What is KVM?
KVM stands for “keyboard, video, mouse”. It allows you to operate two (or more) computers with one keyboard, one monitor, and one mouse. To switch between the two computers, you will have to flip a switch. I can’t think of any uses for this off the top of my head, but with many different companies offering such a product, there must be someone using it.
I think multiple monitors is a better idea.
February 13th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
I have an answer for you on this one. A monitor, mouse and keyboard eat up space and energy, especially when you have hundreds of PCs to manage. Plus, imagine all the money you can save by not needing a monitor for each computer.
Many data centers/server rooms have multiple servers/PCs to manage and not much space to work with. Let’s say you had 20 desktops and without a KVM switch, you would have to physically walk over to each and every one to access. With a KVM unit, you can save time by just switching between the PCs.
KVMs save you time, cost, energy and space.
Here are all of the KVM vendors I know of:
ATEN Technology (www.aten-usa.com)
Raritan (www.raritan.com)
Avocent (www.avocent.com)
Rose (www.rose.com)
Would have to give a nod to ATEN since the company’s products offer the most functionality and its prices is agreeable, too!
-Mike