So, what are we missing?

Question

I'm aware of the fact that Lenovo is new on the servermarket, but there are still some points I really would like to see from Lenovo.
1)
The company I work for, also distributes IBM System X. The 1U dual socket rackserver is one of the most sold System X servers. I really would like to see an announcement of Lenovo for such similar server (RD110?).
2)
Virtualisation is a hot issue at the moment. I'm noticing a higher demand of VMWare from SMB customers. One of the biggest costs of a serverroom is power and cooling. Customers are looking for more power efficient solutions and running several virtual servers on one (or more) physical server(s), is a solution for this issue. Lenovo should offer VMWare OEM options as Lenovo options, like all other server vendors do.
3)
The demand for external storage is rising rapidly. Offices are getting more digital and new laws are pushing enduser to use more storage. And it's not only effecting larger company's but also the SMB market.
Lenovo is the only server vendor, who can't offer external storage devices. A customer will most likely choose a vendor who can offer both servers and storage.
IBM uses LSI OEM (DS3000 series) and DELL uses EMC OEM for their low end storage offerings. (By the way: it's verly likely that DELL's contract with EMC will not be continued)
In my opinion, Lenovo should find an OEM storage partner, so we can offer Lenovo branded low end external disk storage.
As mentioned in the beginning of this message, I'm aware of the fact that Lenovo is new to the servermarket and that it's not possible to announce a fully lined up series of servers and options in the early start. But if Lenovo really wants a portion of the servermarket, the mentioned issues should be addressed.
What's your opinion about this of what would you like to see from Lenovo?
Met vriendelijke groet, kind regards,
Rob Vermelis @ Copaco Nederland - Dutch Lenovo Distributor

Answer 1

ericjmail,
you make some great points!
if you don't mind, i'd like to address a few of them below...
2.  all of the ThinkServer models support 2048x1536 @ 32-bit color over VGA.   it only takes 12.58 MB of video RAM to drive this resolution.   all ThinkServers have at least 16 MB of on-board video memory.   short of installing a secondary video card to drive 2560x1600 over DVI-D, you should have plenty of resolution in a native system -- especially for a server.
4.  server 2008 standard and enterprise editions are available options.   they're listed in all of the ThinkServer datasheets found here.   option part numbers can be found here.
7.  the rails are available, albeit in a slightly obscure way.   i've posted information about obtaining them here.
a few questions i have...
3.  have you checked your currently-installed drivers in device manager to see if they match the versions posted to the website?   it's possible that these drivers are already installed, hence the message you're seeing.
5.  how many drives would you like to have?   10?   how is your current RAID topography set up?   if given more drives, how would you like it to be set up?
6.  would you prefer 2.5" drives over 3.5" or would you prefer the option to install 2.5" drives in a 3.5" bay?
thank you for your candid feedback.
ThinkStation C20
ThinkPad X1C · X220 · X60T · s30 · 600