Richard Clark, regional director, Raritan UK look at the options available in the world of KVM

KVM or remote management systems have in existence since the beginning of the personal computer revolution. It is a term generically applied to any device that extends the keyboard, video and mouse function, whether it be a 2 port desktop system or full enterprise systems that manages an entire IT estate. You would never describe it as a glamorous or a hot topic within IT, more like the ‘Cinders’ of the IT tools available. In fact it probably rarely gets a mention. However, this overlooked work horse is still used everyday in every organisation whether installing a new operating system, remotely starting a frozen app, switching between desktops on a trading desk or sharing the desktop with a colleague to view. Do you still use LCD screens in your data centres? Each of these will be connected to a KVM system.

KVM technology may have been around for a long time but like it or not, even with all the software tools available to us for remote starts and access, getting below that operating system layer is still the only solution. In a strange way it also provides the sweet satisfaction in getting back to basics, below the cosy, coloured world of the operating system.
When you are deciding on buying a new software tool or server, how much time do you invest in testing and accessing the best choice for you? You compare performance, functionality, pricing etc, spending man days in deliberation over the bewildering choices. However, when did you last spend any time thinking about your enterprise KVM or remote management systems? I guess very little.

This humble, yet vitally important tool has been sidelined to a purchase that gets no consideration. Typically, the KVM/remote management system gets supplied by the server hardware vendor. All of the Tier 1 vendors have broadened their portfolio’s to capture more of your IT budget. By adding cabinets, rack PDU’s, software management tools, remote KVM, LCD screens and many more items the expectation is that you buy into their brand. Although, procuring everything from a Tier 1 is certainly an easier option than accessing items in piecemeal, are you getting the best value or, more importantly, the latest technology/ functionality?

The Tier 1 manufacturers typically procure their non mainstream items with an OEM agreement with a specialist manufacturer.  It might well be branded HP, Dell, IBM but the technology underneath will be from many different sources. In fact it is quite common for different OEM manufacturers to provide the same technology to a Tier 1. OEM arrangements are complex by nature. A third party needs to design, manufacture, package and ship to a tightly defined specifications. This takes time. Typically, from design to shipping it can take anything from 12-24 months to complete.

Raritan Inc has been one of the leading specialists in the design and manufacture of Remote Management KVM and Rack Infrastructure systems for nearly 25 years. They led the design of the remote access systems and can provide systems that can manage a single device up to systems controlling and auditing access across a global network. Our systems are widely used and are deployed in over 50,000 data centres around the world.

The latest remote management systems offer a unique ability to combine all of the access tools used within an organisation, both in the physical and virtual computing worlds, into a single coherent system. By standardizing these tools you can remove any reliance on local staff knowledge and create common toolsets allowing them to be used more securely and effectively.

In summary, maybe the humble KVM access system you choose in your organisation could be doing a lot more for you and all that is required is a little more consideration.

• Raritan’s whitepaper “KVM-over-IP Buyer's Guide” can be downloaded free of charge from the Raritan website or requested via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it