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.

Avocent Introduces Family of Space-Saving Desktop KVM Switches for Small and Home Offices

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Dec. 17, 2007 – Avocent Corporation (Nasdaq: AVCT) today introduced its family of SwitchView® 100 desktop KVM switches for small and home offices. These latest additions to the Avocent family of market-leading connectivity solutions include four space-saving desktop KVM switches that support multimedia applications.

SwitchView 100 switches come bundled with all the necessary cables for a solution that’s ready to deploy out of the box, simplifying both the buying and set up process and offering a complete package at a competitive price. Full audio support is also included, eliminating the need for separate sets of speakers and microphones for each computer – providing an uninterrupted multimedia experience across platforms.

To read the entire press release visit the Avocent website.

Traditional KVM Technology Still Thriving!

In the most recent edition of Processor they raise the question "Is The Death of Traditional KVM Near?" They report that the demand for traditional KVM technolgy products remains strong! Below is a snippet from the article.

Is The Death Of Traditional KVM Near?
Don’t Bet On It Anytime Soon

As new technologies enter the marketplace, older ones tend to fade off into the sunset, but don’t close the door on traditional KVM technologies just yet. While some server manufacturers have begun to integrate KVM functions directly on the motherboard, thus prompting a premature death knell, the demand for traditional KVM products remains strong.

“I don’t think the traditional KVM is dead at all, as I find it to be very strong in ongoing markets, especially in the 2-port and 4-port switches where you don’t necessarily need IP KVM or the need to support servers remotely,” says Adrian Dickens, founder and managing director for Adder Technology (www.Processor.com/Adder), a UK-based KVM manufacturer. Richard Dominach, Raritan’s (www.Processor.com/Raritan1) KVM over IP product manager, agrees: “I think the current state of the traditional KVM is indeed healthy. Customers are making good use of KVM and related technologies.”

To read the complete article visit Processor.com.

Click here to find information on Raritan, Adder, and ATEN KVM Switch Products.