http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/ en-gb Fri, 17 Aug 2012 8:00:04 BST Copyright: (C) Comms Express 2007 http://www.comms-express.com/images/logo.jpg http://www.comms-express.com/ KVM solutions to minimise the amount of computer accessories required in the server room or data centre.

These tools allow multiple computers to share a keyboard, monitor and mouse, helping to streamline operations and maximise efficiency.

On a practical level, companies do not need to find rack space for a separate keyboard, video and mouse for each PC they have in-house.

Cost may not always be the issue for businesses in this sense - many firms will have significant equipment supplies - but space is often at a premium.

And using the same tools to control multiple computers can reduce clutter in the computer area, making it easier to manage the rest of the IT infrastructure.

Businesses have access to a range of different KVM solutions manufactured to high specifications and competitively priced.

These include TFT console drawers, and solutions from Avocent, Aten, Austin Hughes and Belkin.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for KVM on the net ]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/improve-pc-management-with-kvm-solutions-801430282/ 2012-08-16 13:28:06 server monitoring, it has been claimed.

According to networking industry commentator Dmitriy Stepanov, network monitoring is "the most important part of the system administrator's or IT manager's work".

Writing for Sys-Con Media, he said the larger the company is and the more clients served by the organisation, the more vital the server monitoring process is.

But Mr Stepanov noted that many small companies also now have server rooms which need to be monitored in the same way to minimise the risks of technology disaster.

He explained that server room equipment needs to operate "round the clock" for seven days a week, all the year round.

"It is not recommended to stop the server operation because this can lead to a company's workflow interruption and the data loss," Mr Stepanov added.

"But computers, servers, and other network devices cannot work for ever, they can even fail sometimes. That is why the system administrator has to monitor servers' operation constantly."

He explained that this process includes monitoring the state of services, processes, applications and databases.

"The server monitoring software that is available on the market today makes the server monitoring process more automated and less expensive," Mr Stepanov added.

"A network monitoring program's operation does not require any system administrator's intervention. He just has to set up the particular checks, their periodicity and notifications that will take place if failures are detected."

He told the news provider that these may include displaying a message, sending an email, running external programs, writing a record to log, sending SMS to a mobile phone, and restarting a service, a server, or a workstation.

"Servers are kind of an organisation's 'brain' - they are the warehouses of the important data. They provide the intellectual operation of the company and the connection between all its parts, uniting them in one 'organism'," Mr Stepanov said.

"If the server stops working, all the company's operation can stop as well."

News provided by Comms Express, number one for networking equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/server-monitoring-is-vitally-important-801405117/ 2012-07-11 13:39:08 Server room monitoring can help businesses optimise the performance of their IT infrastructure, it has been suggested.

Writing for Biz Community, Robert Brand noted that sensitive computer equipment does not function well at high temperatures.

It must be cooled to reduce the risk of overheating and failing, he said.

"When it comes to blade servers, however, cooling the ambient temperature of the room is no longer enough," Mr Brand added.

"Blade servers require directed cooling, with fans that blow directly onto the face of each blade. Directed cooling using traditional methods, with the air-conditioner mounted on the wall or ceiling is not the most efficient method of cooling."

He added that the servers are "highly sensitive", requiring a constant, clean supply of power and efficient directed cooling.

Monitoring technologies can give businesses an early warning sign, informing them that server racks are at risk of overheating - allowing environmental conditions within the data centre to be altered.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/server-room-monitoring-helps-keep-it-working-801381748/ 2012-06-11 14:53:41 network equipment.

As summer approaches, the dangers of servers overheating may increase, meaning businesses should be taking precautions to safeguard their IT investments.

Companies cannot afford to overlook cooling technologies and effective ventilation systems for their server rooms if they want to keep their hardware in good working order.

Server room monitoring technologies can be used to ensure environmental conditions are kept as desired, not just in terms of temperature but also humidity, air flow and other factors.

Monitoring tools also keep tabs on human activity, ensuring any changes effected by IT managers or other employees do not have a negative impact on server room operations.

If there is a sudden increase in temperature, or the flow of air is blocked, the IT team is immediately alerted, helping to avert the risks and ensure no lasting damage is caused to valuable hardware.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for server racks on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/keep-tabs-on-temperature-with-server-room-monitoring-801376212/ 2012-05-31 14:15:04 Network attached storage can be the answer for many businesses as they seek to handle greater volumes of data and make full use of media devices.

Writing for PC Advisor, Andrew Harrison said that as computing technology all around us steadily shrinks in size, the need for more outboard storage expands.

"You can fit only so much expensive flash storage into a phone, tablet or even a laptop," he stated.

Mr Harrison said network attached storage "is the way forward" for sharing files and documents among colleagues in a business network.

It can also help stream Blu-ray and DVD movies to the consumer's screen of choice at home.

"If you want a NAS drive to approach the responsiveness of internal hard drives, you’ll need a decent processor inside," Mr Harrison advised.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/manage-data-with-network-attached-storage-801373926/ 2012-05-29 14:30:28 server racks at the optimum temperature - and fans may provide the answer.

According to rack manufacturer Toughrack, individual units can be cooled simply by the use of fans in the cabinet.

Some cabinets have in-built fan systems, otherwise fan trays can be installed, the firm explained.

"Fans generate airflow but to ensure the most effective cooling, it may be necessary to install blanking panels to control airflow and to use good cable management practices to prevent blockages," the firm stated.

"To facilitate airflow, some racks incorporate ventilation panels in their doors and sides or else have mesh doors. In some, the side panels can also be removed where security is not an issue."

Toughrack suggested using the hot aisle, cold aisle system, which sees servers arranged in rows facing the same direction.

Cool air is taken in at the front and the hot air is expelled from the rear and directed towards the input of the cooling unit, the firm explained.

It highlighted the importance of server room monitoring, noting that temperature seriously affects server performance and humidity can be "particularly harmful".

"It is best to seal your server room so that no air can escape or enter the room," Toughrack stated.

"This facilitates better control over both temperature and humidity; greater control equates to less risk of damage."

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/use-fans-to-keep-server-racks-cool-801372896/ 2012-05-28 15:08:21 computer cabinets and cables.

According to IT analyst Gartner, three million units were sold in the first quarter of 2012.

This represented an increase of 2.4 per cent compared with the equivalent period last year.

The desk-based segment showed the greatest rise, with an increase of 7.2 per cent, but the mobile segment decreased by 0.3 per cent between January and March.

"After a decline of 16 per cent in 2011, the UK PC market showed stability in terms of shipment volume," said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner.

“Shipments of professional PCs grew 3.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2012, but it remains to be seen if this is a sign of real demand or just inventory refreshment.”

Across Western Europe as a whole, a 3.1 per cent fall in shipments may have affected demand for computer cables and cabinets within the eurozone.

However, despite the fall, some 15.5 million units were shipped during the three-month period - creating significant opportunities for networking manufacturers.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/pc-shipments-rise-may-boost-computer-cabinet-sales-801362336/ 2012-05-14 13:24:16 Server room monitoring devices can be an important asset for businesses and organisations which keep valuable IT infrastructure on-site.

These allow data centre managers to keep tabs on server temperature and other environmental conditions, ensuring hardware is kept safe and in full working order.

Monitoring devices help companies and organisations to protect equipment from failure and data loss, and ensure out-of-hours threats are minimised.

Businesses can also use the devices to ensure air distribution systems are working correctly, helping to keep the server room at the required temperature.

Providing companies can keep environmental conditions under control, they may be able to reduce cooling expenses without impacting upon reliability.

Businesses invest significant sums on their servers and network equipment, so it is vital to ensure in-house IT is kept in good working order.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for networking news on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/reduce-risk-with-server-room-monitoring-801360246/ 2012-05-10 13:20:10 Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices can be used to help businesses share files among multiple computers.

Businesses can use NAS to centralise the storage of key information - giving them extra flexibility and agility while also ensuring data is kept safe in the event of a disaster.

Companies can use the devices to add storage capacity in an affordable way, eliminating the need for multiple hard drives or a dedicated server.

So while businesses can reduce their investment in IT hardware, they do not have to compromise security or ease of access.

Using network attached storage, businesses can also continuously back up their data day by day, ensuring all important files are kept safe.

A range of options are available for customers seeking a NAS device - they can choose from Netgear, Buffalo and Iomega network attached storage solutions.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/keep-data-secure-with-network-attached-storage-801357115/ 2012-05-04 13:31:04 Modular power units can be of assistance to businesses looking to extend and develop their networks, it has been suggested.

These devices are ideal for business network setups in a whole range of companies.

Customers can select from desktop data and power units and modular under desk power units according to their individual demands.

A number of different varieties are available, including two, three and four-way units, allowing businesses to maximise the use of their networks.

Businesses purchasing modular power units can also select from a variety of leads and accessories, allowing them to fully utilise the devices.

Users are able to plug one unit into another - enabling them to transform a four-way into a six-way product for added functionality.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/support-networks-with-modular-power-units-801351345/ 2012-04-27 13:43:19 network attached storage solutions which better suit their needs, one industry operator has suggested.

Drew Meyer, senior director of product line management at Netgear, claimed that traditional enterprise storage vendors are not aligned with the needs of customers and channel partners.

As such, those firms which are evaluating solutions in the entry-level unified storage segment are willing to look beyond the industry elite, he indicated.

Mr Meyer explained that Netgear, as a more innovative service provider, attracted more than 100,000 storage customers last year, claiming market share away from more established rivals.

The firm's solutions have become popular among businesses entering the network attached storage market for the first time, he suggested.

Mr Meyer was commenting after Netgear moved up two places to become the sixth-largest vendor in this market, based upon figures compiled by Gartner.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for Netgear switches on the net ]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/netgear-customers-investigating-network-attached-storage-options-801345332/ 2012-04-20 14:28:30 computer cables and related accessories may have grown last year, following a rise in the volume of global PC shipments.

Research conducted by analyst firm IDC has pointed to a 1.8 per cent rise over the course of 2011.

The rate of growth was slower than many vendors had hoped for, as manufacturers struggled to compete against emerging mobile devices in a difficult economic climate.

However, IDC expects the launch of Windows 8 this year and popularity of ultrabooks and notebooks to create further demand for PCs and computer accessories.

Bob O'Donnell, vice-president of clients and displays at IDC, suggested many consumers are holding off making PC purchases at the moment, because tablet devices are proving to be "a powerful distraction".

"However, end user surveys tell us that few people consider media tablets as replacements for their PCs," he stated.

"So later this year when there is a new Microsoft operating system, available in sleek new PC form factors, we believe consumer interest in PCs will begin to rebound."

News provided by Comms Express, number one for networking news on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/pc-shipment-growth-recorded-in-2011-801324943/ 2012-03-23 11:53:38 KVM solutions to reduce the costs and clutter associated with asserting control over servers.

Using KVM switches, they can connect to any unit using a single keyboard, visual display unit and mouse, meaning there is no need for duplication of accessories.

Rather than needing an individual sets of equipment for each server within the data centre, they can use just one to issue instructions to each machine.

With businesses potentially supporting many servers within the data centre, KVM switches help streamline the hardware being used.

This creates more space for server racks and enables the data centre manager to keep the room clearly organised.

Other related accessories including KVM cables and KVM extenders are also available, allowing businesses to maximise the use of a single keyboard, monitor and mouse

News provided by Comms Express, number one for networking news on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/kvm-solutions-aid-data-centre-management-801322072/ 2012-03-20 15:19:21 computer cables and related accessories could rise in 2012 as more PCs are shipped around the world.

IT analyst Gartner expects 368 million units to be sold this year, up 4.4 per cent on 2011 - which may lead to the sale of more computer cabinets.

And the firm expects PC shipments to see higher growth by the end of 2013, when shipments are expected to reach more than 400 million units.

Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner, said "the real question" is whether Windows 8 and ultrabooks will create the compelling offering that gets the earlier adopter of devices excited about PCs again.

He explained that the market is coming under increase pressure from mobile devices, with consumers eager to get their hands on smartphones and media tablets.

"The use of applications such as email, social networking and internet access, that were traditionally the domain of the PC, are now being used across media tablets and smartphones, making these devices in some cases more valued and attractive propositions," Mr Atwal added.

But demand for PCs in emerging markets - where current adoption rates are lower - should see shipment rates increase for manufacturers.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for connectors on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/pc-sales-rise-could-boost-computing-accessories-801315223/ 2012-03-12 13:23:39 data cabinets.

As reported by CIO.com, Australian Rail Transport Corporation (ARTC) is managing to save AU$100,000 (£67,000) per year following the deployment of new data centre technology.

Steve Bogdanov, technology and infrastructure manager at ARTC, said the agency had been required to invest due to its data centre running out of resources.

"We looked at traditional rack units with raised floors and were almost ready to action this," he said.

However, Mr Bogdanov explained that the agency eventually opted for a water-based cooling solution, which ensures rack cabinets and other data centre solutions do not overheat.

"To date, we have not had a failure and this is helping my staff sleep at night," he stated.

In the UK - which is usually much cooler than Australia - keeping data centres at the optimum temperature tends not to be as difficult a task.

But firms are still advised to use server room monitoring solutions to pick up on any fluctuations in climatic conditions straight away.

This helps from a risk management perspective, as it can help avoid servers overheating and suffering service outages.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for server accessories on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/artc-takes-action-to-keep-data-centre-cool-801310698/ 2012-03-06 13:49:41 Server room monitoring solutions can help UK companies beat the winter blues, it has been suggested.

With much of Britain being affected by snow and sub-zero temperatures in recent weeks, the importance of maintaining a stable temperature in the server room has become all the more apparent.

Businesses are acutely aware of the dangers posed by poor weather to their IT infrastructure, with freezing temperatures potentially jeopardising system continuity.

Floods and power outages are also more common in winter during periods of poor weather, meaning businesses should be engaging in continuity planning.

If servers suffer an outage, or other ill-effects of a change in conditions, this can have negative repercussions across an organisation.

As such, monitoring solutions can be an extremely valuable asset.

They are able to warn the data centre manager if conditions, such as temperature, humidity or air flow change, ensuring any problems are identified immediately and can be tackled at the point of origin.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for server racks on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/server-room-monitoring-reduces-winter-risks-801294692/ 2012-02-16 14:29:29 server room monitoring, server virtualisation can help businesses reduce energy consumption in the data centre.

The use of virtual servers is another option for businesses seeking to minimise power consumption and keep their bills down.

When businesses virtualise their servers, they are able to run many units from a single box, and ensure a greater proportion of the total capacity on each server is utilised.

And a recent study conducted by the Corporate IT Forum found that 60 per cent of companies are now using virtual servers to reduce IT costs.

Dani Briscoe, research services manager at the forum, said the technique is now "established" and businesses are happy with it.

Server room monitoring helps businesses control energy consumption and keep overheads down in the data centre.

Businesses can use such tools to control the data centre environment in terms of temperature, air flow and other factors impacting upon power usage.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network tools on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/reduce-data-centre-costs-using-virtualisation-801286201/ 2012-02-07 15:00:19 KVM solutions, helping to maximise efficiency within the data centre.

These tools enable multiple computers to share a keyboard, visual display unit and mouse (KVM), meaning duplication can be avoided.

As well as limiting space and power usage, this helps keep equipment costs down, contributing to the bottom line.

Among the solutions available are two-way and four-way KVM switches - which help avoid the use of different sets of peripherals.

Users can simply select which computer they wish to control at the push of a button, meaning KVM solutions are not only practical but also hassle free.

KVM cables can be used to connect switches to the computers under the control of the device.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for networking news on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/use-kvm-solutions-to-avoid-equipment-duplication-801279374/ 2012-01-31 12:09:27 server room monitoring device.

Climate Guard LT enhances the firm's existing line of environmental monitors, which help data centre managers ensure servers and data cabinets are kept at the right temperature.

The solution features built-in temperature, light and sound sensors, and can be expanded with plug-and-play external sensors.

According to the company, environmental problems in the server room can cause costly downtime, damage expensive equipment, and even lead to loss of mission-critical data.

"HVAC equipment failure, power outages, and simple human error can cause catastrophic IT problems - especially after hours," Burk Technology stated.

"Server rooms and data centre of all sizes require comprehensive monitoring of environmental conditions to detect a problem as early as possible."

Last month, Intel claimed that increasing the temperature within the data centre can lead to cost savings for UK companies.

News provided by Comms Express, number one for network equipment on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/climate-guard-lt-server-room-monitoring-device-launched-801274467/ 2012-01-25 14:53:19
According to network equipment supplier Network Technologies, the firm's new XTENDEX KVM extender offers increased range to users.

Control can be exercised up to 1,000 feet away from computers and switches using the high resolution kit, the firm reported.

Network Technologies said the extender provides local and remote KVM access to a PC or KVM switch using Cat5/5e/6 UTP cable.

"The extender consists of a local unit that connects to a computer and a desktop remote unit," the firm stated.

"This unit supports ultra-high resolutions up to 2048x1536 and is available with optional two-way audio - support for speakers and microphone - and RS232 port."

News provided by Comms Express, number one for networking news on the net]]> http://www.comms-express.com/news/computer-accessories/kvm-solutions-increase-range-with-extender-801274460/ 2012-01-25 14:50:23