the need for IT staff at the customer site to install, configure and fine-tune software setup on general-purpose servers. MBX serves customers in more than 40 vertical industries, including data archiving, network storage, data and network security, voice over IP, communications and messaging, content management, network monitoring, high performance computing and cloud computing.

About MBX Systems

Founded in 1995, MBX Systems is a leader in the configuration, manufacturing and deployment of server appliances and optimized systems for application developers and service providers. MBX combines turnkey hardware programs with value-added services delivered through a dedicated account team, including platform configuration, hardware branding, inventory management, global logistics, product support, and system warranties. For more information, visit www.mbx.com or call 800-560-1195.

SOURCE MBX Systems