'For example, I can use a VNC tool to get to my dedicated private server at my hosting site or I can use it to get to one of the physical servers that are running the virtual machines in my own environment,' Schulz says. VNC actually gives you 'the operating system view,' but also lets you dig deeper into the server to the lower-level functions either onsite or offsite, he says. With RDP, you connect to your servers through the network and 'get the classic window into that system,' says Greg Schulz, senior advisory analyst at Server and StorageIO. You can also connect these processors back to your centralized system for alerts and monitoring reports.įor true remote management, you can step back even further to solutions like virtual network consoles ( VNC) or remote desktop protocols (RDP). Using these embedded processors, IT teams no longer have to install their own agents, but can actually use the onboard tool to configure settings, update firmware, and 'detect any faults,' Bowker adds. The next step up from KVM is embedded management, which is where 'server vendors embed a chipset that monitors the health and state of the system,' Bowker says. KVM switches, according to Mark Bowker, senior analyst at ESG, 'aggregate the monitor, keyboard, and mouse cabling into a central console that includes a switching box, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.' KVM is commonly used in smaller data centers that require direct physical interaction with servers or in environments that 'have strict security constraints,' Bowker says. With remote server management, there are many different options available. Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions to consider for remote server management that are unique from one another but can also be used together in certain situations to cover all of your bases. IT managers have a lot on their plates when it comes to managing servers both in-house and remotely, especially if they work in environments where they need access to multiple systems regardless of whether they are onsite or at a separate location.

Remote server management: KVM switches, embedded processors and software solutions all have their place

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