Avocent has added IPMI (intelligent platform management interface) and SoL (serial-over-LAN) capabilities to its Linux-based console management appliances, enabling users of Avocent's CCM-series appliances to administer IPMI-enabled servers over a LAN connection. Additionally, Avocent is shipping an IPMI-enabled proxy server for out-of-band (dial-up) administration.

IPMI is an interface specification created by Intel. It defines an internal management bus for use inside PCs and servers, as well as a bus for network communication between IPMI-enabled machines. According to Avocent, IPMI is gaining momentum rapidly, with IPMI-enabled servers available from Dell, IBM, and others.

Avocent CCM appliances (pictured at right) can be used to remotely monitor and manage servers, network gear, telco, and power units. Models are available with 8, 16, and 48 physical ports.

Additionally, Avocent's CCM-series appliances now offer virtual ports that can be used to establish telnet or ssh connections to IPMI-enabled devices over the LAN, which simplifies wiring, the company says. In addition to telnet and ssh, they support secure web management interfaces, including Avocent's DSView 3 and AVWorks tools.

Avocent's Linux-based DSI5100 proxy appliance (pictured at left) supports 64 IPMI connections while providing a secure browser based interface for out-of-band (dial-up) monitoring and control of IPMI-enabled servers, the company says.

Avocent's executive VP of global sales, Dave Perry, said, “IPMI and Serial over LAN are exciting technologies that ease the daily challenge of maintaining a healthy data center.”

 
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