Server performance benchmarks, and what they attempt to measure, come in all flavors. Most IT infrastructure and operation people want to understand how to interpret select performance benchmark results and their significance as shortlist selection criteria for server choice. However, it is best to first understand how to classify the variety of performance benchmark types and learn what each of these benchmark types attempts to measure, thereby demystifying their complexities. This will make it easier to classify and interpret the results against a variety of competitive server offerings.