AutoView KVM Switches Save Space: Page 2 of 3

Setting up the AV2000R is easy. I connected the requisite variety of Linux, Sun Microsystems and Microsoft Windows servers with the appropriate AVRIQ and Cat 5 cables, hooked up a Plain-Jane mouse, keyboard and monitor combination to the box, and away I went. The local on-screen GUI, known as OSCAR (On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting interface) is intuitive, effective and stable. Configuration options through OSCAR include server naming, security options, scan times and the usual raft of KVM-specific parameters. I tested the maximum rated resolution of 1,600 x 1,280, as well as a few other typical lower resolutions, without a hitch. After visiting OSCAR and setting it up to my liking in various configurations, I test drove the AV2000R's network functionality.

A remote user who wants to control Avocent's AV2000R appliances needs to install the free AVWorks program that ships with the unit. AVWorks is a robust management/user interface that raises the bar for the IP KVM experience through its intuitive functionality and elegant simplicity. After loading it on a Windows XP laptop and a Windows NT workstation (AVWorks is compatible with Win 98 and later, along with Linux Red Hat 7.1 and 7.2), I whipped up a few database combinations based on my limited test environment. If I had several AV2000R boxes and many more servers, I really would have had some fun. The experience of server control over the Internet can be strange, with a "local" cursor and "remote" cursor to coordinate, but the layout and feel of manipulating my boxes--including server resets--through the AVWorks front door was extremely comfortable. I enjoyed the full screen size, maximum resolutions supported and responsive cursor actions.

Solid hardware, effective network connectivity and a variety of local and remote administrative tools should make the AV2000R an attractive option for those charged with server upkeep.