Absolute Power: Page 2 of 4

In addition, the PM8 provides over-current protection: If the devices plugged into the assembly draw more current than the electrical circuit is rated for, the PM8 sounds an alarm and notifies the console. The push-button breaker at the bottom of the unit might be easy to overlook depending on mounting height, but do take note of its location, because it will provide a local reset when a current-fault condition locks up the device.

Test Drive

I tested the PM8 in standalone mode and with Cyclades' TS1000 16-port terminal server. When using the PM8 in standalone mode, you configure it using a HyperTerminal session--it's easy enough to do with only a cursory scan of the operating instructions. The PM8's on-board intelligence isn't overly sophisticated, but it is effective. Within minutes of logging in as an administrator, I had user profiles set up and outlets assigned to users, both individually and in groups. The device's straightforward command set gives you options for anything you'd need to do with power outlets--from cycling them to locking individual outlets on or off, to pulling current readings from the chassis.

To test the security aspects,
I staged some basic challenges. For instance, I had one user try to control outlets that were not assigned to him, and was notified of the denial with a simple text feedback that effectively conveyed the problem. Once it was up and running, the PM8 proved stable and easy to forget until changes were required.

How the PM8 integrates with your overall console-management environment depends largely on the make and mix of your console servers. As an end device, the PM8 will be as security-aware as the terminal server it's attached to in regard to secure remote access, out-of-band management and other oversight concerns.