Remote Management and the Information Infrastructure

Transcription

1 2006 ATEN

2 Executive Overview The consolidation of various data center devices and servers running on multiple platforms provides network administrators with a more effi cient information infrastructure. After all, the less moving parts involved improves overall effi ciency and reliability. Using an end-to-end framework, organizations of all sizes can implement a centralized console to manage the data center infrastructure combining enterprise reliability and remote connectivity while reducing costs all without compromising application and technology service levels. Within this information infrastructure, the emergence of remote management tools provides network administrators with a hub-and-spoke model that offers an ideal solution for any data center or server room. Remote management tools facilitate the reduction of downtime, while maximizing profits typically lost as operating expenditures. These devices provide a flexible alternative to serve the needs of network administrators who can seamlessly integrate its remote management solutions into an existing infrastructure to create a virtual data center to accommodate organizations that do not have the hardware infrastructure and staff to support a full-blown data center. Heralded as one of the most elite and distinguished research institutions in the country, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has produced some of the fi nest intellect in the world. Caltech s Computer Science Department houses a research group laboratory made up of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff who research algorithms, communication protocols, networks, graphics and human-computer interaction, and large-scale scientifi c computing. The department provides IT support for users of the research laboratory. The Computer Science Research needed local and remote access solutions to monitor uptime, simplify the debugging process and installation/ upgrading of operating systems. This white paper will discuss how organizations are reaping the benefi ts of remote management to control multi-platform servers and other data center devices using real-life examples of the technology in action ATEN Technology, Inc. -P01-

3 Table of Contents Executive Overview... 2 Table of Contents... 3 Why does Remote Management Make Sense?... 4 Remote Power Management Why it is a Necessity... 6 Remote Management in Action... 7 Recommendations... 8 Summary ATEN Technology, Inc. -P02-

4 Why does Remote Management Make Sense? IT professionals have always wanted the fl exibility of anytime, anywhere access to their servers, network devices, and applications. Whether problems caused by device failures, denial of service attacks, cyber intrusions and malware, or natural disasters, data centers are constantly at risk. This need for secure remote management has risen to the forefront as a top priority on the To Do list of network administrators. Until now, this was cost-prohibitive for all but the largest data centers. However, the affordability of IP remote management devices has enabled organizations of all sizes to benefi t from secure over IP access across the room, throughout an office complex in a distributed computing environment or transcending global boundaries all via an Internet connection and browser. The question becomes how can remote management not make sense and what is the effect on the information infrastructure? The answer to the fi rst half of the question lies in the optimization of IP KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switches and IP-based remote management devices. These technology enablers help network administrators to easily and effectively diagnose, control and repair serverbased problems from any location in real time. In terms of the second part of the question, for an organization with many legacy devices and existing KVM switches, an IP-based remote management device is the answer. These can work with both analog and digital KVM switches. Other organizations may opt for devices that combine both the KVM switch and remote management functionality in one box. For either option, network administrators can receive significant cost and IT benefi ts as well as remote access. These hardware-based solutions have proven to be a more reliable solution than remote access software, which requires an agent running on each target server. Remote access software may have some caché in the industry, but, a hardware-based combination of a KVM switch and an IP-based device gives the remote user direct access to hundreds of servers. It also provides total control, from GUI applications to BIOS-level troubleshooting, maintenance, and even rebooting. More importantly, this solution provides out-of-band access so servers are available even if the network is down. These capabilities are vital to IT professionals, especially when they have to react to an unexpected technical situation. According to a recent report by Venture Development Corporation (VDC) on the market potential for remote management solutions: IP-Based KVM Switches will drive industry growth as more branch sites adopt the solutions for remote server management. Serial Console Servers can signifi cantly reduce enterprise costs. Effective management of IT peripherals using the devices can substantially reduce network downtime. Based on this validation of the role of KVM technology within remote management, it is critical to select a KVM solution that offers both analog and digital access to servers and other network devices ATEN Technology, Inc. -P03-

5 Selecting the Right Solution for Remote Management The selection of the right solution for remote management is truly contingent upon the data center makeup. This depends on the number of devices, existing KVM switches, anticipated KVM needs, serial devices for remote control, etc. Mid market organizations should not feel misled that remote management is cost prohibitive. If cost is an issue, then marrying an existing set of KVM switches to and IP based device could be the answer. Many providers have designed their KVM solutions to offer this fl exibility while simultaneously offering products that combine both the switch and IP device in one box these units also consume only 1U rack space for better cable management. The ideal IP device, whether it is resident in a KVM switch or wed to an existing KVM, should offer multiplatform,bios-level, KVM console access to multiple servers over IP. As an added bonus, these units may integrate the RADIUS remote authentication protocol. RADIUS servers have evolved into a critical tool for network administrators to manage all access authorizations within enterprise IT environments. Network security is paramount for global organizations of all sizes and is threatened daily by scores of malicious hackers intent with wreaking havoc on the information infrastructures. The selected solution should offer the highest levels of security including encryption, a log server to continuously monitor server activities, IP and MAC fi lters, sophisticated user management and a stealth mode. With these devices, data center administrators can ensure secure remote access to servers without physically being present at the rack. Organizations with multiple locations can benefit from the comprehensive remote management functionality of this device. Not only do enterprise and mid-market organizations gain centralized control of remote servers and computers but also have the capability to manage their customers and do business remotely. In addition to security, video quality, mouse movement and bandwidth are equally as important in selecting the right solution. It is recommended to choose a device that offers superior video quality as well as the most accurate mouse movement. Some IP-based devices require very high bandwidth these products do not take into account smallto- medium businesses that may have a lower bandwidth Internet connection which would impede remote management. Best of breed IP devices have a bandwidth control feature that allows adjustment of resolution at a lower bandwidth to enhance the speed and the video quality without diminishing performance. Other features that should be considered include Windows GUI and Java client software to simplify the process of remote server management. Remote management should not be limited to KVM solutions. The infl ux of serial devices into the data center also needs to be addressed in terms of remote management. Serial management solutions combine remote access with a utility design to simplify the administration of critical components and can offer powerful functionality for Terminal/Server and serial control. These devices prove their missioncritical value by enabling IT professionals to restore down servers and resolve device-related problems without physically being in the data center for true anytime, anywhere remote diagnostics ATEN Technology, Inc. -P04-

6 Serial management devices tout advanced security features with port-specific, secure multi-user and multilevel login. These valuable remote management tools centrally manage and share a wide range of serial devices such as routers, hubs, modems and UPS right at the rack, and supports TCP/IP, Telnet, SSH, SSL, PPP, Solaris, Linux and Windows 2003 servers. Remote Power Management Why it is a Necessity Remote management plays into the concept of the Virtual Data Center, especially remote power management. Remote power management came into the limelight in the mid-1980s with the rise of the Internet and corporate LAN/WAN installations. Data centers growing at an exponential rate needed advanced power requirements such as receptacle isolation and dedicated power control. Companies began building power management devices and applications to meet specifi c power demands of networked environments. Today, some providers are offering infrastructure solutions that enable data center administrators to remotely access and manage the power of their distributed systems. Network administrators are continually seeking a holistic solution that allows them to consolidate the various network devices and servers from preferred vendors for more efficient infrastructure management. Today s data center environments put signifi cant strain on current power consumption loads running on AC circuits. The trickle down effect of this power stress leads to fluctuations in power that cause sensitive systems to lock up, and require a complete system reboot. There is an industry paradox occurring today as systems and applications become more complex, so too are these solutions more sensitive and open to potential disturbances that can affect the information infrastructure. Until now, there was no affordable tool to monitor such maladies in real-time to limit system downtime. These new remote power distribution units address these issues and enhance data center effi ciency and productivity. Besides KVM and serial devices, remote power management is also critical for the network administrator ATEN Technology, Inc. -P05-

7 Remote Management in Action Organizations with a multitude of platforms have maintained control over their data center despite these challenges. The following is an example of a successful deployment of KVM within a multiplatform environment: Heralded as one of the most elite and distinguished research institutions in the country, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has produced some of the fi nest intellect in the world including 17 Nobel Prize-winning scientists in nearly every technical fi eld. Some famous Caltech alumni include Gordon E. Moore, co-founder of Intel Corporation, and Charles Francis Richter, creator of the Richter Magnitude Scale. Other Caltech alumni have become executives at Boeing, Compaq and TRW Inc. Caltech is an independent, privately-supported university based in Pasadena, CA, that offers some 40 areas of concentration in science, mathematics, engineering, and the humanities and social sciences for its 2,000+ student body that is comprised of 896 undergraduates and 1,276 graduate students. Established in 1891, Caltech s mission is to expand human knowledge and benefi t society through research integrated with education. Caltech s Computer Science Department houses a research group laboratory made up of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff who research algorithms, communication protocols, networks, graphics and human-computer interaction, and large-scale scientifi c computing. The department provides IT support for users of the research laboratory. The Computer Science Department contains a Beowulf-like cluster of 40 computers running Linux and Windows platforms that students, faculty and staff use for research projects. The department needed local and remote access KVM solutions to monitor uptime, simplify the debugging process and installation/upgrading of operating systems. Without KVM technology, the lab was unable to diagnose operating system and hardware crashes on its machines remotely. The lab selected a KVM solution that that offered reliability and scalability and provided outstanding keyboard/mouse emulation. CalTech also wed its KVM solution to an IP based device to remotely monitor the machines in its research lab. CalTech has experienced more effi cient cable management and better remote access to the devices in its lab. This has translated into increased time savings and enhanced productivity ATEN Technology, Inc. -P06-

8 Recommendations Network administrators can use existing KVM solutions to partner with IP based devices or use combo units for remote management Remote access should not be limited to just KVM but also include serial control and power management for truly gaining full control over the data center 24/7 Security is critical in remote management and the selected provider must be current with the latest encryption technologies. Summary Today s organizations are continually challenged to maintain control of its data centers within its walls and beyond. Remote management is a powerful tool for control but selection of the right solution that can work seamlessly with an existing information infrastructure is paramount. Network administrators with the right remote control vision can help their companies gain more access to devices anytime, anywhere while maintaining the security and integrity of their infrastructures. Remote management is a powerful tool in the hands of the network administrator. With great power comes great responsibility. White paper prepared for ATEN Technology by Springboard PR. This report in whole or in part may not be duplicated, reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or retransmitted without prior written permission of Springboard PR. All opinions and estimates herein constitute our judgement as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies Springboard PR All Rights Reserved ATEN Technology, Inc. -P07-

9 ATEN Technology, Inc. 23 Hubble, Irvine CA 92618, U.S.A ATEN (2836) ATEN New Jersey 155 Pierce St. Somerset, NJ