KVM Switch and KVM Extender Technology

Cisco 2620 and 2511 Access Server Replacements

Cisco Systems® has stopped shipping the Cisco 2511 access server, a router with serial port modules. As shown in the attached comparison sheet , the Cisco recommended replacement does not offer many of the high-end features that the DIGI products provide for console management applications. The Digi CM, available in 8- to 48-port versions, is a cost-effective alternative for customers currently using the Cisco solutions. The key advantages are:

• Lower price per port
• SSH v.2 encrypted connection with many authentication schemes
• Sun Break-Safe
• PC Card slot for scalable port buffering
• Wi-Fi or dial-up modem
• Server-specific converter cables


In addition to the Digi CM, the PortServer® TS, available in one- to sixteen-port versions, is a general purpose terminal server, but offers tremendous value for console management applications not requiring the high end features of the full featured DIGI CM console server series. It supports many of the same features mentioned above, including SSH v2 security, Sun Break-Safe, port buffering, Wi-Fi or dial-up modem access.

DAXTEN is an authorized DIGI distributor and carries a full range of Terminal Servers and Console servers.

Rackmount LCD Monitor with KVM and remote IP access

Most people are familiar with LCD Monitors and Keyboard Drawers, but not everyone knows about KVM consoles that include KVM switches. For example, the RackAccess 8i and RackAccess 16i contain an 8 port or 16 port KVM switch supporting PS/2, USB and SUN computers. All integrated into only 1U in a 19" server rack. Obviously very interesting for companies with several servers or computers in racks.

What makes these products even more interesting is adding KVM over IP.  Remote access allows administrators to have full control of all connected devices via an IP connection. To ensure security, all data is encrypted and have several levels of security. The RackAccess 16IP which includes a LCD monitor, 16 port KVM switch and KVM over IP access all in a single rack unit in a 19" server rack. Based on the Raritan/Peppercon KVM over IP technology ensures stability and features from leaders in the digital remote access market.

Many different keyboard languages are available including US, UK, German, French, Spanish, Swiss and Russian to name just a few.

KVM Extender - Analog vs. Digital

Analog KVM extenders have an advantage over digital extenders in the same way that analog audio has a quality advantage over digital audio. 

Beginning with audio.  When one rips an audio CD to a compressed digital format like MP3,  the high and low end sound are clipped off entirely in order to increase compression.
Imagine a squared peg, being the full analog sound, being hammered through a round hole.  This is the clipping.  All the edges get shaved off and much of the original quality and shape
of the sound is peeled off to make it fit the required size.

Standard compression does the same thing to the parts of the original audio that does pass through the round hole, however, only the empty parts are removed.  Imagine the grain
of wood as it is hammered through.  The soft or data poor areas are squashed while the harder or data rich parts tend to retain their integrity.  The result on the other side may not
be obvious to a casual listener, but when compared side by side, almost anyone can discern the difference between a digitally compressed file and the richness of the original.

The reason that analog audio sounds better is that, while we don't necessarily hear the high and low tones aurally, we sense them and respond (have you ever FELT the bass?)

The same thing happens with video when it is digitally compressed, although more noticeably.  The required clipping and compression that is intrinsic to the digitization of video
necessarily reduces video quality.  One does not have to be an audiophile to see the difference.

KVM extenders that use analog rather than digital extension technology have an undisputed advantage in quality of video output.

Here are some links to KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse)  extenders that transmit analog video.
Here are some links to Video Splitters and Monitor Splitters that transmit video in it's original analog form.

DIGI Internation and DAXTEN announce partnership

Daxten to Distribute Digi Products To European Data Center Management Market

MINNETONKA, Minn.--Digi International (NASDAQ:DGII - News) today announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Daxten to distribute Digi's console management products to the growing data center management market.

Under the agreement Daxten, a leader in KVM solutions, will distribute Digi's advanced console server product line and a range of environmental monitoring solutions including cameras, temperature sensors and humidity sensors to its well established KVM customer base across Europe. In partnership the two companies together offer data center managers a unique combination of Digi's leading edge data center equipment management and remote monitoring systems and Daxten's unparalleled application expertise.

"Daxten's strong strategic relationships with leading European companies make them the outstanding choice as distributor for console server and environmental monitoring solutions," said Frederic Luu Director of Sales, EMEA at Digi International. "Daxten brings the KVM solutions experience, while Digi provides market-leading products and technologies like the feature-rich Digi CM(TM) console server. This partnership creates a powerful set of solutions for data center management applications."

Chad Rislov, Managing Director of Daxten, commented, "Serial console server sales are today experiencing the same increase in sales that we saw in the KVM market in recent years. For Daxten expanding into this growing market was clearly a logical next step. Joining forces with Digi, a leading console server manufacturer, ensures we can now offer customers in Europe market-leading solutions for a wide range of data center management challenges."

Console Servers

By connecting to the serial console ports of data center equipment, a console server provides a "service-entrance" for remote personnel. When the primary path to data center equipment is down, a console server provides an access path for administrators without requiring them to go on-site. Administrators can securely monitor and control servers, routers, switches, PBX, firewalls and other network devices from anywhere on the corporate TCP/IP network, over the Internet, or through dial-up modem connections - even when the equipment is unavailable through the network.

About Digi International

Digi International, based in Minneapolis makes device networking easy by developing products and technologies that are cost effective and easy to use. Digi markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

About Daxten

Founded in 1994, privately held company Daxten specialises in switches, sharers, splitters and extenders for keyboards, monitor and mice and is a leader in today's KVM industry. With offices and distribution throughout Europe, Daxten has the infrastructure and application expertise to efficiently and accurately fulfil customer requirements.

For more information, visit Digi's Web site at www.digi.com, or the DAXTEN web site at www.daxten.com.

All brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Avocent and Raritan settle Lawsuit

Avocent Reports Settlement of Patent Infringement Lawsuit

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--Avocent Corporation (NASDAQ: AVCT - News) announced today that Avocent Redmond Corp., its wholly owned subsidiary, and Raritan Computer Inc. have settled the patent infringement lawsuit brought by Avocent Redmond Corp. against Raritan Computer Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Avocent licensed certain patents to Raritan, and the parties entered into a worldwide, five-year litigation stand-still agreement that resolves all claims between the parties.

"We are pleased that we were able to bring this matter to a successful conclusion," stated John R. Cooper, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avocent. "This settlement demonstrates the effectiveness of our intellectual property portfolio. We believe that our patents and intellectual property are valuable assets, and we will continue to vigorously protect our rights in those patents."

About Avocent Corporation

Avocent Corporation is the leading supplier of connectivity solutions for enterprise data centers, service providers and financial institutions worldwide. Branded products include switching, extension, intelligent platform management interface (IPMI), remote access and video display solutions.

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DAXTEN carries a full range of Avocent and Raritan KVM switch products. Contact one of our offices for more details:
Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Minicom Completes Replicom Acquisition - Remote Access KVM over IP

February 17, 2005
Minicom Advanced Systems, a leading supplier of out-of-band KVM server management solutions KVM switches, today announced it has acquired Replicom Ltd. an Israeli company that develops server management solutions based on innovative KVM over IP embedded technology.

The merger with Replicom will extend Minicom's leading position in the KVM market and will enable it to expand its network based product offering. The Replicom team will operate as the Minicom IP Technology Center to further develop the next generations of remote management solutions.

"Replicom's expertise and extensive knowledge in video compression technology, high security encryption and management software provide a strong platform that compliments our core KVM over CAT5 technology and out-of-band management solutions," stated Eli Sasson, President of Minicom Advanced Systems. "We are impressed with the advanced know-how and the technology depth of the Replicom team, which will give us a tremendous knowledge base for future product development in the KVM and other new growing markets."

"We are excited about the merger", commented Moshe Yannai, CEO of Replicom, "Replicom's innovative technology aimed to answer the need for remote KVM over IP. Minicom's leading position in the KVM market place allows us to deliver this technology to enterprises around the world."

About Minicom Advanced Systems
Minicom (www.minicom.com) is a leading manufacturer of KVM switches and systems for the server management market. Known for its innovative technology, Minicom has been pioneering KVM over CAT5 technology for almost two decades, now the industry standard. Other KVM innovations introduced by Minicom include distributed switching and the DX-AIM, an advanced integrated GUI management solution for out of band KVM, Serial and power control. Minicom is also known for its full range of CAT5 based extension and distribution audio / video solutions for the professional AV market and the newly emerging dynamic digital signage market.

Minicom prides itself with strong and long-term relationships with its distribution partners and with a wide selection of OEM customers. Founded in 1987, Minicom is a privately owned company headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel. Today, with 18 years of experience, Minicom operates globally in over 50 countries, with regional offices in Switzerland, Italy and NJ, USA, and over 100 employees worldwide.

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DAXTEN, a Minicom distribution partner, carries the full range of Minicom and Replicom products. Contact one of our offices for more information:
Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

DSView 3 - Breakthrough Solution for Data Center Management

New Management Software and Appliances Vastly Improve IT Operations

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Avocent Corporation, the leading global provider of KVM switching, serial connectivity and Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) solutions, announces the availability of its new DSView® 3 management software system along with six new DS Series KVM over IP appliances. DSView 3 software, a breakthrough for data center management, is the IT industry's first fully redundant, replicating solution.  It provides network administrators secure browser-based control of servers, serial devices, DSUs and IPMI servers attached to any Avocent DS Series appliance.

"By expanding our field-proven solutions to give network administrators total data center control, we are raising the bar in KVM over IP switching" said John Cooper, president and chief executive officer of Avocent.  "The DSView 3 software further enhances our industry-leading solutions that deliver the best ROI for management by protecting investments in existing IT infrastructure."

The DSView 3 software and DS Series system reduce down time and provide rapid disaster recovery while providing better overall management capabilities to administrators. The power of DSView 3 resides in its unique hub and spoke architecture for KVM over IP -- a redundant, replicating database with a central management server (hub) and up to fifteen mirror servers (spokes). Multiple back-up/failover capabilities allow users to authenticate to any server in the DSView 3 system, should the primary server fail.

"DSView 3 is an intuitive tool that delivers a comprehensive solution for secure control of servers and serial devices, locally and remotely," said Bill Neiland, vice president of product marketing.  "Administrators can easily navigate between devices and configure, manage, upgrade and backup any device in the data center - all from a single screen."

Security Advantages
Exit macros automatically log off a user when a session window is closed. Audit logs capture all switching and system activity, while customizable encryption modes can match company security policies. All traffic is encrypted - including video.

User Advantages
Easy authentication is provided through a single, Web-based interface, while keyboard pass-through eases server interaction.  Scalable sessions allow users to view multiple connections to different servers without using the entire desktop. Custom views let users look at specific categories and sort and filter according to individual responsibilities.

Management Advantages
Email and pager notifications allow for quick reaction by managers. Task scheduling ensures important events take place. Load balancing allows users to authenticate to a spoke for reliable access while limiting traffic to the hub during peak hours. Real-time or scheduled synchronization is available for updates. Initial set-up is simplified through the appliance auto-discover feature.  Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) allows for browser-based out-of-band power and system health management.

New DS Series KVM over IP switches compatible with DSView 3 software are specifically designed for either branch office or data center management.  The new DSR®1024 (1-port) and DSR®1022 (4-port) appliances join the field proven DSR®1021 (8-port) for branch office control. These appliances feature external modem and SPC power control support to easily troubleshoot, reboot and power cycle servers or serial devices.  Avocent has responded to the need for flexible data center configurations by introducing 16-port appliances with 1, 2, 4 and 8 digital paths. The DSR®1020, DSR®2020, DSR®4020 and DSR®8020 provide external modem and SPC power control support, and allow for USB keyboard and mouse use on a local port.

For multimedia presentation about these new products, please visit http://www.avocent.com/flash/dsview_3_sm_producttour.html .

About Avocent Corporation
Avocent Corporation is the leading supplier of connectivity solutions for enterprise data centers, service providers and financial institutions worldwide. Branded products include KVM switching, extension, intelligent platform management interface (IPMI), remote access, wireless and video display solutions. Additional information is available at: www.avocent.com

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements as defined within the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding market opportunity, product development, engineering and design activities, and product availability and operability. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including the risks associated with general economic conditions, risks attributable to future product demand, sales, and expenses, risks associated with product design efforts and the introduction of new products and technologies, risks associated with reliance on a limited number of component suppliers and single source components, and risk associated with obtaining and protecting intellectual property rights. Other factors that could cause operating and financial results to differ are described in Avocent's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Avocent, the Avocent logo, DSView and DSR are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation.

KVM over Cat5 background and history

KVM over Cat5 is not much newer than the electronic KVM switching. KVM extenders in various forms have been available since the mid 90’s. Since then, the quality of video transmission and mouse emulation has improved while the prices have decreased. A wide range of features are available including dual access, sun support, stereo audio and serial support. There are a wide variety of these KVM extenders available in most price ranges, but like most things, you get what you pay for.

The real fun with the Cat5 extenders started when they began being directly incorporated into the KVM switch. This allowed the Cat5 KVM switch to become smaller and allowed a much tidier installation. Most of the Cat5 switches allow only a limited transmission distance of about 10-20m (30-50ft). That is slightly more than what standard video cables can provide at standard resolutions, but with higher resolutions, not to mention the ease of installation.

What is the next generation of advances that the KVM will undergo? We have already seen the release of LCD drawers with integrated KVM switches using Cat5 extenders and recently seen the advent of the wireless KVM extender, although the uses are still very limited. Perhaps soon these will be incorporated directly into the KVM switch and we will have the first truly wireless server farms. Time will tell.

KVM-over-IP background and history

The traditional method of accessing individual computers in a large server room was the “crash cart”. When a server went down or needed updates, the crash cart was rolled out to the physical location of the server. The keyboard, mouse and monitor on the cart were then connected to the server and the required maintenance was done. This was obviously a time consuming way of managing a large server farm, even when a technician was on site. This changed with the use of large capacity single user KVM switching systems that allowed for daisy-chain style expansion, but in the long run, the required rack space and massive cable requirements of these KVM systems prompted the need for more elegant solutions.

Along comes KVM via IP, KVM over IP, “remote KVM” or “remote access”. This advance incorporated the existing network connections on each computer to be used as a “window” into the server from which one could have keyboard, mouse and video access via LAN or internet. In the beginning, such solutions were slow and buggy in that the bandwidth required to transmit the video from the remote computer was huge. This caused very slow refresh rates and difficulty tracking the mouse accurately. The load on a network could be substantial and in some cases required a separate network just for the remote access, mainly in multi-user environments. Manufacturers began to address this issue by using video compression technologies (for example Dambrackas Video Compression™ - DVC) similar to those used to compress video on the computer. Areas of the screen that are not changing are left static, while only that which is changing is transmitted. The latest models have a very responsive feel and high reliability.

Many different variations of the remote access concept are available. Some are console based units that simply hook onto an existing KVM system, translating the analog keyboard, video and mouse data into packetized network protocols. Others combine the console with the traditional KVM switch into a single chassis. Still others interface with the computer directly via a remote access PCI card that essentially places a hardware webserver within the computer for control of all aspects of the system including boot-up and power management. Combined with a virtual drive, these units can even reinstall an operating system via IP. Powerful indeed!

In the mean time the traditional KVM switching also underwent some changes. The use of individual cables for each keyboard, video and mouse port on each computer changed to a now standard 3-in-one style of cable. Each manufacturer has their own implementation, but the basic design is essentially the same. Still, even with low profile connectors and unified cables, there was still a bulk factor that many found cumbersome. Enter KVM via Cat 5.

Avocent DSR800 End of Life Product Announcement

DSR800 KVM Switch from Avocent End of Life Product Announcement

Effective December 15, 2004, the DSR800-201 and DSR800-202 switches will start the end of product life cycle.

This part number can no longer be sold once FG is depleted or after March 31, 2005.

The Avocent price list and website will be updated to remove this product on March 31, 2005.  Standard warranty terms and conditions will continue to be honoured for all DSR800 products which are purchased on or before March 31^st2005.