For the management of Sun Solaris servers, Cyclades console servers are Sun break-safe certified. “Break” is a specific signal sent over the console connection for the server to suspend operations. Unfortunately some console servers may unintentionally send a break signal when turned on or off, or due to an internal software malfunction. Cyclades console servers are specifically and exhaustively tested to ensure they will never send an unintentional break over their console connections. This gives network administrators the peace of mind to install them in places where they can not give direct assistance.

The adoption of the AlterPath ACS as a standard platform to control the entire network in substitution to non-uniform administration with old console servers resulted in a significant improvement of management productivity. The ACS unit’s robust engineering and embedded firmware are showing excellent performance and equipment downtime is kept under minimal values. When needed, technical support and maintenance are fast, contributing to the overall increase in productivity. This means that less time is spent on technical issues and more time can be dedicated for planning and design.

The centralized uniform management also leveraged on the strong authentication and access control of the ACS machines, including IPSec and SSHv2. The entire network can be viewed under one interface under the required levels of security, while increasing accessibility to systems located remotely. Out-of-band server and network management featured in the implemented solution gives IT administrators an enhanced facility in cases of server or networking device abnormalities or in situations when in-band access becomes unavailable.

One success story deserves another: the next step to further enhance the secure view, access and management of all networked devices is the introduction of Cyclades AlterPath PM Intelligent Power Management and AlterPath Manager E2000. They will leverage on the installed solution and provide a higher level of automation, security and functionality, which will minimize the extra effort to maintain the management infrastructure in such a large deployment of remotely managed appliances. Additional management tools implements easy interface to other management agents and heterogeneous interfaces to ensure the best network health always, everywhere. This is the strategy to maintain competitive advantage: to continue providing the best service for the mobile Internet customers in this remarkably dynamic market.