Console management can pay dividends as data center complexity rises

Complexity issues are becoming a major problem for data center managers. As a result, many IT leaders have to consider using advanced management tools to improve data center efficiency and sustain operations more effectively. Console server systems can contribute to such efforts by giving organizations remote management functionality that enables them to accelerate day-to-day processes.

Considering the data center complexity issue
According to a recent Data Center Knowledge report, data center managers are facing a similar plight to pilots when it comes to managing their infrastructure. Most pilots using a small plane in good weather can handle managing altitude, performing basic navigational tasks, ensuring passenger-related activities are going smoothly and understanding how the craft itself is handling the flight. However, if you put that same pilot in a jet and tank him or her with flying through a fog the task is completely different. In such circumstances, help from air-traffic control, flight plans, specialized instruments and advanced software is necessary to ensure travel is safe.

The news source explained that traditional data centers were, in many ways, similar to a small plane in good weather. The server, storage and network setups were relatively simple and operations were relatively static. With the rise of cloud computing and virtualization, the entire data center landscape has changed dramatically, with complexity becoming comparable to the jet scenario. IT managers increasingly need specialized tools that provide transparency and visibility into the data center so it can be managed more effectively.

Understanding the potential of console management
Console server infrastructure is one solution that can serve as a key supporting tool for IT managers. In a technological era where premise-based data center are being supplemented by third-party facilities, such as colocation centers, there is a growing need for remote facility management. The move toward branch offices with small data center or server closets can also create management challenges. Organizations that depend on such geographically diverse data center systems have to consider how they are going to get technicians to each facility to manage it effectively. Rapid response is essential when problems arise in the data center, no matter how minor they are. Console servers can enable organizations to remotely manage almost every aspect of the data center. If a new virtual operating system needs to be set up, that's possible with console management. As a result, data center managers can use console servers to handle data center complexity.

Perle's wide range of 1 to 48 port Perle Console Servers provide data center managers and network administrators with secure remote management of any device with a serial console port. Plus, they are the only truly fault tolerant Console Servers on the market with the advanced security functionality needed to easily perform secure remote data center management and out-of-band management of IT assets from anywhere in the world.