Date: 30/11/2009

Combined LCD consoles and KVM switches for effective data center management

Avocent's digital KVM offerings maximize the use of costly rack space by taking advantage of legacy and data center technologies such as blade servers and network adaptors. Additionally, these switches can convert analog signals into digital packets, compressing and transmitting them securely over TCP/IP connections, which is key for administrators looking to remotely connect and manage blades in a secure manner.

The other key features of digital KVM switches are,

Video resolution with integrated LCD console remote
Ethernet port to transmit KVM data over TCP/IP, and eliminates the need for specialized hardware or cabling
Remotely access blade servers for installation

The 17-inch LCD rack console and eight-port or 16-port KVM switches support PS/2 and USB systems and out-of-band access to servers. The LCD console switch also includes an on-screen display in multiple languages, a 17-inch TFT active-matrix monitor that supports 1280x1024 resolution at 60Hz, a convenient front access USB pass through and preassembly of the LCD and KVM modules for easy installation.

Avocent says, by bringing these two appliances together, IT managers can leverage a space-saving design, which is easy and convenient to install and deploy in an already-populated and crowded rack. The combined unit will provide integrated remote and local rack access for improved component manageability in SMB and server room environments.

"Avocent's ongoing innovation and leadership in KVM switching for years has provided customers with advanced management and security capabilities for the data center, while decreasing costs in even the most complex environments," said Bliss Ehrlich, Senior Product Manager, Avocent. "By adding LCD capabilities to digital KVM switch technology, Avocent customers get state-of-the-art remote access in a single console. They also benefit from time-saving installations and reduced downtime all of which are key advantages for customers looking to cut costs in this economy without sacrificing quality, performance and reliability. Furthermore, Avocent is using innovative ASIC technology in the digital KVM switch to build these next generation integrated solutions."

Avocent says, beyond managing server components required for high-performance environments including processors, memory, and storage, this new platform also provides effective, integrated management capabilities for data center components with a single form factor to provide streamlined manageability, including connectivity to a keyboard, video monitor, and mouse.

For more details visit www.avocent.com