Data centre management device combines functions

A powerful data centre management device combines console management, IPMI and remote KVM functionality in one box and provides a network-based graphical connection to systems.

Digi International has announced the Digi Passport, a powerful data centre management device combining console management, IPMI and remote KVM functionality in one box.

Unlike KVM over IP, which establishes a wired video circuit-based connection to connected systems, Digi's freeKVM provides a network-based graphical connection that consumes less network bandwidth and is free of distracting mouse synchronisation delays.

The integration of this functionality in a single device can reduce data centre hardware management costs by as much as seventy-five percent when compared to traditional hardware-based KVM over IP solutions.

"The Digi Passport provides a unique level of versatility in a single box," said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Digi International.

"Its ability to provide multiple connection methods to managed systems and automate common administrative tasks simplifies the lives of IT personnel.

The integrated KVM capabilities can eliminate the need for complex KVM over IP hardware that costs three to five times as much.

Designed to reduce workload on data centre managers, the Digi Passport provides advanced automation tools and operating reliability.

Perl language support enables customised log searching and event notification and allows users to automate many device management tasks.

Dual Ethernet ports and optional dual power sources and/or internal modem provide the redundancy to ensure reliable access to remote equipment in the event of a network outage or other emergency.

The automation and analysis capabilities as well as the broad redundancy options give administrators added tools to support regulatory compliance in the data centre.

In addition, the Digi Passport provides native support for next generation IPv6.

A USB port and a PC Card slot offer expandability.

The Digi Passport will be available with 8, 16, 32 and 48 ports (all 1U rack-mountable) as well as a smaller 4 port model.

With freeKVM the Digi Passport enables remote access to the graphical desktops of managed systems.

Users can access and control any system using Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Virtual Network Computing (VNC) or XManager for Unix as well as other user-defined methods.

It allows users to establish a secure connection end-to-end from the administrator's workstation to the connected system.

freeKVM is standard on the Digi Passport at no additional cost, giving administrators complete access to all their servers and network devices in a solution that is a fraction of the cost of that offered by traditional KVM over IP vendors.

"freeKVM gives users the ability to access the graphical desktops of connected systems and perform application level tasks without the cost, network overhead and mouse synchronisation delay associated with KVM over IP," Kraft added.

"No additional hardware or central management equipment is required.

The Digi Passport will be available in late July 2006.

* About Digi International - Digi International, based in Minneapolis, makes device networking easy by developing products and technologies that are cost effective and easy to use.

Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers.

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