Manage Devices Remotely, Securely

More companies are struggling to manage far-flung operations that include remote workers, branch offices, data centers in isolated areas, and other challenges. They may find value in a new line of Secure Console Servers for remotely monitoring and managing equipment that Lantronix Inc. will launch this week.

The three new servers come with two, 16, or 32 high-speed serial ports that can be used to remotely access data and voice gear, such as hubs, routers, switches, and telecommunications equipment.

"Companies need to be able to scale their support, without having to add additional highly trained staff in every location around the country or the world," says John Lawler, directing analyst of E-business infrastructure for Infonetics Research.

IT managers who remotely manage devices have traditionally faced two tough choices: install a dedicated modem on each device, which is expensive and a potential security risk, or communicate with the devices via a virtual private network, which leave devices vulnerable to network problems.

The Secure Console Servers are designed to cut costs by eliminating modems and dedicated phone lines, Lawler says. Lantronix stands out among security vendors because it focuses on securely managing remote devices, he adds. The servers let IT managers access remote devices over a LAN or via the Internet, as well as over dial-up phone lines and modems. They also offer improved security through the addition of user authentication and encryption.

Moreover, the servers are designed to reduce network downtime and loss of performance because, through port buffering, they save data that might be lost in a system crash. They also send an E-mail notification to network managers when problems occur, says Paul Wacker, automation marketing manager for Lantronix.

All three servers will be available by the end of the month for $695, $2,495, and $3,995, respectively.