Just want to consolidate responses to the last couple of posts (I'm also in the airport, so please excuse the brevity):
- I like Solaris 10 on Intel as an OS. The container technology is quite good and works well. Unfortunately, you won't be able to leverage it on Intel for 2 reasons:
- OTM isn't supported on it.
- You won't be able to leverage JRockit - which is a large part of the Intel/Linux performance advantage.
- Should you choose to use virtualization of any type, I would recommend it's use in DEV and TEST, but not in PROD. With high volumes, you'll want as much direct access to the hardware as possible (this applies on all platforms).
- I haven't had any personal experience with the Sun AMD hardware, but trust Nick's opinion. I've worked with him for many years back at G-Log and he leads up our Hosting team. He experienced many issues (as he alluded to) while working at Oracle, and in-fact they've begun moving away from it.
- From my standpoint, it doesn't matter if you leverage Dell, HP or IBM hardware - it's all roughly the same and more dependent on support contracts, existing relationships, etc.
I realize a hardware and/or OS change may be difficult, if not impossible for your organization. In the end, the choice is yours -- I just want to ensure you have the best information to make your decision.
For TEST/DEV, hardware comparable to what you've spec'd is fine. However, for PROD hardware sizing, there is a lot that goes into it (we have a whole worksheet and Q&A process that we utilize with our clients). A lot depends not only on volumes, but on what OTM functionality you plan to utilize and details like the data retention period, etc. I wouldn't be able provide you with an accurate sizing without going through it -- sorry.
Hope this helps!
--Chris