One of our clients just handed us an IBM Netfinity to work our magic on. I have to say, this is the nicest x86 box I've looked at (at least as far as servers go). 3 serial ports (one just for serial console); tons of diagnostic LEDs on the mobo; diagnostic port on the mobo; big fans; reasonably sensible power button design (recessed, small button, with a big bezel around it; easy to find, hard to push accidentally); the BIOS will log POST and boot error messages; and there's some sort of diagnostic coprocessor, like a lot of IBMs big iron; case is easy to work on; drive sleds are easy to push & pull. it's a couple of years old (1999); so I don't know if they're the same anymore; but this thing is awfully nice. for another perspective; take a look at www.spinserver.com. they sell cases like Rackable's; where the I/O connectors are on the _front_ of the case, so they're easy to get to when in the rack. they sell cases, and complete systems as well. Carl Soderstrom -- Network Engineer Real-Time Enterprises (952) 943-8700