"Since our core applications are now home-built and run on a J2EE platform, we have more flexibility in deciding our server systems," Ying noted.

For easier management, Tai Fook went for a more homogeneous environment to run its application. But which server to choose?

To support Tai Fook's core applications, Ying said the server infrastructure needed to deliver high performance around the clock. It also needs to handle the fluctuating market, which often results in surges of computing power.

To help make a purchase decision, the team developed a benchmarking scheme. Within the three-month testing period, the firm assessed different server brands by running their applications over these systems.

"Assessment of these systems was based on many criteria," said Ying. These included power usage, floor space, support services, commitment and time to response, as well TCO.