Avoiding Server Shortfalls: A Case for Right-Sized IT
Overview
In early 2023, a professional services client opted for a budget-friendly $10K server instead of the recommended right-sized HVHOST solution from PremierePC, which typically ranges from $13K to $20K depending on client requirements. While the initial decision enabled a basic migration and allowed for two virtual servers, the system was nearly maxed out from day one. Two years later, this short-sighted choice led to serious limitations, unplanned spending, and operational headaches.
The Initial Decision
- Recommended Solution: A right-sized HVHOST solution designed for at least five years of capacity, supporting growth, scalability, and disaster recovery best practices.
- Client’s Choice: A $10K entry-level server to minimize upfront cost.
- Result: Migration completed with minimal headroom; two additional VMs were deployed, but the system was already at capacity.
The Problem Today
The client needed to deploy a new SQL Server instance for core business operations. However:
- The server had no capacity to handle additional workloads.
- Deployment risked overall system stability and performance.
To proceed, the client now faced:
- A new unplanned hardware purchase (second server or high-spec workstation).
- Additional planning and labor for deployment and integration.
- Thousands of dollars in extra costs and time-consuming project coordination.
These problems could have been entirely avoided had the original recommendation been followed.
Why Our Standard Matters
PremierePC designs HVHOST solutions to support:
- Five years of growth to eliminate mid-cycle refreshes.
- Centralized operations that reduce fragmentation.
- Reliable disaster recovery through image-level backups.
- Predictable cost control over the entire system lifecycle.
We operate on a no-hardware-margin model with discounted Dell pricing, ensuring our proposals deliver enterprise-grade reliability at a cost lower than the “hardware-only” list price.
The Hidden Cost of Going Cheap
By prioritizing a lower initial spend:
- 2023: Client spent $10K on minimal server capacity.
- 2025: Facing another multi-thousand-dollar investment and project disruption.
This reactive approach wiped out any perceived initial savings and introduced preventable risk.
At a Glance
- Initial Server Cost: $10K
- Recommended Solution Range: $13K–$20K (with 5-year capacity)
- Now: Facing a second purchase, additional labor, and downtime risk
- Lesson: Cutting corners on core infrastructure leads to costly consequences
Our 5-Point Recommendation for Clients
- Plan for Growth: Budget and build with a five-year view.
- Invest in the Right Foundation: Avoid bare-minimum hardware.
- Follow Proven Standards: Our HVHOST + VM model is designed for resilience.
- Trust the Lifecycle ROI: Proper sizing upfront avoids expensive surprises later.
- Leverage Our Procurement: No-margin hardware pricing and streamlined deployment.
About PremierePC
PremierePC designs with resilience, scalability, and simplicity in mind. Our HVHOST solutions feature image-level backups, virtual roles, and clear growth planning. We pass on discounted pricing with no hardware markup and deliver turnkey infrastructure that works for the long haul.