A Few Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Console Server

There are many different console server options to fit your organizations’ needs. Consider these points when beginning to look at units and contact us today to speak with an expert about your specific requirements and which one would be the right fit for you.

Console Setup
The console server should take up a very limited amount of space on the rack and be rack-mountable. It should require minimal cabling but at the same time provide a high level of integration. Making sure all connectors are on the same side is important too, as this will take up the least amount of rack space.

Security
You will want to decide who in your company should have access to the console server. There should be an option to have multi-level user access control and login capability. The unit should also log in all its activities to maintain security and regulatory auditing compliance.

Flexible and Compatible
It is vital that the console server you purchase be compatible with all of your organization’s servers and network equipment. You also want it to be flexible to connect to other service processors and power distribution units.

We are here to help! For help deciding which console server is right for your specific needs, please contact one of our sales representatives at 1-877-586-6654.

Introducing Liebert's Most Intelligent, High-Availability Line of Managed Rack PDUs

Liebert's MPH2 belongs to the "Managed Rack PDU" group which is part of Emerson Network's range of rack PDUs. It is designed to remote-monitor and control power to the IT devices in your server rack. The MPH2 can easily be integrated into a server rack and management architecture and offers high availability and optimized energy and capacity management. The housing consists of a compact aluminum profile and can be integrated into Knurr racks from Emerson Network Power of other housing systems in a space-saving manner.

There are many benefits of the MPH2, but some of the highlights are as follows:

• Monitors electrical and environmental parameters 
• Controls and manages individual receptacles 
• Allows you to predict failing conditions 
• Energy and power metering 
• Lowest power consumption 
• Up to four MPH2 rack PDUs may be interconnected

For additional information on the Liebert MPH2, please visit us at 42U.

What is a Rack PDU?

A rack PDU is a power distribution unit designed to fit into a server rack in either a vertical (0U) or horizontal (1U or more) position. You can basically think of them as industrial-grade power strips that have the potential to power multiple servers.

Rack mount PDUs are offered in many sizes and configurations depending on voltage, current, number and type of connections, as well as remote access and monitoring functionality.

Highly customizable rack PDUs can be configured to meet nearly any situation. For expert, unbiased advice in configuring a custom rack PDU solution please call us at 1-800-638-2638 or visit us at 42U.

Top 5 Benefits of a Console Server

1. Centralized Data Center Management
   Console servers provide local or remote management of your serial devices, UNIX & Linux servers, routers, switches and other serially-managed devices via SSH/Telnet and Web browser. Access serial servers from anywhere, at any time, regardless of network availability (optional Integrated 56K Modem*). Add centralized software for multiple console server and device locations and everything can be accessed from one centralized pane of glass.


2. Maintaining Network Security
   Ensure against attacks w/ 128-bit SSL, RC4, AES, and 3DES encryption options. Authentication and Authorization fully supports RADIUS, LDAP, TACACS+, Active Directory; Primary and secondary servers support. By solving issues remotely from one centralized location, access to data centers and their secure environments will become very limited. This grants companies the peace of mind knowing their centers remain safe, locked down, and secure.


3. Efficiency
   If a server is unresponsive or the network is down, the response time is instant and it can reduce the time it takes to return to service from hours to just minutes. Integrated 56K Modem via RJ11 connection available* Provides emergency access in the event of a network outage.


4. Controlling Costs
   IT professionals are able to help eliminate the network downtime with proactive Event Management built in. Event Management provides event notifications to help you react, troubleshoot, and optimize networks before the worst happens Not only does this increase staff productivity and virtually eliminate travel to remote sites, but it also saves the company revenue with no loss of staff or system downtime while waiting for the issue to be resolved.


5. Reducing Complexity
   Less equipment is needed to access all networks when using a console server. Having all server information in one location instead of searching for the problems over various different consoles and locations can greatly reduce the complexity for IT professionals.

We are here to help! For more information or any additional questions you may have, please contact one of our sales representatives at 1-800-638-2638 and visit us at 42U.

What is a console server?

A console server provides you with centralized and secure remote access to all of your servers. It allows you to monitor the console of other machines and support geographically dispersed data centers from anywhere. This eliminates the need for IT professionals to have to be on-site at a data center if something goes wrong or updates need to be made. They can remotely solve issues and even power down servers from one centralized location, saving both time and money.

Uninterruptible power supplies, network routers and switches, telephony systems and environmental control systems are examples of non-computing devices that can be controlled through a console server.

The Latest from Avocent and Liebert on “ShellShock”

ShellShock, or Bash Bug, is a nickname for the bug in the Bash (Bourne-again Shell) command line interpreter, also known as a shell. Bash is software that has been around since 1989 and is used to control the command prompt on a variety of Unix-based systems, including Linux and Mac OS X, basically telling your computer what you want it to do. With this latest bug, outsiders could take control of the affected device to install programs or run commands. However, there are multiple types of command shells, so even if Bash is installed, the system could actually be using a different one.

If you currently use any Avocent or Liebert products through Emerson Network Power, know that they have been auditing their systems since the bug was discovered and are keeping an up-to-date log of their status. They have listed out any Avocent and Liebert branded product families that contain Bash and are providing updates for each of those products, including ones that are not directly exposed to the bug vulnerability.

To stay on top of all the updates, please go to Emerson Network Powers ShellShock Vulnerability Updates page.

Introducing the New Raloy Dual Slide LCD Series

KVM Switches online is proud to offer the newest model in the Raloy Rack console family, the RD119 Dual Slide LCD Series. The RD119 provides you with an easy way to monitor your systems from outside the rack while maintaining secure access. It features a retractable 104 key notepad keyboard and independent LCD display using green LED-backlit panel technology. Simply slide the 19” LCD screen forward to display your monitoring systems or other critical applications for multiple servers, without having to open the rack. By keeping the rack locked, you are able to maintain the security of your systems. If you need to make updates or address an issue, slide the LCD screen back and a built-in keyboard appears.

This state-of-the-art modular rack console offers a space saving, streamlined approach to your rack environment by integrating your LCD monitor, KVM switch, Keyboard, and Mouse options in one unit. This convenient setup will not only save you space, but also maintain security. Setup is fast and easy. Simply plug in this cutting edge modular rack console with optional integrated KVM and you are ready to go.

You can purchase the Raloy RD119 Dual Slide LCD Series at KVM Switches Online or contact your KVM Switches Online sales representative at 1-877-586-6654.

Adder Point to Multipoint Digital Signage Distribution System

Adder, a leader in KVM extender products, has recently released the LPV150 digital signage extender system.  This attractively priced, point-to-multipoint video extender is capable of delivering full HD 1080p video over distances of 150 meters (500 feet) via CAT5 cable.  Simply connect the ALPV154T four port video extender transmitter to your computer system's VGA and USB ports, then plug an ALPV150R single point video extension receiver into your display.  The two units are connected by a length (up to 500 feet) of CATx cable.  That's it. This simple plug and play video extension system has you delivering your targeted digital message in no time flat.

For single runs, consider the Adder ALPV150P digital signage extender, an elegant introduction to professional grade digital signage hardware for under $250.

KVM Switches Online  is rated 4.5 stars by Yahoo Shopping Customers and is an A+ Accredited Business with the BBB.

Server Rack Accessories

Server racks are an essential part of any data center or server room.  This most basic piece of data center infrastructure can be customized by a myriad of different server rack accessories.  From enclosure fans and server rack shelves to rackmount PDUs and rackmount monitors with integrated KVM, finding the right accessory for your server rack can be a difficult task.

Server Rack Fans

Many rack manufacturers have accessories that are specific to their particular racks, while others manufacture a broad range of universal accessories for any EIA-310-D server rack.

To speak to a server rack accessory expert, call 1-866-722-5776 today or visit Server Racks Online for all your server rack needs.

Digital Signage Solutions

Digital Signage Solution from 
Minicom Digital Signage

Digital Signage is becoming an ever popular solution to providing  appealing, dynamic messaging to customers.  In retail applications, digital signage provides compelling, site-appropriate content directly to customers who are already looking to buy.  Digital signage also excels at brand building by providing an engaging platform to launch new products and increase brand recognition.

A digital signage system augments your marketing plan by providing a willing audience the branding and promotional messages you want to deliver in a engaging, dynamic way.

KVM Switches Online is proud to offer a wide range of digital signage hardware solutions for you digital messaging needs.

KVM Switches Online  is rated 4.5 stars by Yahoo Shopping Customers and is an A+ Accredited Business with the BBB.

Portable Server Room Cooling

Server Racks Online, your server cabinet superstore is now selling OceanAire portable cooling units online.

OceanAire offers a wide variety of air cooled and water cooled units for spot cooling of server rooms, data centers and computer closets, like this unit:


OceanAire AirBoss Portable Air conditioner PAC1211

• Rotary or scroll compressor
• Washable air filters
• 5-gallon condensation tank with auto shutoff
• Auto restart after power loss
• 5 year warranty

Server Racks Online offers a full compliment of server rack/server room cooling equipment at low web prices. Find the perfect server room cooling solution today!

Data Center Design Services

42U Data Center Design Services

The Data Center Consultants at 42U understand the challenges faced by today's data center managers.  With energy prices soaring, increasing densities, user demand rising, and stricter uptime requirements; server rooms are facing power and cooling issues of monumental perportions.

Does that mean a new data center is needed to meet the challenge?  Not at all. The data center engineering experts at 42U can help you redesign your server room to meet these challenges. 42U's data center design solutions are tailored to your specific needs and designed to significantly reduce your energy costs and footprint while improving your power, cooling, and space capacity.

Visit 42U.com to learn more.

Rackmount LCD Drawer

Heavy Duty Rackmount
LCD Drawer by Raloy

Saving rack space is an important consideration for today's data center professionals.  That's where Raloy's Heavy-Duty Rackmount LCD Drawer comes in.  This space saving Rack Console is built with heavy-duty steel for demanding industrial applications.  Its modular design allows for a verity of keyboard layouts and optional KVM switch to save even more space.  When in use the this LCD drawer easily slides out to give access to the monitor, keyboard and three button touchpad.  When finished, the drawer can be slid back into place occupying only 1U of rack space.

The Raloy RA-17 comes with a ultra bright 17.1" Samsung active matrix LCD display, is compatible with PS/2 and USB interfaces, and offers universal OS support.

You can purchase the Raloy RA17 Rackmount LCD Drawer online at KVM Switches Online where you will find the right solution for all you Rackmount Monitor needs.
http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/raloy-rackmount-monitors.html

Server Room Cooling

As with enterprise data centers, today's smaller server room environments are dealing with higher and higher server rack densities.  At one time building HVAC systems were sufficient to handle the cooling needs of these smaller computer rooms.  Not anymore. Server room cooling has become a much higher priority for today's IT professionals.

The question is, how much cooling is needed?  Simple cooling calculators don't tell the full story.  Each server room is unique and requires a different approach.  Portable cooling units may work in some server rooms, while others may be too space restricted.  In some cases an engineered computer room cooling system may be a more efficient, economical choices in the long run; while precision, in-rack cooling may be the best option in others.

What's for sure is that open doors with box fans pushing office air isn't going to cut it anymore.

The data center cooling experts at 42U can help you discover the best cooling solution for your data center, server room, or computer closet. Schedule your Server Room Power & Cooling  Evaluation today to learn how you can jump start efficiency and capacity gains in your server room.

The Remote Power Switch

In today's home office and remote branch office sites, remote power control is becoming more and more popular.  Products like the DataProbe iBoot offer the ability to remotely control power over the internet to one or more outlets.  With secure password protected access,  IT professionals can preform a remote reboot of hung systems, control power on-off cycles, and in some cases employ automatic reboot functionality to restart systems in the event of a power failure.

Besides being great for home offices, remote power switches are finding a valued place controlling the power to vending machines, ATM systems, information kiosks, digital signage systems, and even remotely controlling power for security and alarm systems.  The remote power switch is an excellent way to reduce down time, outages, and losses from unexpected power failures and ensure remote IT equipment is available for customer use.

Data Center Consulting by 42U

Find hidden savings in your
data center.

Are you having cooling, power, or capacity issues in your data center?  Looking to develop a new data center, but are unsure if the space is ideal?  Wish to decrease operating costs through efficiency best practices?  42U, the data center efficiency experts, can help.



Whether you are designing a new space, retrofitting an existing server room, or just need to find extra capacity; 42U's expert staff will help you create the most cost effective solution to your data center needs.

The 42U advantage includes:

• 40 + combined years of  data center design, engineering, management, and facilities experience
• Unique understanding of small space / tenant constraints 
• Superior knowledge of power & cooling topologies gained over 16 years of industry excellence
• Data center experience all the way down to the chip level leads to holistic efficiency solutions
• Certified Professional Engineer (PE) on staff
• Senior Project Manager is Project Management Professional (PMP) certified 

Some of 42U's most popular data center consulting services include:
Data Center Power & Cooling Health Check - Basic data center efficiency / best practice consultation

Data Center Condition & Capacity Assessment - Comprehensive data center optimization assessment

KVM-Switches-Online.com Releases New KVM Product Selctor

With so many KVM choices, it sometimes helps to narrow your selections.  Now, selecting your KVM from all the different KVM vendors has become a lot easier with:

KVM Switches Online's new KVM Wizard and Rackmount Monitor Product Selector!

Don't forget, if you need more detailed information on KVM over IP products visit www.42u.com.

5 Steps to a Greener Data Center

42U recently released an article on five steps to a more efficient data center.  While new super efficient green data centers grab all the headlines, older data centers and server rooms can benefit from efficiency gains too by paying attention to a couple of critical areas.

1. Data Center Infrastructure - inspect and replace legacy data center equipment
2. Data Center Air Flow - use air flow best practices
3. Data Center Temperature - overcooling can be a huge drain on resources
4. Planning -  examine current and future load needs and cycle equipment accordingly
5. PUE / DCiE - set goals and measure success

For more details read: Five Steps To a Greener Data Center

Top KVM over IP Considerations

Digital KVM over IP products, or IP KVM switches, allow secure remote access and control of network devices including servers that eliminate distance limitations. These non-intrusive hardware-based solutions allow both in-band and out-of-band access to all servers connected to the KVM over IP switch. With advanced security across all operating systems, remote access via WAN/LAN includes pre-boot functions such as editing CMOS settings and power cycling your servers.

Top Considerations When Evaluating KVM over IP Switches

When deciding which KVM over IP solution is right for any data center application, carefully consider the following:

• What expansion options, for both users and servers, does this KVM switch offer?
• Are there any cable length limitations?
• How much additional cabling will be required?
• Does the KVM switch require coax cable, single or dual CAT5, or fiber optic? Some KVM over IP solutions offer more than one cabling option. Cable type is an important feature when considering cost and ease of installation.
• Does the KVM switch offer multi-platform support? For non-PC environments, does the KVM perform keyboard mapping or allow native keyboard support?
• Does the KVM over IP device offer enough security for a particular installation?
• Does the KVM offer any sort of redundancy to protect against failure?  How would a failure of any of the KVM switches components affect the servers and user's ability to control them?
• How is KVM extension handled?
• Does the KVM offer both IP and in-band options?
• What are the KVM switch's power cycling options?
• Are there specific space constraints in the current data center environment?

To compare different KVM over IP solutions from the leading vendors please visit 42U, your leading data center solutions provider. You might also be interested in KVM Switches Online's interactive KVM Comparison Tool.

Server Room Monitoring - Not Just for the Big Boys

Even small server rooms can benefit from environmental monitoring devices.  Proper server room monitoring can provide warning of impending disaster that threatens availability and up-time.  Temperature sensors can alert IT professionals of over-heating situations, humidity sensors can alert to overly dry/moist conditions, fluid detection  sensors can alert to flooding conditions, and intrusion/security sensors can help protect data and valuable IT investments from theft.

Temperature Monitoring
Probably the most widely monitored metric, proper operating temperature plays a crucial role in server availability and up-time.  When a cooling failure happens, it does not take long for temperatures to rise and mission-critical equipment to fail.  With real-time monitoring, IT professionals can be instantly alerted via e-mail, audible alarm, or other advanced alarm notification system to take immediate action.

Humidity Monitoring
While temperature is closely watched, humidity is often over looked in the server room.  Of concern to IT managers are dry conditions that can lead to a build up of static electricity, as well as overly humid conditions that can lead to condensation buildup.  To combat electrostatic discharge, cooling systems often add moisture to the conditioned air.  Add too much water vapor, though, and IT equipment will collect condensation that may lead to rust and electrical shorts.  Real-time monitoring can provide IT professionals and facility managers the information to get the balance right.

Fluid Detection
Little needs to be said about the dangers that fluids pose to IT equipment, yet many small server rooms ignore this ever present danger.  Safe from flooding on the third floor? Not from the burst pipe on the fourth.  Properly placed fluid detection systems can provide advanced warning of liquid infiltration, allowing ample time for mission-critical systems to be protected.

Security/Intrusion Monitoring
Physical security is paramount to any serious data security program.  Beyond external building security, server rack intrusion detection and server floor monitoring offer another level of security that is just as important as firewalls and virus protection.  If an intruder can physically access the servers, no data is safe.  Intrusion detection systems and camera monitoring solutions can provide another deterrent to data and equipment theft.

Server Room Monitoring Available for All Budgets
Stand-alone sensors need not require huge initial investments and can actually reduce IT expense in the long run when the replacement cost for expensive server room equipment is taken into account.  Moreover, many of today's state of the art server room monitoring systems do not need additional computer hardware or software systems and can often be integrated into existing building management and  network monitoring systems.