Today's server rooms and datacenters rely on top of the line over IP and LCD console KVMs to run effectively. But what can IT maintenance engineers do if a malfunctioning server is not connected to KVM? A lack of connectivity can lead to a series of frustrations.

Let's take a look at Mr. Lin, an IT maintenance engineer at a well known computer system integration services company based in Taiwan. Lin is tasked with maintaining the servers for retail store POS machines for customers in both the northern and southern regions of the country. Here are some of the most troublesome problems he and most IT maintenance engineers run into when a server isn't connected to a network:

1. VNC can't resolve hardware or OS level problems

VNC installation is not always allowed on servers since it carries potential security risks. This means that maintenance engineers like Lin have to physically travel to the site with the malfunctioning server, in some cases visiting several sites per day. This of course can be highly exhausting.

2. Heavy and cumbersome crash carts

In the case of limited space for LCD console or no network access in a remote server site, large, cumbersome crash carts are often the only option. Even more frustrating - sometimes the malfunctioning server might be located in a narrow aisle that is hard or impossible to reach with a crash cart.

3. Getting equipment to outside or remote maintenance locations

If crash carts are not available, Lin must lug around heavy repair equipment from site to site, or arrange for it to be sent by courier. These prior preparations usually cost him up to two hours or more. And those unfortunate days where he arrives to find he did not bring the required equipment add up to a huge waste of time and manpower.

IT maintenance operations that don't have a crash cart on site can result in wasted time and manpower

4. Restrictions on recording repair sessions

Video snapshot and operation recording is sometimes needed for further trouble-shooting, keeping a record of modified settings, or training purposes. And in the case of a subcontractor performing the repairs, server maintenance always needs to be monitored. But cameras or mobile phones are not always allowed in a secure server room, and Keyboard/Mouse operation and detailed server configuration cannot be recorded via CCTV.

ATEN CV211 slashes work hours and increases effectiveness

After purchasing the ATEN CV211 Laptop USB Console Crash Cart Adapter on the recommendation of colleagues in the US, Lin found the device had an immediate impact on his work. He was thrilled to discover that the device completely eliminated the need for a crash cart by enabling him to directly connect his laptop to the target server's desktop and obtain instant BIOS-level access

"Using the CV211, you can determine the status of the host within five minutes," says Lin. "This not only shortens working hours but also greatly increases our overall effectiveness."

Completely portable, CV211 serves as the perfect companion for on-the-go IT maintenance engineers like Lin who may need to visit one or multiple repair sites in a single day, its compact size and cable clip making it exceedingly easy to carry from one place to another.

CV211 comes with a convenient belt clip which also allows for easy affixing while trouble-shooting

Additionally, a built-in Virtual Media function enables file applications, OS patching, diagnostic testing and software installations through the CV211's intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), which provides easy operation and fast remote access. It also has bi-directional file transfers and hotkey macros.

What's more, IT maintenance engineers will find that CV211 easily overcomes the monitoring issue by featuring a Snapshots and Video recording application through a USB 2.0 and VGA composite cable that makes it possible to keep the images/video clips stored in the laptop. A highly convenient toolbar facilitates ease of operation.

CV211 Snapshot function: a convenient toolbar makes operation simple.