What are the Benefits?

What is it? How will it save space? How will it save money? How will it save time? Is it secure? Why not use a Software Solution? Typical Applications Which product do I need?

What is it?

Keyboard, Video and Mouse (KVM) switches enable users to access and control multiple Servers or PC's from 1 or more keyboard, monitor and mouse.

KVM extenders allow the keyboard, monitor and mouse (or touch screens) to be located remotely from the Server or PC they are connected to by a single CAT5 cable up to 300m away or over longer distances over fibre optic cables.

The latest KVM technology provides "out of band" remote management of PC's, Servers and Serial Devices. It is "out of band" because it does not use the network.

How will it save space?

By removing the need for monitors mice and keyboards in cabinets. Up to 10,000 servers can be accessed from 1 workstation.

How will it save money?

Even if you only have 2 PC's or 2 Servers you will save more then the cost of a KVM switch in hardware savings alone, just on the cost of 1 Keyboard, Monitor and Mouse. Additional hidden savings in energy, space and time also add up to make KVM a significant cost reducing technology.

How will it save time?

Remote management solutions provide direct connect real time access to the BIOS level of the Servers up to 300m away (10Km over fibre) so users can work from their desk top without having to walk into the data centre.

Is it secure?

KVM Technology is secure and independent of your network. It provides a hardware solution so that unlike PC or Server Management software it cannot be hacked remotely. Password protected menus add additional local security even if a local physical connection is made.

Why not use a Software Solution?

KVM technology provides "out of band" management that does not use your existing network as opposed to "in band" management of servers and serial devices. This gives it a number of advantages over other methods of monitoring and managing servers, which use software on the network.

Unlike Software, KVM solutions do not

Put an overhead on the Server
Use the network or make any use of network bandwidt

Unlike Software, KVM solutions do provide

Access to all server platforms and all server types
A "Direct Connect Real Time" solution with no mouse delays due to conversion of signals. Software has to convert signals and this causes delays.
Full use of GUI's
Full BIOS level access even when the network is down
The ability to get to the command line and rebuild servers remotely.
Visibility of server boot errors and the ability to take action e.g. "Non-system disk error, please replace system disk and press any key to continue" or "power supply failure press F1 to continue".
Complete security from "hacking" - a physical connection is required to access the system.

Typical Applications

Server Room - Create additional space for new Servers in crowded server rooms by removing all but 1 Keyboard, Monitor and Mouse to access all the servers from a single point through a KVM switch.
Remote Access - Reduce wasted time by accessing all, or several, of your Servers over a secure hardware link from your office or desk without having to enter your Server Room.
Multiple Users - Improve efficiency by providing several users with local or remote access to different Servers at the same time.
Trading Floor - Reduce clutter, reduce costs and increase efficiency in trading floor or retail environments with multiple systems and PC's using desktop KVM switches and extenders.
Security - Remove PC's from vulnerable locations up to 300 metres from their Keyboard, Monitor and Mouse with KVM extenders.
Noise Reduction - Remove noisy PC's from broadcast studios with KVM extenders.
Network Security - Provide network users with Internet access without endangering network security by using a desktop KVM switch as a totally secure hardware firewall between a network PC and a PC with Internet access.

Which product do I need?

Quality
Any chain is as strong as its weakest link, the KVM Switch you use to access your computers will be a relatively low cost component of your system that will quickly pay for itself but it will be a vital link and you should buy a reliable quality product. There are now many manufacturers of KVM Switches and Extenders but they are not all the same.

Functionality
There are many different features available. Here are some of the more important features you may benefit from:

Hot Pluggable - allows connection to Server or PC without rebooting
SmartBoot - continuous keyboard and mouse emulation ensures reliable bootup
Mouse Translation - allows PS/2 or Intellimouse operation
Stream Mode Mouse Communication - allows support for Lap Tops
High Resolution Video Quality - prevents video degradation over extended distances
Channel Switching Method - Front Panel button, Hot Key, Mouse or all 3
Self Powered - Uses 5V power from Keyboard
Marix configuration - more robust and easier to use then daisy chaining in large installatons
Cable Management - Coax or CAT5 connection to Server or PC

To identify the right Switch for your application you will also need to ask the following questions:

How many PC's/Servers do I need to control/access
What is the type and mix of PC/Servers
What screen resolution am I running
Is it a rugged environment
Do I need to account for future expansion
Is it a desktop or rack mounted application
How many users do I need to give access to
Do all the users need access at the same time
What remote access is required
Is local as well as remote access required
What structured cabling system is in place
What level of security do I need.

To identify the right solution for your application call us on 0870 2202 370 or complete our Remote Server Management contact form.