It’s Imperative that You Use Correct KVM Switches

Your company's IT infrastructure is much like a puzzle. There are many different pieces that make it up, and each piece is needed for the entire network to work properly. One piece of equipment that often gets overlooked is the KVM switch. Here are three tips on finding the right KVM for your business.

First off, let's go over what a KVM switch is. KVM is the abbreviation for "keyboard, video, and mouse." It's a switch that allows a single user to control multiple nearby computers or servers from one or more keyboards, monitors, and mouses. For a network administrator, the KVM is an extremely valuable tool that allows them to oversee and control every server while working in your server room.

This is a great convenience factor, but it's also going to save you money and reduce the amount of hardware you need in your server room. Instead of having an extra monitor, mouse, and keyboard for each server, you can connect multiple servers up to a single set.

As you know, there are IT networks of all shapes and sizes for businesses with various computing needs, and there are different-sized KVM switches that can accommodate networks ranging from only a few computers to IT infrastructures used by enterprises that are spread out over multiple locations.

Having the Right Video Quality
When selecting a KVM switch, you will want to keep video quality in mind. We are still in a transitional period between VGA-based analogue and digital video equipment that uses standards such as DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. Even though most everything has gone digital, there's still analogue equipment to be found. Without being aware of the differences between the two, it would be easy to fall for what appears to be a really good deal on the switch that you're looking at, only to discover upon installation that you paid for analogue KVM instead of one that's digital.

Making Sure Everything is Secure
You will also want to use a KVM over IP switch that uses an encryption protocol to secure the data sent over your network. Your KVM switch will handle a lot of data, which can spell bad news for your business if the switch becomes compromised. Don't ignore this KVM security protocol. Processor magazine explains: "Today's remote KVM solutions are extremely powerful and can do an incredible amount of damage if compromised. Be aware of vulnerabilities with the remote management solutions embedded in today's servers."

Future-proofing Your Network
As is the case with any piece of equipment for your network, you will want to make sure that your new KVM switch is future-proof. Each KVM switch comes with a limited amount of ports for computers and server units. Instead of buying a switch that has the exact right amount of ports to populate your current operations, think a few years ahead and go with a switch that has enough open ports to accommodate the next few years of growth.

You don't want to pick out a piece of equipment like a KVM switch without knowing the ins and outs of what it does. When it comes to purchasing networking equipment, make sure to run your plans by IT professionals. It's very easy for an inexperienced user to run into compatibility issues when installing networking equipment like KVM switches. Due to the prevalence of installation issues like this, it would be in your best interest to have the IT professionals at Macro Systems pick out and install KVM switches for you.

To get the perfect KVM switch for your business, call Macro Systems at (703) 359-9211.