Global Serv Inc.

Service Oriented Remote Management

Return on Investment (ROI) Comparison
KVM Hardware Replacement vs. Integrated Operation Software

  • Global Serv software offers an economical alternative to KVM switch replacement.
  • Advanced features provide exponential improvements in user productivity.
  • The data center now has freedom to migrate between remote console technologies.


    • Advanced Features Include:
  • Automated Routing & Switching
  • Integrated Operation of Many Switches
  • Increased Compliance, Security & Auditing
  • Cross Platform Interoperability for Users


    • Savings:
  • Lost Revenue
  • Replacement Cost
  • Server Down-Time
  • Seamless Operation


    • Our solution cost a fraction of hardware replacement, requires no server down-time and installs with less effort and user disruption.

    Our products provide an independent interface between many dissimilar switch systems. This allows users to access servers on different remote management infrastructures (RMI) using the appropriate and available remote computer operation tools. Data centers can use all seven types of RMI's while providing users with seamless access to the best available method of remote control through a common user interface.

    Download the Automation ROI Calculator here (.xls)

    Configuration: Original Cost Replacement1 Replacement2 Replacement3 Global Serv Switch Control Software
    32x756  (Users:CPUs) $791,000 $652,000 $550,000 $554,000 $47,000
    Topology Three Tier Duplicity Three Tier Distributed Hybrid
    Manpower (install)   348 Hrs 348 Hrs 406 Hrs 66 Hrs
    Server Down-Time   252 Hrs 252 Hrs 252 Hrs 0 Hrs
    Interoperability Internal Manual Manual Manual Automated
    Throughput 4/10 8/32 8/32 4/16 Managed


    Table Component Descriptions
    Open AllClose All
    Topology
    There are several possible topologies in any KVM network system. Successfully implementing a remote control system that contains more user workstation consoles than the hardware had been designed for requires one of two types ( Duplicity & Three Tier Topologies). Vendors generically recommend the Duplicity Topology which requires dual-send computer interface devices and a duplicate number of chassis & user interface devices. This works well for small numbers of computers and user consoles but as we see by the pricing structure in Table 1, they are not quite as fiscally efficient as the Three Tier Topology developed by the engineers at Tron.com.

    Distributed Topology (KVM over IP)
    The option of extending the number of users or displays in KVMoIP environments is not possible. Access points are distributed on a per chassis basis - hence its name. A distributed topology is fixed and can not be altered because there are a finite number of configurations with access for 1, 2, 4 or 8 users. As priced in the Replacement 3 column, this topology is based on four users accessing each chassis. Increasing the number of user access points in a digital system will increase out of pocket expenses by 20% to 30%.

    Manpower (install)
    There are always hidden cost and replacing an existing KVM network system will require a significant investment of time. The manpower requirements listed here is strictly for installing new hardware, and does not include removal of the existing switches.

    Server Down-Time
    If you're going to replace a computer I/O switch system, expect a certain amount of server down-time. We've calculated total down-time at twenty (20) minutes per server based on a best case scenario requiring: power down, connecting the computer equipment to a new switch system and an uneventful boot sequence.

    Interoperability
    Most switch systems have a life cycle of 5-7 years. If the current system was purchased prior to 2002, new switches of the same brand are probably no longer available. Keeping the legacy system will require expansion by acquiring late model switches. Users will need to operate two different selection methods (one on each switch system) to get to server equipment mounted on the expansion system.

    Throughput
    Prior to 2003, most switches supported a maximum of four user consoles. Today, the options are much better with higher user throughput - although user-access-ratio's have not gone through any significant changes. This may be an unexpected benefit of replacing older KVM switches but the greatest feature to buyers will the lower price of the latest switch equipment. This resulted from advancements in the technology.



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    Patents Pending, Copyright© 2008 Global Serv Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

    GSI Automation™, My KVM™, My KVM Ports™, My KVM Networks™, My KVMoIP Network™, My KVM Switch™, SLACi™, KVM Push™, Managed KVM Switching™, Managed KVM™, Click to Switch™ & Click to Fix™, Automated KVM™, Automated KVM Switching™, Event Driven Automated KVM Switching™, and Third Party Management™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Global Serv Inc. and/or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.