Raising the Bar on Remote Access

Transcription

1 Raising the Bar on Remote Access Organizations must secure systems remotely without compromising the computing experience, hampering administration or adding unnecessary costs. Custom Solutions Group

2 Raising the Bar on Remote Access Table of Contents 3 Executive Summary 4 Business Concerns 4 The Economic Factor 4 Where Competitive Approaches Fail 5 The HMX Advantage 6 Access-over-IP Solutions 6 Broadcast Success with HMX 7 Key Product Benefits 7 HMX Helps Get Education Scenarios 2 Raising the Bar on Remote Access

3 Executive Summary With cost-saving efforts and green initiatives driving many businesses today, it s not unusual to consider moving computing resources away from users and back-racking them in a data center. Doing so can help companies manage heating and cooling, power consumption and other conditions in the network operations center, as well as tightening security, improving maintenance or provisioning requirements and even freeing up office space. But how can companies make such moves without sacrificing the quality of the computing experience, adding excessive costs to the infrastructure and placing an additional burden on administrators to support remote PC or server access? It can be difficult, for example, to physically secure systems to support compliance demands and help protect against virus outbreaks, while also giving users access to their full set of peripherals, including rich media devices. Many organizations have tried various methods to support back-racking efforts, including deploying analog KVM extenders and piloting thin client computing. But these methods either impose limits or require significant investments to revise the entire IT environment. Avocent s HMX extender solution answers these concerns by supporting both IT and business users needs invertical sectors from broadcasting to education. The access-over-ip hardware extender system connects users to computers anywhere on the local area network (LAN), supports a wide range of peripherals and has a centralized administration and connection management console. This allows administrators to deliver flexible access and increased reliability and service, without installing new software or drivers, while maximizing computer functionality. The HMX solution builds on Avocent s established market leadership with the company s AMX analog KVM switch, which provides simultaneous real-time access to servers and serial devices. 3 Raising the Bar on Remote Access

4 Raising the Bar on Remote Access Business Concerns Oftentimes, the people with the greatest need for flexible, realtime access to back-racked systems are those who work in IT environments, from staging and test labs to network operating centers. There are many reasons to allow remote access, control and monitoring of systems. For instance, lab environments tend to be cold and noisy, which can take a toll on productivity. On top of that, some people are more efficient working on multiple computers during the course of a day for example, installing patches or updating configurations if they can simply hotkey switch among back-racked systems that are accessible over the network from any location. It s important they have real-time access to the systems to perform these functions, which isn t possible using traditional remote access applications. There is an equally pressing call in the network operations center (NOC) for an access-over-ip extender solution. Consider that these environments which support LANs, wide area networks (WANs) and high-speed communication links for a company, its customers and its partners are generally crowded, noisy and generate significant heat. The best practice is to move operator computers out of these areas, both to remove any distracting noise that interferes with critical discussions and to avoid overheating. As with staging and test labs personnel, however, administrators must have real-time access to back-racked systems, and remote access to the computing resources must include real-time connectivity. In these 24/7 environments, service-level agreements leave little room for downtime on mission-critical applications thus the importance of an extender solution that supports efficient remapping to an alternate system when upgrades must be made or faults resolved. System administrators know it is essential to improve service to users. But just as important, they must be able to support service requirements from a central console. This dashboard view improves their own productivity for tasks such as provisioning access to different systems for technical staff, which have dynamically changing roles and must use different resources depending on their work requirements. Likewise, a central management console can help administrators support users outside the IT department. Some people may need remote access to the full computer experience, either because they cannot have a workstation physically sitting under their desks or because they need access to multiple systems to perform their jobs. Streamlining user access is further challenged when organizations use outsourced or other temporary IT personnel. Consider employees who work in command-and-control centers in the industrial sector or staff in 911 emergency response centers. Their responsibilities mirror those of NOC technical staff in that they must react swiftly to information about urgent events, and the environments they work in have similar requirements around noise, heat and downtime. Other types of workers graphic design staff using CAD tools and call-center employees, for example need a quiet working environment, optimized workspace and serviceability. And power users such as CAD designers and broadcast content editors and producers need these types of capabilities without sacrificing performance. High-resolution video image quality, CD-quality audio and snappy mouse responsiveness for broadcast editing or digital simulations must be supported. For many organizations, the goal is to enable this functionality the distance limitations imposed by analog KVM switches. The Economic Factor By adopting a solution that simplifies and secures access and control of remote computing resources over the LAN, IT leaders are better equipped to help their companies address issues created by today s economic conditions. For instance, if an organization is increasingly using outsourced technical and non-technical staff to save money, IT must ensure those individuals can work efficiently without compromising security or compliance. Remote access helps keep the offsite computers and the data stored on them more secure. At the same time, IT system administrators must themselves be able to work efficiently. Many organizations are not replacing IT staff that leave the company, and others are reassigning technical workers to mission-critical initiatives, meaning there may be fewer system administrators to handle everyday workloads. In such cases, the ability to manage and control connections from a central location can help administrators more effectively and cost-efficiently manage computing resources. Where Competitive Approaches Fail Some companies have addressed noise and heat reduction by caging computers under users desks. But that fails to address the bigger issues of overall heat generation in the NOC or commandand-control center, nor does it address the space concerns that may exist in environments like call centers. Perhaps most important, it does not deliver any of the productivity enhancements that can be achieved by enabling users to access systems from any location on the LAN. 4 Raising the Bar on Remote Access

5 Another alternative is using thin clients and virtual computing technology, though that method may fall down when it comes to providing the real-time access and the quality of experience a dedicated system provides. Some virtualization vendors also still have to tackle providing graphics processing unit power for 3-D desktop applications through a virtual session, which may prove an obstacle for CAD users. Other obstacles that can apply to any organization especially in challenging economic times may arise from unexpected software licensing costs, the need to buy more expensive server hardware and network infrastructure to support thin client access, and even the costs of training IT staff to support a new computing environment. Of course, analog KVM extenders have long been a cost-effective solution to many organizations requirements for secure remote access, and they continue to be an appropriate choice in some scenarios. In fact, access can be given to servers already controlled by an analog KVM product through the local port of that product and an HMX extension appliance. But analog KVM extenders alone would not serve the purpose for users who, for example, need to connect to rich media devices such as USB mass storage or dual DVI-I video, or who need to eliminate proprietary cabling, dedicated fiber and distance limitations within the LAN. The HMX Advantage Avocent s HMX extender solution presents the best alternative to organizations that need to support the physical separation of computers and users anywhere within the limits of a LAN, without compromising the computing experience: No drivers need to be loaded on the target computer or operating system. Ethernet connections are used to link to and communicate anywhere across a 100 or 1000Mbps TCP/IP network. Users simply log in from anywhere on the LAN with their network credentials. Data encryption is enabled between the computer and the network. Access to all computer peripherals is supported: single or dual DVI-I or VGA for both digital and analog video; analog speakers for CD audio; and USB for keyboard, mouse, mass storage and other devices. Neither image quality nor responsiveness is sacrificed. IP area network. The HMX Manager, a hardened appliance, provides administration control and connection management. Using the HMX solution to deliver a rich computing experience is as critical as giving administrators a way to efficiently and securely manage those uncompromised experiences. The HMX Manager provides that level of centralized control though a single console that offers ease of workstation maintenance, management and access in a secure environment. Using HMX Manager, IT administrators can: Enforce access restrictions, so secure data is not viewable from nonsecured user stations. Account for system access from user log in to disconnection time for auditing purposes. Support flexible user login to authorized resources without reconfiguring desktops for each location. Perform all administration, setup and maintenance (including reducing downtime) duties without leaving their desks. Just as vital, the HMX solution does not require rethinking the entire infrastructure as is required with thin client and virtualization approaches, so staff won t need to learn new skills to effectively support back-racked environments. Return on investment (ROI) is more predictable and more quickly realized as administrators and users gain immediate efficiencies, and organizations can achieve their goals without bulking up on staff or costly new systems. Organizations can t fully leverage the benefits of back-racking systems without a comprehensive tool that enables flexibility, ensures security and delivers value within the constructs of existing IT infrastructures. Avocent HMX is that solution. The component pieces of the Avocent HMX solution include three versions of its user station for connecting to peripherals: the 1050, 1070 and 2050, which support varying video resolutions from 1280 x 1024 to 1920 x 1200, as well as support different numbers of displays. The operating-system independent versions of the HMX Computer Interface Module connect target computers to the TCP/ 5 Raising the Bar on Remote Access

6 Raising the Bar on Remote Access Access-over-IP Solutions HMX Manager HMX IQ Module Gigabit Ethernet HMX User Station HMX User Station Broadcast Success with HMX Those working in the world of post-production and broadcast machine rooms make intense demands on their computing infrastructures in the course of preparing and delivering content. Increasingly, it makes sense to back-rack computing resources to ensure the high-end equipment supporting these tasks is secured and kept cool in the data center, yet available as needed and as authorized to studio operators, graphics and sound editors, and broadcast engineers. These individuals must access and share computer systems to produce content and deal with operator problems right from their desktops. At the same time, moving equipment into the data center removes the requirement for conditioned power in the edit suite and greatly reduces ambient noise from having workstations in that space. De Lane Lea, which specializes in sound post-production for feature films and television, has deployed Avocent s HMX solution so its sound editors can remotely control and switch between different audio-processing workstations in separate locations. Workstation silence is golden in production facilities, as sound editors must clearly hear every adjustment made to content. Making the move to Avocent s solution has brought many other advantages: fewer sets of screens and input devices are needed to control and switch among sound editing systems, users retain access to high-quality DVI video for a brilliant picture, and they experience rapid response from both keyboard and mouse. Also critical is the control, security and flexibility the solution enables for defining which users can operate which sound machines. 6 Raising the Bar on Remote Access

7 HMX Helps Get Education Scenarios Key Product Benefits For End Users The Avocent HMX solution delivers: A rich, reliable computing experience Accessibility from anywhere on the LAN no distance limitations Ability to access and share multiple computers by simply logging in with network credentials Key Product Benefits For Administrators The Avocent HMX solution has a place in education facilities, whether it s a college classroom or a corporate training center. Computers are often located outside the classroom, in a central location, for maintenance and support. But both students and instructors need real-time access to peripherals ranging from USB-input devices to rich media, such as full-motion video up to 1280 x 1024 at 60 frames per second, and CD-quality audio. Avocent s HMX solution makes that happen, and it can quickly redirect students to a backup if a source computer fails. Another important benefit both for schools and businesses dealing with tight budgets is the remote connections enabled between users and computers via standard TCP/IP networks, which avoid the costs ofexpanding infrastructure. The Avocent HMX solution delivers: Ability to manage access, authentication and auditing from a central console Support for physical device security and data security as information travels anywhere between user and computer on 100 or 1000Mbps networks Features to quickly map users to another computer when problems occur or maintenance is required, for improved service and reliability 7 Raising the Bar on Remote Access

8 About Emerson Network Power Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), is the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity from grid to chip for telecommunication networks, data centers, health care and industrial facilities. Emerson Network Power provides innovative solutions and expertise in areas including AC and DC power and precision cooling systems, embedded computing and power, integrated racks and enclosures, power switching and controls, monitoring and connectivity. All solutions are supported globally by local Emerson Network Power service technicians. Aperture and Avocent solutions from Emerson Network Power simplify data center infrastructure management by maximizing computing capacity and lowering costs while enabling the data center to operate at peak performance. For more information, visit or Emerson Network Power. The global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity TM. AC Power Connectivity DC Power Embedded Computing Embedded Power Infrastructure Management & Monitoring Outside Plant Power Switching & Controls Precision Cooling EmersonNetworkPower.com Racks & Integrated Cabinets Services Surge Protection Emerson, Business-Critical Continuity and Emerson Network Power are trademarks of Emerson Electric Co. or one of its affiliated companies XX Emerson Electric Co. E HMX-WP-EN 000