Tenduit Kicks Out The Hardware For Server Control

Trying to displace tried and tested hardware with a disruptive technology is a challenge that Tenduit Software has undertaken. Its target is the KVM/IP hardware and intelligent power distribution units (iPDUs) frequently used to manage servers in a datacentre.

KVM/IP (keyboard, video, mouse over IP) is used to allow a single screen, mouse and keyboard to be used to control any single computer within a server farm. This requires three cables to be attached to each server via a junction box that handles the selection and  switching process from a central desk.

No OS required

Tenduit uses BIOS access software to the same effect as KVM/PDU hardware systems but is cheaper and easier to install, does not draw power, and does not create waste when the system is upgraded, the company’s vice president for EMEA Gregor Rudolphi told TechWeekEurope.

Like KVM/PDU hardware, RIMcenter from Tenduit tackles the problem of maintaining service level agreements by maximising uptime of IT resources in data centres and remote offices. Rudolphi maintains that RIMcenter’s software approach still allows access when the native operating system may have malfunctioned, and the lower cost avoids the necessity to leave servers unprotected because of budgetary constraints.

Chad Rislov, CEO of Daxten, a UK-based data centre cooling specialist that is working with Tenduit in EMEA, said: “As an embedded software solution, the Tenduit RIMCenter represents a very powerful alternative to existing KVM and onboard systems that are hardware based. It surpasses conventional remote access software solutions as the RIMCenter offers access to BIOS level, true power management features such as shutdown and power recycling of remote servers, as well as an excellent price/performance ratio.”

Prices begin at $149 (£95) per server and security is provided by encrypting all data transmitted to 256bit AES standards. A 30-day free trial for up to 10 servers is also available from the company.