When it comes to critical infrastructure, any amount of downtime is unacceptable. But, how does this translate to a work-from-home environment? In the midst of a pandemic, working remotely may become (if it hasn’t already) the new norm for a lot of IT managers and database workers. But, remotely managing a data center or IT infrastructure is not new. What about situations where you have extremely limited on-site access? Can you solve every issue with just remote desktop or remote access software? Any IT administrator already knows the answer to this. In many cases, hardware could be the answer.
Reliability
Computer problems that require rebooting, working with the BIOS, or starting in safe mode often cannot be done with remote access. KVM over IP grants the user direct access to multiple computers utilizing cable signals to grant hardware-level troubleshooting.
KVM over IP also has the benefit of being operating system agnostic. Windows, Linux, Mac, or Sun is not important to a KVM, since access and control is granted at the hardware level.
Most manufacturers build the KVM with similar power and network structures; providing the KVM with dual power/dual network connections, both used for redundancy.
The other small benefit of accessing systems remotely means fewer chances for human error inside the data center.
Productivity
KVM over IP has “over IP” functionality, which means you have a direct connection to your PC no matter where you are. Using features like virtual media, KVM over IP allows for remote file transfers, diagnostic testing, and OS and application updates/patches.
Relying wholly on a software-based solution also leaves individuals and organizations at the mercy of their IT infrastructure’s bandwidth limitations. When the coronavirus pandemic resulted in lockdowns worldwide, many individuals and organizations turned to the same videoconferencing software. This created a surge in bandwidth usage that caused a strain on the networks inside and outside most organizations. This sudden increase in bandwidth demand can leave people with slowed or no access.
Security
A hardware solution such as a Single Port DVI KVM over IP Switch offers BIOS-level access, and there is no need to install extra computer software for it to run. This has the knock-on effect of added security, as there is less risk of your computer getting a virus or malware. The hardware’s remote access path is separated from the operation network, so there is no data leakage concern — no backdoor, no way for would-be hackers to break in.
Remote KVMs usually come with additional built-in security benefits; most manufacturers also offer port security based on the usernames and password used at the KVM level. Lastly, most KVMs have the ability to integrate with the AD/LDAP servers, which is especially beneficial for larger companies to pass authentication and authorization to users remotely accessing their servers.
Additionally, IT administrators have access to event logging that records all KVM activity. In case of unauthorized activity, this feature will leave a trail for administrators to see or trigger a system alarm that sends an email immediately. Similarly, the KVM over IP switch integrates with control center video session recording software (CCVSR) for both live monitoring and operation trackback. With this, system administrators can monitor multiple KVM ports in real time and track any abnormalities or emergencies.
Conclusion
You want the most productive and reliable work from home available for critical work, going the extra step of using KVM over IP for remote access can be extremely beneficial with fewer headaches for IT administrators. KVM over IP is the closest you can get to being in the data center without physically being at the system.
Work from home may be the new normal, but it does not have to be a new pain point for IT infrastructure.
