What Does Commodity Server Mean?
A commodity server, in the context of IT, is a readily available, all-purpose, standardized and highly compatible piece of hardware that can have various kinds of software programs installed on it. It is simply a computer system that has server-side programs installed on it and can carry out related tasks. The hardware used in such servers is readily available and easily replaced.
Techopedia Explains Commodity Server
Commodity servers, as the name suggests, are servers that are not built for a specialized purpose. They are general systems which have been converted to be used on a low-level networks and they usually exist in the form of a group of servers collectively performing certain server-based tasks. The hardware is usually easily changeable and inexpensive. The advantages of using commodity servers include not being attached to certain brands and vendors, easy to maintain and readily available compatible components. They are ideal for storing and retrieving data from big databases where the server does not perform highly technical tasks.