IDC's Server Decision Suite provides IT buyers and sellers with a common set of metrics to support a myriad of decisions made regarding data center performance, power consumption, density and cost. Of all the metrics, performance is the most difficult to measure when comparing servers of different ages, architectures and brands. Therefore, IDC has added a performance measure to its Server Decision Suite, called the IDC Qualified Performance Indicator (QPI).
IDC's QPI has been developed to support the evolving needs of the server ecosystem - from the IT vendor, through channel partners, to the IT buyer. QPI metrics can be used by your organization to make more informed decisions while saving time and money in the process.
Server Decision Suite Metrics
IDC provides a common measure to four key attributes of a server system. We provide values on over 20,000 individual server configurations spanning 15 years to support system sizing and buying decisions.
- Performance (
) - Scoring is based on an in depth methodology that combines published benchmark results with a study of processor and server architecture - Power - More than nameplate ratings, we derive measured power and heat ratings by specific configuration using vendor power sizing tools
- Price - Detailed new system pricing, including list, street and cost, plus fair market value pricing for older systems
- Density – Cubic inch and rack unit measures for each configuration
Additional Metrics
QPI takes available industry benchmarks, plus performance characteristics supplied by system and processor vendors to compute a "unified" performance score for every branded system configuration installed or sold over the past 15 years.
Solutions for Every Segment of the Industry
IDC delivers its QPI dataset via products and services sold by its IT Advisory and IDC Insights divisions, and data feeds to end user, vendor and partner solutions. Specific uses include the following:
IT BUYERS
Manage the evolution of your data center and maximize your investments
Data center consolidation and virtualization decisions/justification
Internal charge back mechanism for IT consumption
Data center outsourcing decisions/justification
Vendor to vendor comparisons for server acquisition decisions
IT VENDORS
Increase deal size and shorten sales cycles
Internal derivative works/tools designed to assist the vendor sales organization (sales enablement)
Outsourcing proposals and associated SLAs
Vendor to vendor comparisons for server sales scenarios and proposals
Data center virtualization and consolidation proposal/justification
PARTNERS
Enhance value proposition with IT buyer segment
Enhancement of your existing offering and ultimate value to your customer base
Ability to extend your current engagement model with IT buyers
New product to sell/add to your product portfolio
Association with a leading/well know brand like IDC
For more information about the IDC Qualified Performance Indicator (QPI) please contact Brian Clarke at bclarke@idc.com or (508) 935-4765 or Ken Hoyt at khoyt@idc.com or (508) 935-4238.