Power of Integration

The Cyclades AlterPath™ ACS Advanced Console Server provides IT professionals with alternate paths to remotely access managed networks from anywhere in the world.

The AlterPath™ PM series of products are a range of Intelligent Power Distribution Units that enables remote control of power in managed devices from anywhere in the world.

The greatest benefits to the IT professionals comes when the two products are used together to provide a secure user friendly interface for both console management and power management in a single user session.By utilizing the AlterPath™ ACS as the method of connecting to the AlterPath™ PM, the two products are viewed and managed as a single integrated unit.Additionally, all of the security benefits of the ACS are inherited in the solution, which includes SSHv2, IPSEC strong authentication, access control and audited logging capability.

Using the AlterPath™ ACS and PM together, the system administrator can configure any device for both the serial console access and one or more of the power outlets that control power to the device.In equipment with redundant power supplies, it is possible to control the console and all of the power outlets from a single session.

Making the logical connection between console and power at configuration time simplifies the task of the system administrator by removing the need for the usual spreadsheet or document containing names and addresses of console ports, power devices, etc. It also avoids managing each device separately.In the integrated environment everything becomes connected under the simple AlterPath™ user interface. The daisy chain feature of the AlterPath™ PM means that two or more independent power sources can be controlled at the same time, which is ideal for systems where an A and B power feed are utilized. In this case, both power outlets can be switched at the same time from the power management subsystem. The daisy chain feature also allows up to 72 devices to be managed from a single secure connection.

When a user needs to power cycle a system, he can first connect to the console port after proper authentication and authorization. This gives an immediate validation that he is connected to the correct machine. He can then simply hit a user defined hot key to bring the power management menu into operation. This level of transparency and validation significantly reduces the risk of operator errors which according to the Gartner group accounts for 40% of all data center downtime.

ThePM Intelligent power distribution unit is currently supported to integrate with any of the existing Cyclades AlterPath™ ACS and Cyclades-TS models of console server.

Applications

• Complete remote management of console and power
• Unix/Linux Server Management (console and power)
• Windows Server Management (console and power)
• Network Management (console and power)
• Console Port Management
• Remote power control