Ideas that work - a remote KVM strategy for any size organization

When we first promoted the concept of upgrading an installed analog KVM switch to an IP switch by simply adding an IP gateway, I thought this strategy was perfect for small and medium size companies that don’t have IT budgets of enterprise organizations. But in this economy I am finding this approach is valid for Fortune 500 companies as well.

We are working with a globally recognized company on their US datacenter consolidation plans. They have to implement an IP KVM solution to fit their support strategy of following the sun. We originally proposed our Smart multi-user IP KVM switches. The solution fit their needs until they said, sounds great but we can’t afford anything close to that. We quickly changed gears and told them for about 1/10th the cost they can get remote KVM functionality by adding a Minicom IP gateway to their installed base of dozens of working analog switches. This was the perfect compromise of the real functionality they need and cost.

Sure the sale is a fraction of the original proposal but it is a sale not a proposal that will be delayed quarter after quarter due to a shrinking budget. The customer had to sacrifice on some features they wanted but they have the remote KVM access to the servers in their new datacenters that was not within reach with a new digital KVM installation. This might be the answer for your remote access needs or your customers.


If you would like to discuss a solution for adding remote KVM access to your servers contact Rami Sasson or a Minicom technical expert at info.usa@minicom.com


Rami Sasson, VP Sales at Minicom authored this blog post:
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Related Material:
White Paper: Real Needs - Add-on Technology that maximizes your IT installed base
Case Study: Government Agency (KVM.net & PX)
Webcast: Achieving Remote Server KVM Access to your data center (22 min)

Support Report: Smart 232 Cascaded with Phantom System

Occasionally I get to work on interesting applications; here is another solution that I would like to share… I had been requested to find a solution for real out-of-band Keyboard/Video/Mouse access from two consoles (that are located in a control room) to multiple racks in the server room.

For this I proposed to use our Smart 232A KVM Switch that will be installed on each rack. The Smart 232A is a two user KVM Switch that allows two users connecting simultaneously to 32 servers. On top of that I daisy-chained the Phantom system with Specter USB over CAT5 cable. This allowed two users sitting in the control room to select which rack they wanted to access and which server within the rack to control.

The connection from the two controlling consoles to the servers is done through the daisy chained CAT5 cable to give real time video & mouse control.

Learn more about the Phantom or Smart 232A systems.

Thanks to Nir Dary, Minicom's Technical Support Manager for this Support Report!

Do you have a technical question about a Minicom product or are you looking for solutions for your IT department? Visit Minicom Support for FAQ's, product updates, user guides and contact details for our expert technicians around the world.
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Related Material:

Product Brochure: Smart 232
Webcast: Smart 216/232 Analog KVM Switches (2 min)
Case Study: Emergency Call Center uses Phantom System

Upcoming Webinar: Smart 2-User KVM Series

Join us for this short product review webinar. Minicom's Smart 2-User Family consists of 4 new different products - The Smart 232 IP, Smart 216 IP, Smart 232 and Smart 216.

Come learn why these products are different that any other 2 user products in the market.

The Smart 216 IP and Smart 232 IP although offered as 2 user switches can really act like a 5 user switches at the same time on the same switch - 2 users over IP; plus one local user; plus 2 serial remote connections to serial devices. Come learn the details.

Speakers Include:
David Zucker,Director, Business Development - KVM Division
Ivo PetrovDirector, Technical Support

Date: March 12, 2009

Time: 2:00 PM EST

Topic: Product Review: Minicom's new Smart 2-User KVM Series
Space is limited so register for this free webinar today.

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Related:

• KVM IP Product Test Drive: Go to Minicom Online KVM IP Demo
• White Paper: "Remote Support using KVM IP Technology "
• Podcast: “Why should your organization use KVM IP?”

Free Webinar: Minicom's Smart 2-User Series

Free Webinar Invitation

Date: December 18th, 2008
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM EST (1 hour)
Topic: Minicom's new Smart 2-User KVM Series

Speakers Include:
David Zucker, Director, Business Development - KVM Division
Ivo Petrov Director, Technical Support

Limited space is available

Minicom's Smart 2-User Family consists of four new different products. Join us for this free product introduction webinar. Learn why these products are different that any other 2-user products in the market.

Smart 216 IP – 16 port CAT5 switch with 2 remote users and 1 local user
Smart 216 – 2-user, 16 port KVM switch



Smart 232 IP – 32 port CAT5 switch with 2 remote users and 1 local user
Smart 232 - 2-user, 32 port KVM switch

These competitively priced switches have great mouse synchronization and are compatible with our remote access management tool - KVM.net® II. Combining innovative CAT5 technology and OSD management, the Smart CAT5 switches are the perfect KVM solution for SMB server and rack environments.

Limited space is available

Can't make it? Schedule a free online IP product demo with a Minicom rep at a time that is convenient for you and in the meantime download a free white paper on “KVM IP Management for Today’s IT Budget”

NEW PRODUCTS: Multi-user KVM Switches - Smart 216 / Smart 232

Minicom announces the launch of two new multi-user KVM switches for IT managers of server rooms and data centers – the Smart 216 and the Smart 232. The new products allow two users to control up to 16 or 32 mixed-platform (PS/2 & USB) servers. They also provide seamless power control via Minicom's Serial Remote Power Switch (RPS).

Easy installation via user friendly OSD and compatibility is increased thanks to USB keyboard and mouse console.

Physically, the Smart 216 and Smart 232 are both thin 1U sized, rack-mountable devices that save critical space in crowded computer room environments. They both feature Minicom KVM over CAT5 technology that directly connects the switch to each computer in the server room, eliminating cable clutter and extending the distance between server and switch up to 30m/100ft.

“Thanks to their advanced functionality the Smart 216 and Smart 232 overcome many of the challenges facing today’s crowded server rooms and data centers,” says Minicom’s KVM Product Manager Benny Hayumi. “They are the ideal solution for corporate server rooms requiring both a powerful and versatile KVM solution.”

The Smart 216 and Smart 232 strengthen Minicom’s position in the KVM market by going to the next level of control. From a single remote user product line (Smart 108, Smart116) Minicom now offers a dual user line. In addition Minicom offers a full line of remote access switches for both single and multiple users (Smart 116 IP, Smart 216 IP and Smart 232 IP)

To learn more, download and read our latest white paper “How to Achieve Cost-Efficient Data Center Growth” through centralized management that leverages your existing KVM infrastructure.

Minicom’s entire line of KVM Products is available in an online catalog. Also, view case studies from different industries featuring Minicom KVM products.