Avocent

Avocent® is a leading global provider of IT infrastructure management solutions for enterprise data centers, small/medium businesses and branch offices.

Products include local and remote switching, serial console servers, digital extension, embedded (IPMI), service processor managers, wireless, mobile and video display solutions. Avocent hardware, software and embedded technologies combined provide customers with the power of centralized management. IT administrators can sit at a single console and control local and remote servers, network data center devices, and mobile, power and environmental appliances.
 

IT Infrastructure Management Solutions

Avocent IT infrastructure connectivity and manageability solutions that centralise control of not only servers, but also network devices in multiple locations, continue to lead the market. In fact Avocent is the leading, worldwide supplier of KVM switches (keyboard, video and mouse), remote access and serial connectivity solutions that provide IT managers with access and control of multiple servers and network data center devices. In addition Avocent KVM solutions are distributed by the world’s largest server manufacturers like IBM, HP and Dell and are and installed in Fortune 100 companies around the world. Avocent technology enables IT managers in any industry to access and control virtually any number of servers or network devices. The Company's scalable products enable network administrators to gain full control of any connected device using IP connectivity. No special hardware or software is required to the targeted devices. Avocent product portfolio includes switching, extension and video display solutions. Avocent IT infrastructure management solutions are available for the data centre, branch locations and small to midsize businesses. 

The Avocent DS Series family of data center management solutions includes 1 to 32 port KVM over IP switches, CCM console server management appliance for serial devices, power control devices, and software to manage it all through a single interface. Avocent’s DSView 3 software and DS Series system reduce down time and provide rapid disaster recovery while providing better overall management capabilities to administrators. From a single terminal, Administrators can navigate between devices and configure, manage, upgrade and backup any device in the data centre.

The history of Avocent innovations that have advanced the IT industry include: multi-platform/multi-user switching, analog matrix switching, extension over CAT 5, PCI bus extension, patented on-screen menus, remote KVM over IP connectivity, digital serial over IP, digital-analog integrated access to multiple servers, wireless KVM, hand-held solutions, and hub and spoke failover technology.
Avocent IP-based manageability systems eliminate distance limitations and provide 24/7 access and control of your data centre. Avocent DSView 3 management software provides data center managers with a secure, centralized management tool which allows administrators to remotely access, diagnose, and modify managed devices from anywhere in the world.

Avocent for the Data Centre

Avocent DSView 3 Management Software: 
Secure, Centralized Access and Control

Avocent’s DSView® 3 management software provides data centers with a secure, centralized management solution for all of your networked hardware and software–physical and virtual. DSView 3 software allows administrators to access, diagnose, and modify any network asset from any point on the globe, regardless of the health or status of the OS or the network connection to those devices. DSView 3 software makes your data center and remote offices more manageable, accessible, extensible, and secure.

Features Include:

• Secure, centralized management of your entire infrastructure via a single interface.
• Auto discovery of appliances.
• Hub and spoke architecture for redundancy, real-time updates and load balancing across multiple sites.
• Diagnostic testing from your desktop - across the hall or around the globe.
• Detailed audit logs and reporting.
• Automated updates, file loading and scheduling.
• Simultaneous firmware updates.
• Selectable encryption modes (AES, DES, 3DES, 128bit SSL) to support your security policy.
• Authentication against existing services (LDAP, Active Directory, NT Domain, RADIUS, TACACS+, and RSA SecurID).

Avocent DSR KVM switches

Avocent DSR® KVM over IP switches provide BIOS-level control of all connected servers and serial-based devices in your data centre. DSR switches let you remotely manage and power cycle connected devices, and provide external modem support when the network is down. DSR switches feature an on-board Web interface compatible with Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Firefox or Netscape for access and control of your servers over IP.

As an administrator, you can use Avocent DSR KVM switches to manage remote data centres and branches as if you were present in each location. This reduces downtime by providing you with easy access and control to any connected server or device. The DSR product contains open source software. Please view the GPL license for more information. DSR switches provide a Virtual Media capability so you can map local storage media to a remote server. DSR switches support IPv6 and IPv4 for easier transition.

Features Include:

• Centralised management of your entire infrastructure via a single interface (DSView3).
• Redundant architecture for failover access and administration with DSView 3 software.
• Easily troubleshoot, reboot or even power cycle servers or serial devices in remote branch offices, avoiding the need for costly on-site service calls.
• External modem support.
• Manage power strips and third party power devices.
• Authenticate user permission against your internal or external databases, such as LDAP, Active Directory, NT Domain, TACACS+ and RADIUS.
• Patch management and network performance monitoring without impacting server network throughput.
• Selectable encryption modes.
• SNMP traps and email notification.
• Access IPMI enabled servers.
• Reduced cable volume in rack by utilizing DSRIQ module and UTP cabling.

Service Processor Management

Avocent MergePoint service processor management devices allow IT organisations to streamline data centre management and reduce operational costs by leveraging the service processor technologies already present in their servers. Avocent MergePoint appliances proactively monitor and maintain server health, enabling faster troubleshooting and problem resolution that ensure servers are up and running 24/7.

MergePoint 5200 Appliance
The Avocent MergePoint™ 5200 service processor manager streamlines and consolidates the management of servers with service processor technologies such as Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI, versions 1.5 and 2.0), Dell® Remote Access Card (DRAC) and HP® Integrated Lights-Out (iLO). When used in conjunction with DSView® 3 management software, the MergePoint 5200 completes the overall management infrastructure by providing server coverage essential to the always-on data centre.

MergePoint 5224/5240 Appliances
The Avocent MergePoint 5224/5240 service processor managers simplify and significantly reduce the deployment costs of out-of-band management of servers with service processor technologies by consolidating IP connections, user access and server health information. With multiple Ethernet ports, the MergePoint 5224/5240 appliances connect point-to-point with Ethernet-based iLO, IPMI (versions 1.5, 2.0), DRAC, RSA and ALOM service processors.

Features Include:

• Provides Serial over LAN, power control, hardware monitoring and DirectCommand, a feature that enables transparent, secure access to the service processor's native interface.
• Comprehensive security systems with local and remote authentication, authorization, auditing and encryption.
• Physical separation of service processor connections from public networks allowing server access to authorized users only.
• Manage HP iLO, IPMI 1.5, IPMI 2.0, Dell DRAC, IBM® RSA II, Sun® ALOM, blade servers and others.

Remote Power Management for Servers and Network Devices

Cyclades® PM power devices are a family of intelligent power distribution units (IPDUs) that enable remote power management and control of servers and network gear.

When used in conjunction with Cyclades ACS console servers and Avocent DSView® 3 management software, the Cyclades PM devices provide a power management system with easier management capabilities and faster problem solving by integrating system access and power control into a single interface. All Cyclades PM models include two RS-232 outlets that allow the creation of daisy-chains with up to 128 outlets. Connect this chain to one of the outlets on the Cyclades ACS console server for the most advanced remote power management solution in the market today. Remotely manage your power infrastructure using HTTP, HTTPS, telnet, SSHv2 and SNMP and integrate the solution with existing LDAP, Kerberos or RADIUS authentication schemes.

Features Include:

• Secure, remote power management.
• Integrated console and power management.
• Independent control of power ports (power on/off/cycle).
• HTTP/HTTPS user friendly power management interface.
• Telnet/SSH/SNMP management of power outlets.
•  Local, RADIUS, TACACS+, Kerberos and LDAP authentication.

Serial Console Management

Cyclades ACS 5000 & 6000 Series Advanced Console Servers

Cyclades® ACS 6000 & 5000 series of advanced console servers offers IT professionals and network operations center (NOC) personnel the ability to perform secure, remote data centre management and out-of-band management of IT assets from anywhere in the world. Using a hardened Linux® operating system, Cyclades ACS 5000 console servers provides optimal performance, security and reliability. Combined with integrated Power Management and using DSView® 3 management software, Cyclades ACS 6000 & 5000 console servers offer centralized management and a secure and consolidated out-of-band management solution.

With the 5000 available in 4-, 8-, 16-, 32- and 48-port models and the 6000 with 16-, 32-, and 48- port models, both of which fit in 1U of rack space, Cyclades ACS 6000 & 5000 console servers help to maximize network and server availability with scalability and cost-effectiveness. Security features such as SSH v2, RADIUS authentication, IP filtering, and user access lists per port allow data centre managers and system administrators to remotely manage the network and servers with greater control and reliability.

Console management features such as data buffering, direct access methods to the serial ports (such as TCP port and server name) and event notification improve monitoring capabilities, allowing faster problem solving actions and higher network uptime. Cyclades ACS 6000 & 5000 console servers decreases network maintenance costs and helps maximise IT asset productivity while providing scalability, making it the right choice for secure in-band and out-of-band management for medium to large enterprise data centres.

Features Include:

• Secure in-band and out-of-band network management
• Integrated centralised administration – using DSView 3 management software
• Regulatory compliance and easy trouble shooting – online and offline data logging with time stamps
• Power management – integrated power control
• Easy Configuration and installation - Auto Discovery of Host Names
• Windows® Server 2003 Emergency Management Services (EMS) support
• Clustering – central access to multiple console servers
• Improved network monitoring
• Rack space savings –1U form factor

Analogue KVM Switching

Data Center & Broadcast AMX® KVM switches
The Avocent AMX® analog KVM switching solution provides simultaneous real-time user access to all major server platforms and serial devices. Maintain access to your mission-critical servers and serial devices by connecting two AMX matrix switches to your desktop user station for switch redundancy with automatic failover. Alternately, you can access your local computer and an AMX matrix switch with the desktop user station for efficient real-time access to connected servers and serial devices. The AMX analog KVM switching system features full-system management with an advanced Java-based administration tool, optimal video resolution and an on-screen graphical interface. The AMX switch can operate over your existing UTP cable infrastructure and optional skew compensation ensures video quality is automatically adapted to cable type and length.
Features Include:

• Provides comprehensive system administration.
• Allows administrators to set multi-level access to servers with password protection for each user.
• Creates server and user group lists.
• Provides a log of system activity.
• Database is stored locally and can be downloaded to the AMX switch via TCP/IP.

LAN Extension
Avocent LongView® extension solutions enable you to separate users from computers with simple connect-and-go ease of installation. These intelligent product lines compensate for any performance degradation over the extension connection delivering an “at the PC” experience for the user.

The LongView IP digital extension solution provides remote access to business-critical computers via your local area network (LAN). Convenient IP connectivity gives you access to high quality DVI video and audio from anywhere in your building.
Features Include:

• Separate users up to 1,000 feet from computers.
• User PC experience unaffected over distance of 1,000 feet.
• Extends audio and serial ports.
• The single cable-to-user design simplifies installation and moves.
• Provides high-quality DVI video and CD audio.
•  Designed for SMB environments, harsh and sensitive areas, and restricted areas.

SMB and Desktop

AutoView® KVM switches

You can enjoy simpler KVM switching with local virtual media support, advanced cabling options and easier access to servers and other network devices in your midsize data center. With Avocent AutoView KVM switches, your choices have never been better.

AutoView KVM switching systems feature new advanced cabling options that let you manage PS/2, USB, Sun and serial devices from one solution. Integrated access cables provide keyboard, video and mouse connectivity in one, slim CAT 5 cable, which reduces cable bulk and saves time and money. A smart chip interface automatically assigns and retains unique server names for each attached server. You can connect multi-platform servers to a single switch and configure servers at the rack with a user-friendly on-screen display (OSD). The convenient OSD lets you easily name and select your servers. The AutoView 2020 and 2030 switches feature local virtual media for connecting USB media devices. With virtual media, you can transfer data that is stored on CDs, USB thumb drives, USB external hard drives or any other media source between targets.

Features Include:

• Designed specifically for SMB environments.
• On-board Web interface.
• Remote digital and local analog server access.
• Supports PS/2, USB, Sun and serial platforms.
• Encrypted communication.

SwitchView® 1000 KVM Switches

The SwitchView® 1000 rack mount, KVM switches provide PS/2 and/or USB connectivity for SMB server rooms. The cost-efficient, rack-mountable SwitchView 1000 series provides PS/2 and/or USB connectivity for users and target devices. This single-user switch has an on-screen display (OSD) and supports 2048 x 1536 video resolutions.

Features Include:

• SwitchView switching series offers affordable KVM solutions for today's home offices and small offices.
• Features include multi-media and DVI monitor support, an integrated USB hub and simple installation.
• Compact, space-saving KVM switches eliminate desktop clutter and provide efficient PC access.

Serial Command and Control

Cyclades ACS Advanced Console

Cyclades® ACS advanced console servers give IT professionals and network operations centre (NOC) personnel the ability to perform secure, remote data centre management and out-of-band management of IT assets from anywhere in the world. Using a hardened Linux® operating system, Cyclades ACS console server provides optimal performance, security and reliability. When used in conjunction with Cyclades PM intelligent power distribution unit (IPDU) and DSView® 3 management software, Cyclades ACS console server offers a secure and consolidated out-of-band management solution.

Support for Avocent

Avocent Professional Services Support Programs
The Avocent Professional Services hardware support and software upgrade protection programs offer a complete range of solutions including advanced replacement, 24/7 technical services, priority access to Avocent technical services and software updates. These programs give you major benefits such as the ability to:

• Forecast and plan your maintenance costs
• Maximize your system performance
• Purchase a service plan that best suits your particular requirements
• Priority case handling
• Protect your investment
• Access new software releases over the term of the software upgrade protection agreement

Avocent Professional Services Hardware Support Plus Program.
This program offers advance replacement on all hardware/appliances covered by the Avocent Professional Services program. This program is available in pre-paid, and 1 year anytime options.

Avocent Professional Services Hardware Support Premium Program.
This program offers advanced replacement plus 24 x 7 telephone support covered by the Avocent Professional Services program. This program is available in pre-paid, and 1 year anytime options.

Software Upgrade Protection
This program offers software updates and upgrades on Avocent software covered by the Avocent Professional Services program. This program is available in 1and 2 year pre-paid options, and a 1 year anytime option.