Advancing KVM Technology

For nearly three decades, KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switches have been a critical technology asset for organizations of all sizes. During the early 1980s, the boom in the computer industry led to an increase of costly monitors and other control peripherals in server rooms and data centers. Aside from the added expenditures and space requirements, computer sprawl was problematic as it impacted rack space and caused heat disbursement problems, to name a few issues.

Moreover, within larger data centers, IT administrators were forced to physically walk to each server they needed to work on (We're really lazy). Around this time, the first KVM was introduced to address these IT challenges. Technically, the first iteration of these devices could be more aptly described as “KV” switches as they supported only keyboard and video switching – mice were not yet prevalent during this time.
By definition, a KVM switch is a hardware-based solution used to access multiple servers, computers and peripherals easily and conveniently from a single keyboard, video monitor and mouse.
KVM technology has long been a favorite of mine since the late 90's when I built my first computer lab. Back then I used a small metal 'mechanical' KVM switch box. This meant that I had to be switched to the specific computer I wanted to boot otherwise the monitor signal wouldn't register.

Nowadays, I use an Avocent 4 port Switchview unit to switch between the systems in my home office. Because this KVM switch is electric, I can switch between system with ease regardless of the boot status.
Those crappy KVM switch boxes I used back in the day not only helped me manipulate multiple systems in my tiny comp lab, they also gave me a pre-cursive understanding to the more advanced KVM technology I came to encounter during my employment at Avocent Canada as a senior technical support consultant.
Fundamentally, KVMs enable network administrators to streamline rack space and IT environments as well as reduce the substantial costs and clutter of additional keyboards, monitors and mice. Other benefi ts of KVM include server manageability and savings in energy consumption, as well as a reduction of server racks, cabinets and floor space. In addition, by consolidating these peripherals, heat and electrical distribution are more manageable.
Because Avocent was and still is the leading manufacture of KVM switches, I was introduced to broadcast KVM systems, KVM extenders, wireless KVM, Serial KVM, and KVM over IP (my favourite).

Below are some of the immediate benefits that KVM technology delivers:

Fewer peripherals such as keyboard, monitor and mouse devices at the desk Valuable computers kept cool, safe and access-protected in central engineering rooms Access-protected applications in busy public areas No software Use of computer's standard interfaces, even on different operating systems Use of infrastructural cables Easy access for maintenance staff Increased computer efficiency Reduced acquisition costs Savings on primary and secondary energy Reduced IT TCO Better ergonomics and improved job satisfaction Free working space, allowing for more staff in the same space
An example of the economic benefit of KVM switches is Loblaw uses them in all of they're Distribution Centers and Offices all over the country. To save on administration and repair costs, all of our digital 8 & 16 port KVM switches are consolidated into one centralized access and control system [DSView 3] for remote managing. Wall-Mart does the same thing with all of they're stores (or so I've heard). In any case, there's no better solution for managing multiple physical computer systems in a limited space than a KVM switch for local or remote access. A key differentiator between software-based remote control offerings (ex. pcAnywhere) and network hardware such as IP KVM switches is OS independency. Unlike software, a KVM switch can provide management and control no matter which operating system is loaded onto the computer. In addition, an IP KVM switch offers a simple access point to computers via a Web browser. Finally, KVMs can access the hardware level (BIOS) of a computer or server for maintenance and troubleshooting. There is one final aspect that the huge variety of KVM products have in common: The devices are easy to install and can be operated immediately. KVM products offer numerous features such as extensive user rights, network access, authentication, preventive monitoring, and event reporting that improve both operation and safety yet still comply with any internal IT policies. Over the years, new applications that extend beyond KVM’s original purpose within the data center have emerged. Organizations have applied KVM technology to a variety of non-data center scenarios, including kiosk management, surveillance, industrial computer control and digital media/graphics environments. Emerson Network Power/Avocent will soon be releasing it's next generation KVM that will combine, Serial/ iLO/ and standard KVM all in one switch. A true Hybrid!!! I can't wait to get my hands on one of those bad boys once it's released... RPM