ATEN Introduces Combo KVM Switch with PS/2-USB Dual Interface Support

 

New KVMP™ Switches offer flexible connectivity, extreme scalability, security, and peripheral sharing
 

Taipei, Taiwan, September 25, 2008. ATEN International, leading designer and manufacturer of advanced connectivity solutions, enriches its Master View product series with the introduction of the CS1708A and the CS1716A - two new 8- and 16-port PS/2-USB KVMP™ solutions for controlling up to eight or 16 directly connected servers. The innovative KVM switches provide dual interface functionality, a front panel USB port for sharing peripherals, a two level password security and extreme scalability. By daisy-chaining as many as 31 additional units, users can control up to 256 or 512 servers from a single KVM console.

With the launch of the CS1708A and CS1716A PS/2-USB KVMP™ switches, ATEN presents the latest KVM technology in a cost-efficient, space-saving and flexible control unit for growing small and medium-sized businesses. Thanks to its dual interface functionality, the CS1708A and CS1716A support PS/2 or USB keyboards and mice for both servers and console. In addition, the rack-mountable 1U devices feature a front port for connecting USB peripherals. Thus, each computer directly linked to the CS1708A / CS1716A via a USB cable set connection can share any peripherals connected to the KVMP switch on a one-at-a-time basis.

For a secured and centralized server management, the CS1708A and CS1716A integrate two-level password security allowing only the authorized users to view and control the servers. Up to four users and the administrator can be provided with separate access profiles which effectively protects the system and vital business information. In addition, the Auto Scan function allows KVM users to easily monitor any user-selected servers.

"The new CS1708A and CS1716A support all major operating systems, such as Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, Mac, and Sun," says Kevin Chen, President of ATEN International. "Furthermore, users can conveniently select servers for management via front panel pushbuttons, hotkeys or the intuitive On Screen Display menus, which do not require any additional software installation. And, the new models are hot-pluggable for adding or removing servers without having to power down the switch. These features of extreme scalability and dual interface functionality make CS1708A and CS1716A the ideal solution for businesses with growing IT demands."

Daisy-chaining up to 31 units
A single CS1708A or CS1716A allows users to control up to eight or 16 computers from a single console, and up to 256 or 512 computers when installed in a daisy chain of 31 units. The switch auto-senses its position on daisy-chained installations, while LEDs at the front panel of the switch indicate the position of the units. With the broadcast mode of the CS1708A / CS1716A, users can perform operations simultaneously on all selected computers, and do firmware upgrades to all chained KVM switches at the same time via the daisy-chain cable.

With ATEN's display emulation technology, the CS1708A and CS1716A automatically stores the console monitor's EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) to optimise the display resolution, thus providing an excellent video resolution of up to 2048 x 1536 pixels (DDC2B). In addition, it features USB and PS/2 keyboard and mouse emulation to seamlessly recognise even multimedia keyboards and multifunction mice when the user switches between the servers.

About KVM Switches-An Essential Server Management Device

A KVM (Keyboard, Video and Mouse) switch is an advanced, hardware-based solution that allows centralized access to multiple computers easily and conveniently from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse. A KVM switch is useful in an extensive range of environments, suitable for SOHO users, small and medium businesses, and large corporations. Fundamentally, a KVM switch allows server rooms and data centers to optimize rack space in the IT environment, reducing costs and the clutter of keyboards, monitors and mice. Additional benefits include savings in energy consumption, server racks, cabinets, and floor space. Since a KVM switch provides access to a number of computers from a central location, IT professionals are no longer running from one server to the next, thereby streamlining workflow and increasing productivity. To meet the ever-developing needs of the globalized economy and the Internet, KVM solutions now have over-IP functionality for remote management capability that better fulfills the demands of corporations who need to manage multiple server rooms worldwide.

About ATEN


ATEN International Co., Ltd. is specialized in connectivity solutions in information technology. Established in 1979, ATEN is today considered the leading manufacturer of KVM Switches worldwide. This prominent position was reached by continuously high investment in research and development, resulting in numerous patents and exemplified by the sophisticated ASIC, developed in the ATEN labs and manufactured by ATEN. The product range today covers hundreds of connectivity products, providing complete KVM solutions from entry level to the enterprise market. Among the customers of ATEN are large, companies with global operations, midrange and small businesses, as well as ambitious private users. For further information, please visit http://www.aten.com.