IT Editorial

Highly technical and inherently intelligent, information technology users always seems to be faced with a single constant - “change”. If it’s not the latest modifications to your favorite word processor, it’s perpetual improvements in hardware or an ever growing mix of new technologies being deployed in the data center. By no fault of any operation, a myriad of new remote management techniques evolve with the discovery of every new hardware device that promises improvement. While the hardware and software purchased last year is not ready for retirement, the latest innovations offer far too many advancements to ignore.

Highly technical and inherently intelligent, information technology users always seems to be faced with a single constant - “change”. If it’s not the latest modifications to your favorite word processor, it’s perpetual improvements in hardware or an ever growing mix of new technologies being deployed in the data center.

By no fault of any operation, a myriad of new remote management techniques evolve with the discovery of every new hardware device that promises improvement. While the hardware and software purchased last year is not ready for retirement, the latest innovations offer far too many advancements to ignore.

Remote management has been around since the original days of Laplink and PCAnywhere - both on version 12 now. Somewhat limited to operating healthy computer systems, remote KVM switch hardware introduced a method to manage computers systems at the BIOS level, well before the computer reached the operating system.

As in conclusions reached by a study conducted at Intel, any data center is likely to use a variety of hardware and software tools for remote control. Unfortunately, the combination places a strain on productivity for users who utilize multiple remote management methods. Whether based on hardware, software or a combination of both, user preference, familiarity and cost adds additional challenges to an already complex setup.

How we choose remote management tools is highly dependent on what part of the computer, user responsibility lies. For a developer, software may be the primary tool with hardware being a close and necessary second. For those not responsible at the application level, hardware-like KVM switches may be primary, with software the necessary second.

Where decisions surround just the hardware, there are many differences that revolve around user preference and familiarity. Not to mention the budget restraints administrators must take under advisement. Inside and just outside the data center, KVM switches connected directly to the I/O ports offer real time access and control of the computer equipment. Off-site and campus wide access is easily addressed by KVM over IP and console server technologies.

Most popular OEM computers offer built-in remote management tools like Hewlett Packard’s iLoe and Drac offered by Dell. Most KVM manufacturers offer one flavor or another of KVMoIP solutions on top of remotely managed hardware switches. Adding to the confusion is Microsoft’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) and other ASCII based network equipment that requires console or process servers for remote management.

If you’re at all familiar with secured and highly sensitive data center operations, you already know nearly every one of these technologies are required by one level of user or another. A break down in productivity occurs when users need to cross the boundaries of accessing remote management technologies they do not usually employ.

Many hardware providers claim to offer integrated support for multiple types (and even brands) of remote management technologies. And while there is some merit, few truly address the real environmental need of corporate users. Hardware vendors often plagued by thinking ‘inside the box’ may limit versatility to in-house solutions.

Most software providers simply don’t understand the hardware side of the equation nor truly recognize the scope of how users perform their day to day task (where and/or why multiple technologies are required). Global Serv’s SLACi rises to challenge the status quo. By providing a unique remote management tool, SLACi hopes to fill the gap between various remote management technologies for end users.

Neither a hardware device nor software application for remote computer management, SLACi provides an agnostic user interface for seamless access to multiple technologies. Global Serv software eliminates the necessity for users to remember what interface is required for each server. 

With the future of servers being remotely managed by software, console servers, KVMoIP (out of band management) and incorporating KVM for local control, SLACi may rise above as one of the most useful tools available.

Author: Tony De Kerf, CEO Gobal Serv Inc.