Put Remote Management to Work in your Branch Office

Remote system management is an increasingly important issue facing many businesses today. As corporate consolidation integrates additional locations within the same infrastructure, IT professionals face a more demanding environment. Recent surveys show that as many as 95 percent of branch offices operate without on-site IT personnel (1). Additionally, other surveys indicate that while spending on corporate IT staff still constitutes the largest component of most IT budgets, it continues to decline—from 42 percent in 2005 to 37 percent this past year. (2) These trends require IT professionals to do more with less and determine more effective ways to perform critical tasks.



These changes in IT staffing often result in non-technical personnel performing standard tasks, such as data backup, patch management, and system maintenance. Not only do these tasks detract from an employee’s primary responsibilities, it is difficult to assure that best practices and procedures are followed. In addition, failure to perform these tasks could result in vulnerabilities related to data loss and security.



In addressing the challenges and risks associated with remote site management, many IT professionals are implementing ‘intelligent’ management solutions. These solutions provide systems administrators with remote, bios-level access to all of their servers, network devices, and other critical equipment.



Remote management solutions offer significant benefits, including:



Reducing downtime and allowing administrators to bring equipment back online quickly



Decreasing operating costs by eliminating or reducing the need for IT staff or third-party service calls



Centralizing datacenter control, improving security and providing easier and more efficient processes to perform system administration, maintenance, and upgrades



Improving physical site security and monitoring, minimizing capital loss due to vandalism or theft of equipment (3)



Remote management solutions generally combine remote management, intelligent power, and environmental monitoring. Below are example solutions from Avocent and Raritan that enable IT professionals to easily integrate their remote locations into their centralized management process, as well as standalone solutions offered by other vendors.



Integrated Remote Management Solutions



Avocent



Remote Management: Avocent’s DSView 3 software provides an integrated platform for managing KVM switches, service processor aggregation appliances, and serial devices. Avocent’s DSR switches provide remote bios-level server and serial device control, and its service processor aggregation appliances, the OnBoard and the MergePoint, can be used to remotely manage devices with integrated onboard technologies.



Power: Avocent’s Cyclades AlterPath PM intelligent power distribution units enable remote power management and control of servers and network devices. AlterPath PM devices can be used with DSR switches and Cyclades console servers and integrate with DSView 3, combining system access and power control into a single interface. These devices come in both 208 and 110 models, with many variations in number of outlets and amperage available.



Console: Avocent’s Cyclades ACS console servers are available in single and dual power supply options. When combined with integrated power management and centralized administration, these devices provide secure and consolidated out-of-band infrastructure management. ACS console servers use a Linux operating system, are accessible both in-band and out-of-band, and have detailed logging capabilities and numerous security features.



Raritan



Remote Management: Raritan’s CommandCenter Secure Gateway Appliance provides centralized management of servers and IT devices managed by Raritan Dominion series switches and console servers, as well as IT equipment with service processors and embedded technologies. The CommandCenter can also integrate remote power strips connected to Raritan Dominion products. The CommandCenter features 128-bit encryption and third-party authentication through Active Directory, TACACS+, LDAP, and RADIUS, and provides strong password support.



Power: Raritan's remote power switches enable the remote monitoring, reboot, and shutdown of all connected devices. Using the Command Center, they integrate with Dominion KX switches and SX console servers, as well as other Raritan products, such as the Paragon II and IP Reach switches. These devices feature relay-controlled AC power receptacles, which allow administrators to monitor variables such as voltage, power, and temperature.



Console: Raritan’s Dominion SX and XRO devices provide out-of-band remote KVM access and serial device control, power control, and feature a modem for access if a network goes down. Dominion XRO devices allow 1 digital and 1 local user to control 1-3 servers and 4-8 serial devices and integrate with the CommandCenter Secure Gateway Appliance.



Standalone Solutions



Centralized KVM Over IP Management –Minicom



Minicom’s KVM.net device allows administrators to leverage their existing investments by providing front-end out-of-band KVM over IP management for mixed server environments. KVM.net provides secure, centralized management with a Linux-based GUI, and is a scalable system that features automatic discovery of all IP devices attached to the system. The device provides authentication and authorization mechanisms for secure access to servers, “non-blocking” access, and the capability to group users and servers.



Environmental Monitoring—Netbotz



NetBotz provides robust standalone environmental monitoring solutions. For smaller spaces with limited future expandability needs, the Netbotz 320 provides integrated environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, dew point, airflow, door, and audio) with a web interface that provides immediate sensor readings, real-time camera images, and immediate configuration. The NetBotz 420 offers similar functions for small to medium-sized spaces that require comprehensive monitoring with moderate expandability potential. For larger spaces, the docked camera pods and sensor pods of the WallBotz 500 can be placed up to 340 feet from a base station, allowing coverage of multiple rooms or cabinets. An add-on CCTV adapter allows a CCTV camera to be used as well.



Intelligent Power—Server Technology



Server Technology’s remote power management solutions allow administrators to cycle power to non-responsive systems from any location via a web interface. These products also leverage leading advances in power distribution, such as 3-Phase power, branch circuit protection, and intelligent power-up sequencing. Server Technology also offers environmental monitoring devices that work with its power solutions, such as onboard probes that integrate with the Power Tower XL, allowing administrators to view temperature, humidity, water sensors, and dry contact closure sensors from its Enterprise View software, the same interface used to manage and monitor power.



Which of These Solutions Is Right For You?



42U provides complete remote management solutions, including KVM over IP, intelligent power, environmental monitoring, rack cooling, and rackmount solutions. The team at 42U specializes in assessing needs, creating solutions, and supporting clients, to ensure that IT professionals maximize their use of current technologies to improve overall business performance. A 42U sales engineer can help you sort through potential remote management solutions and select the one most appropriate for your organization’s particular needs and environment.



References



(1) (2006) Gareiss, R. "Branch Office Support: A Distant Reality", Network World, http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2006/1120branch1.html



(2) (2007) Rothberg, D. “Companies Will Spend More on The Channel, Less on Staff in 2007”, eWeek,


http://www.esp.eweek.com/article/CIOs+Will+Spend+More+on+the+Channel+Less+on+Staff+


in+2007/198665_1.aspx



(3) (2005) Hack, T. "Optimizing Remote Site Equipment Configuration, Monitoring, and Control." Remote Site and Equipment Management, http://www.remotemagazine.com/images/EasternResearchJune2005.pdf

This article was written by Lauren Nowenstein, Technical Writer, with guidance and input from DirectNET?s team of Solutions Sales Engineers. If you would like to send us feedback about this article, or have any questions, please write to us.

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The Nokia E52, Taking the Office with You Anywhere

There’s always a lot of talk about mobile telecommuting as a way of doing business for the 21st century.  But nowhere is this increasingly becoming a reality than with the slew of mobile computing devices now available for the corporate animal.  One such welcome devise is Nokia’s E62 mobile phone.

Enough said about mobile multimedia devices that bring entertainment to the road.  This time, more than just a multimedia handset, the Nokia E52 promises to bring the office down the road and make telecommuting a reality where your boss likes it or not.

Exceptional talk times

One of the barriers to telecommuting is battery life.  Frequent re-charging just saps the enthusiasm for engaging in work outside the office.  We all know the pathetic 2-3 hour battery lives of most laptops out there.  Mobile phones that allow email and Internet access on the road are just as guilty.  But here’s the Nokia E52 bringing battery life to extremes.  With a remarkable standby time of 23 hours on GSM and 29 hours on WCDMA and a usable talk time of 8 hours under GSM, this handset makes one hurdle less for geeks out on telecommuting.  For most management and executive people, talking over the phone takes up most of their telecommuting times, whether at home on stuck in traffic.  Recharging is the last thing they have in mind.

Productivity to the max

There’s now no excuse for lagging productivity when outside the office.  The E52 puts you in constant touch with corporate email and phone systems, giving you no excuse to be unavailable when called or emailed.  You can be contacted right in the middle of a busy street.  The E62’s noise cancellation feature makes sure that you can be heard from anywhere.

Text and email message composition is quick. The E62’s proven engine for predictive text makes you write faster.  While the large brilliant screen allows you to read office messages and browse corporate websites without the usual eyestrain attending small screens.  With the E52’s distinct Business and Personal home screen modes, you can be kept fully organized with the advanced calendar functions keeping tract of your appointments in each mode.

The E62 also supports viewing and editing of MSOffice files whether as downloads or as email attachments.

As secure as the office

Now, you can have peace of mind sending out files from your E62 handset.  It is one secure piece of mobile phone that delivers encryption via the integrated Nokia Mobile VPN.

So really now, there’s no excuse to be unproductive when telecommuting.

If you are looking to purchase the Nokia E52, then Moby1 is well worth a visit. They compare phone deals from a wide range of online retailers. They also Compare mobile broadband ensuring you are always connected.

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Legislating Global Internet Freedom

There is a disturbing tendency on the part of the US Congress to legislate the Internet.  A case in point is HR 2271 backed by eleven US Represntatives and submitted to review by the House Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs Commitees last May(2009).  Thankfully, there has been no serious deliberation on this proposed measure which intends to somehow regulate the Internet to promote, ironically, freedom of speech.  In its preamble the intent is well articulated:

To prevent United States businesses from cooperating with repressive governments in transforming the Internet into a tool of censorship and surveillance, to fulfill the responsibility of the United States Government to promote freedom of expression on the Internet, to restore public confidence in the integrity of United States businesses, and for other purposes.

Reading between the lines you can discern that this bill was proposed in part in a reaction to Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft engaging in less than ethical collusion with the Chinese government; activities that have led to incarceration of bloggers and restrictions on access to information.

The Bill has sections devoted to:

Creating an annual report that identifies those countries that engage in restrictive Internet activity (105.) Would this watch list contain Australia which is setting up a massive filtering infrastructure to protect its citizens from the less tasteful content on the Internet?  Would it include Germany which has attempted to ban hacking tools? Or the EU which has considered blocking searches that include certain key words like “bomb”?  Would it identify the US which, thanks to widespread eavesdropping on ATT’s network by the NSA has frightened businesses away from ever hosting data in a country where they perceive that data to be unsafe from snooping?

Setting up the Office of Global Internet Freedom reporting to the Secretary of State and led by a Director(104.) I suspect just the name of this department will create additional work for the State Department to smooth ruffled feathers of those that may take umbrage to the US unilaterally setting Global policies of any sort.   Ironically the only defined task for this Office will be to “ identify key words, terms, and phrases relating to human rights, democracy, religious free exercise, and peaceful political dissent..” an activity that in itself smacks of thought control. 
Section 203 requires any US company that imposes changes to their search results at the behest of one of the listed countries must report it to the Director of The Office of Global Internet Freedom (DOGIF).  Section 204 has similar regulatory burdens for any US company that hosts information.  This is obviously targeted at Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo,  but there are thousands of online content and search engine companies that could fall under these requirements.

HR 2271 also points out in its preamble:

“ A number of United States businesses have enabled the Internet censorship and surveillance of repressive governments by selling these governments or their agents technology or training.”

Luckily it stops short of proposing the restriction of sale of that technology. It is hoped that the backers realized the tremendous damage they could inflict on the US’s networking industry if they attempted to restrict commerce to the extent necessary to stop the sale of all technology that can be used for restricting access to information. It would include all firewalls, routers, and content inspection technology.

There seems little danger of HR 2271 ever coming to a vote but…We must keep a wary eye on this 111th Congress that has over 40 measures under consideration that bear on highly technical issues. A misstep could be costly and have debilitating consequences for a fragile economy.   Global Internet Freedom will be best served by governments of all types avoiding any meddling in the still young Internet.

Read the original here:
Legislating Global Internet Freedom

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MSG100 Secure Wireless Office Controller with VPN/ Firewall/ AAA/ AP Mgmt/ Guest Access for Remote and Branch Offices

MSG100 Secure Wireless Office Controller with VPN/ Firewall/ AAA/ AP Mgmt/ Guest Access for Remote and Branch Offices

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The Nokia E55 ? for the Office on the Road

The new mobile handset from Nokia, the E55, has been released in Europe and is positioned to take on the market for compact messaging QWERTY mobile phones.  More than that, the Nokia E55 delivers all the features and functionalities expected from a business phones cum multimedia camera phone. Sporting a slim and elegant design that puts it in the market for fashion phones as well, the E55 takes on a monoblock candybar form that weighs a mere 95g, making it one of the lightest QWERTY mobile phones in the market.

A Mobile office at your Fingertips

The QWERTY keypad on the E55 allows data input like on any PC keyboard. But simply using your fingertips, it offers PC desktop convenience while on the road.

Sending and Receiving messages in text or email is a breeze. You get desktop functionality while on the road with advanced text, instant messaging and email facility that allows access to your corporate email account using its integrated IBM Lotus Notes® Traveler or Mail for Exchange.  Using its mobile VPN feature takes away any corporate concern for message integrity and security.  The E55 encrypts your messages as they are sent and stored on your memory card.

Fast connections

Online surfing, remote database access and social networking get a boost with faster connection using by its 3G on high Speed HSDPA and HSUPA (3.5G0 networking support. For local file transfers, the Nokia E55 supports Bluetooth V2.0 with EDR support for fast and reliable wireless connection as well.

Great Multimedia Features

The Nokia E55 features a 2.4” LCD QVGA screen that supports 16 million colors for a truly vibrant display of all your photos taken from the handset.  Using its built-in accelerometer, landscape or portrait orientation comes automatically with just a tilt of the handset.  Its main camera at the back has a 3.2 megapixel resolution with full-focus, LED flash red-eye reduction and 4x digital zoom.

There’s VGA video recording at 15 fps and a secondary front VGA camera for your 3G video calls. Its media player supports all the popular audio and video formats and comes 3.5mm audio output jack so can you use your favorite earphones.  And when you’re done with the player, you can tune in to its stereo FM radio with RDS.

All that Memory and Talk Times

A 1500mH battery comes standard with the E55 that when fully charged, gives you 8 hours talk time and up to 31 days standby time over GSM. Storing all your office and multimedia can be accommodated on a generous 60mb internal memory that can be expanded to 16 GB from a hot swappable microSD slot.

For a slim compact messaging device, the E55 delivers great value with near-PC functionality at your fingertips.

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