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

About the Author

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.

If you are a professional, executive, entrepreneur or small business, outsourcing can be a great benefit to your business or projects. If you know when to take advantage of outsourcing or make it a part of your day-to-day business operations it can prove to be very beneficial to your business. You don’t have to outsource all business operations or tasks. Many companies choose to outsource everyday.

If you are new to outsourcing, then you may be confused as to why you should outsource, who you should outsource to, when you should outsource, who should outsource, what & where you should outsource. To help you make the most out of outsourcing, making the right decision about outsourcing can go a long way in helping your business to stay on top.

Many solo-professionals & companies are outsourcing today. If you are not sure about venturing into outsourcing, then analyze your personal needs, the needs of your company & find out if your business really needs outsourcing. You can start by asking yourself a few questions :

1. Is my company finding it difficult to meet my customer/ client needs ?

2. Do you want to remain small but keep a huge market presence ?

3. Are you or your managers not sure about which products or business operations make or lose money ?

4. Is you company experiencing challenges based on operational issues ?

5. Does my company lack the experience to grow my business ?

6. Do you have important, nonrecurring, projects but no resources to handle them ?

7. Are certain business tasks not central to generating profits or competitive success ?

8. Is this job or task a routine, one that wastes time & energy ?

9. Do you have temporary tasks that only come in cycles ?

If you answered yes to more than one question then you should consider & venture into outsourcing. You may not call it outsourcing, you can call it seeking extra help. When you choose to outsource you are not losing control of your business you are gaining a partner in your business, someone to help you gain control of your business & manage it better.

Outsourcing can help you to efficiently deal with many business challenges. Outsourcing can help you to :

1. Meet customer/ client needs on time

2. Make a huge market presence, especially if you want to stay a small business or solo-professional.

3. Make the right decisions about product lines or business operations

4.Overcome operational challenges

5. Get access to professional services & resources who can competently handle your projects.

6. Relieve business stress, relieve the burden of day-to-day business operations, so you can focus on other important things.

When should I Outsource ?

You should outsource when you or your personnel want to focus on other aspects of business or your core competencies. While you focus on more critical business functions, other non-critical, but necessary, business operations can be handled by your outsourcing provider. A good time to outsource is when you want to :

1. Get access to professional services.

2. If you want to have a low cost way to complete business operations or office tasks, on time and in a better manner.

3. If you do not want to invest in extra or new staff, software, technology, resources etc…

4. It is less expensive to have someone else do it than to handle it in house.

5. The activity or operation can be done cheaper in-house, but drains resources that could be used elsewhere.

6. The activity isn’t one that you or people in your company enjoy doing.

7. The skill is so specialized that it is not practical to have a regular employee do it.

8. You have an employee on vacation, out of the office or you need to take a vacation or leave the office.

9. You need temporary assistance with a task.

10.You just need temporary help until you find new employees.

Outsourcing is a great option for everything from payroll, accounting, typing services, accounts receivable/ payable, data entry, email services, customer service, business management, business consulting, website creation or maintenance, web analytics, research & analysis, financial services, transcription, data mining, tax processing or preparation, marketing, digital image/ editing services, office management, client maintenance, schedule maintenance, real estate, creative services, art & art design services etc…….

As you can see the list is endless for outsourcing business operations or projects. The main advantage of outsourcing is that it enables you to invest your resources into more profitable activities. Companies or professionals should not outsource functions that may be negligible but essential, such as phone services or customer service operations for a small business that relies on building on rapport with a loyal customer base.

Once You Decide To Outsource

Once you decide to outsource here are some tips to help you find the right company for you or your business :

Do Your Homework.

You can ask companies in your area for recommendations on good outsourcing firms, contact a Virtual Assistant, search the internet for a list of services that offer what you need, ask someone about internet companies.

Select A Compatible Company.

Pick a company that has the services that you need and can accommodate them. Between you and the chosen outsourcing firm, create or see if they have a contract that allows you to adjust the terms of the agreement to suit unforeseen circumstances.

Establish The Standards That You’d Expect

Communicating the standards of performance that you’d expect is a must. Outsourcing may mean the loss of direct supervision & control. Outline these standards in detail in the contract.

Arrange For Constant Communication

Check on the outsourcing company periodically to make sure that it’s doing it’s job correctly. You can prevent possible problems, by staying aware of what’s going on. Make time & schedule regular meetings with your outsourcing company, to stay informed & discuss any problems or just get up to date information on your project.

Get A Backup Plan For Emergencies

In the event that the outsourcing company can’t complete the job, get backup resources & copies of the work or records that they’ve done or half way completed.

If you see a need to outsource in your company fill a need, reap the benefits of outsourcing today by working with a Virtual Assistant.

Contact Clerical Business Solutions today, for outsourcing services to help your business or projects. Email: info@clericalsolutionsinc.net

Clerical Business Solutions is a Virtual Assistant Service & Business Support Company {http://www.clericalsolutionsinc.net}. Clerical Business Solutions provides a variety of services to assist your business needs, help you to stay on top of your business or projects, help you to maintain or manage your business better & relieve your burden of day-to-day business operations. Clerical Business Solutions, “The Solution To Your Business Needs!”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Cloud