Schneider Electric has released a new module for its StruxureWare Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) suite that uses Intel’s Virtual Gateway technology for remote access to the server without the need for additional hardware.

Virtual Gateway was launched by Intel in July this year as a software development kit that allows virtual troubleshooting for data center hardware.

It allows IT managers to configure or fix compatible components including network switches, storage and servers – Schneider’s partnership covers the server.

The move by Schneider Electric and Intel, according to IDC Data Center Trends and Strategies Team research manager Jennifer Koppy, approaches challenges created with the widening gap between facilities and IT, brought about by virtualization and cloud computing.

“Intel and Schneider Electric are bridging facilities and IT by offering vKVM (virtual keyboard video mouse) and DCIM in one integrated product suite,” Koppy said.

“Virtualization and cloud computing disaggregate IT from physical systems and make adding new workloads as easy as deploying a virtual machine.

The new product module called Server Access allows for remote access to servers and control of multiple servers.

The DCIM module can be used, as a result, to launch, manage, troubleshoot and control servers and manage power cycling.

It can also provide a physical model for the location of servers, which can help identify power and cooling issues at a more granular level.

The module is based on Intel’s Data Center Manager (DCM) software and has been created as part of a joint effort with Schneider Electric, Intel general manager of Data Center Solutions Jeff Klaus said.

“Virtual Gateway . . . provides important technological advances for our middleware,” Klaus said.

“The joint effort with Schneider Electric broadens the use of our technology and will help data centers eliminate unnecessary hardware spend.”

Schneider Electric VP of enterprise management and software Soeren Jensen said it is the first time a DCIM vendor has integrated KVM software with a DCIM approach.

“We view Server Access as an important component to improving energy efficiency in data centers and facilities,” Jensen said.

The software allows users to control IT devices released by multiple vendors, using a primary network or secondary business critical network to access the server via a base management card.

Operating system access can be also be gained using a Remote Desktop protocol, Secure Shell and virtual network computing.

The Server Access module will be available as part of its StruxureWare for Data Centers suite from August 30 this year.