Monday, February 21, 2011

Why A Company Needs A Secure Console Server

A secure console server furnishes several serial ports to serial port devises such as servers, routers, or switches.  A modem or network is used by the console server to access computers or other devices remotely.  A network administrator would be responsible for monitoring the equipment against attacks by hackers and virus’.   Many large industries are using these secure console servers to cut costs and save time.   Using these will eliminate the need for several IT techs being used in different areas of the business because one IT tech can monitor many systems from their own office without moving from their computer.   Having the servers and an IT tech monitoring 24 hours a day, the company is guaranteed to run smoothly without a lot of down time for system repairs.  



Protocols called Telent Secure Shell (SSH) is used for the servers to work through; it is a network page client that permits all computers to be linked with the server giving your chosen administrator admission into the remote system from anywhere.  This allows the professional IT administrator the ability to upgrade software and diagnose and repair problems without being physically in front of the device.  SSH is commonly used on Linux and UNIX systems but there are other protocols available that use different base systems and will perform just the same.

The secure console server is contained in a tower and has a screen.  At first glance you would not know it was a secure console server but it does not contain software that is normally installed on other devices.   Sometimes more than one computer is used and is attached together if it is being used on a large network with a lot of data saved on it.   Larger industries find the need for dedicated computer rooms or centers just for these systems.

Secure console servers are more expensive than servers that are not secure.  If a company deals with confidential information like Personal Health Information, such as Insurance Companies then a secure console server is needed.   If your company does not deal with confidential information the non-secure server would work sufficiently.

These consoles are the center of any business’s network system.  It is important that security be monitored at all times to protect the data that is transferred within the company.  Choosing the type of console you need is as important as the IT tech you choose to administer it.  Choosing a secure console server, although expensive, is a sound investment and could yield a good return on the money you invest in it.

Regardless of how big the company is, the level of security they need should be examined before purchasing a console server.   The company’s specially trained IT tech they chose to be administrator can help make the decision on the console the company needs.