OpenGear is shipping a console server kit aimed at schools, small companies, and others interested in building inexpensive yet modern KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) servers using old x86 PCs. The $149 CMx86 kit includes uClinux, open source KVM and other software, and a four-port serial I/O card.

CMx86 can be used to access company resources remotely

OpenGear is a Utah-based start-up founded by former SnapGear CEO Bob Waldie in January of 2005. OpenGear's products are based entirely on open source software, such as the okvm open source kvm server that the company helps maintain. According to Waldie, OpenGear aims to compete on price with other Linux KVM suppliers, including Avocent, Cyclades, and Digi International.

OpenGear launched its first product line, the CM4000 range of 8-, 16-, and 48-port console servers pictured at right, at the LinuxWorld Expo in Boston this February. The CM4000 range is priced from $30 to $40 per port, compared to $100 to $200 per port for similar products from competitors, the company claims.

OpenGear says the CMx86 software console, launched today, further reduces the per-port cost for advanced KVM console server capabilities; with the optional 8-port serial card, the CMx86 is priced at $25 per port, not including one old x86 PC. The CMx86 also supports a variety of third-party multiport serial cards, OpenGear says.

CMx86 is based on uClinux, along with okvm and other open source software. It offers numerous advanced KVM features, including SSHv2, unlimited users per port, IP packet filtering firewall, Radius and TACACS+ authentication, and out-of-band (dial-up) support with PAP/CHAP authentication, to name just a few. Additionally, the CMx86 offers a secure Web-based management interface.

Serial ports can be configured through a secure Web interface, as can the built-in firewall, and other features
(Click either image to enlarge)

Waldie said, “With the introduction of our CMx86 software console server, cash strapped developers, educational institutions on outdated remote management machines, small-company systems administrators on tight IT budgets, as well as larger enterprises and OEM customers will benefit from our low-cost, fully featured software console server.”

Availability

The CMx86 software console server is available now, priced at $149, including full source code, unlimited software upgrades via ftp, and a 4-port card. With an 8-port card, the CMx86 is priced at $200.

OpenGear is demonstrating the CMx86 at NetWorld + Interop, this week in Las Vegas. The company also announced today the “OpenGear Console Server Challenge,” a program allowing users to evaluate OpenGear products, and keep them free of charge if they can find a similar or better product that costs less.

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