Avocent released MergePoint Unity a switching appliance for KVM over IP. The platform helps IT administrators manage remote equipment racks in data centers through a single appliance and interface. Streamlined management of devices in data center racks, including servers, storage, networking and serial appliances cuts the need for in-person management.

"The MergePoint Unity solution from Avocent represents a solid step forward in remote data centre management," said Dennis Drogseth, vice president, Enterprise Management Associates. "As a tool to complement in-band tools, this switch gives IT administrators considerable flexibility and power to manage nearly every piece of IT equipment found in their data centres and remote branch locations."

The MergePoint Unity solution, in conjunction with DSView 3 management software, offers enterprise-class and branch data centres the industry's most complete out-of-band management solution for remote device and equipment control. Key new benefits of the MergePoint Unity solution include: Serial IQ module support.

The switches include dual ethernet on all models and single or dual power supply options for critical configurations that require redundant connections to ensure high availability.

"Today's economic forces are putting pressure on IT department budgets, and IT managers need the technology solutions they deploy to meet current needs, evolve with them as they change, and continue to add value over time," commented Ben Grimes, Chief Technology Officer with Avocent. "Our new MergePoint Unity switch design, features and cost advantages help IT managers maximise their monitoring and management of data center and branch facilities by combining KVM, USB and serial capabilities into one solution to manage the variety of equipment in the racks. MergePoint Unity meets the technical needs of forward-looking IT department administrators, while addressing the relevant budget-related priorities of the enterprise CTO."

Meanwhile Avocent released a LANDesk white paper "KOALA in Depth: KEy costs - Foundation for Value Analytics and Planning". The first of a five part series that explore costs, ownership, accountability, lifecycle status and assignment.