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Originally published at Internet.comSLACi is a software platform specifically designed for keyboard, video and mouse switch (KVM) hardware. It provides central management and over a dozen enhancements to port switching controls directed at how different types of users need to operate a KVM switch. At the core of these KVM services is universal support for operating multiple types and brands of KVM switches.
The initial release of SLACi installs on computers running Windows operating systems as a client server application. It can be run as an administrator's tool or operated side by side with manual switching techniques to provide group and automated switching. SLACi is the server software and where users configure advanced switching. An optional client called 'My KVM Networks' can be installed on computers connected to the KVM switch. The client integrates controls configured in SLACi for switching from the desktop of selected ports.
Clients continually update the list of computers from a central depository (SLACi) and displays them on the desktop. With My KVM Networks, users can view several hundred servers, click on the computer they want to manage and software instructs the hardware to change port focus. According to the vendor, the client-server architecture also eliminates the need to set-up and configure on-screen-display systems for each individual display.
As a central management tool, SLACi can be used to increase data center security by allowing a third party administrator to control all switching functions. This can be accomplished locally in managed environments like a network operation center or remotely from a workstation. Using drag and drop functionality provided by the user interface, operators will drag a system device (representing computer input ports) and drop it on a display device identifying user consoles.
System and display device elements within SLACi can represent one or more computer and display devices. When actions are performed on device groups, the software executes multiple commands on one or more switches; reducing the redundancy of port selection to a single event.
SLACi will be released in August. Visit the Global Serv Web site for additional information.Author: Company Rep
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