Simply put, an advanced electronic KVM switch enables you to control multiple CPUs with one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. It also provides a host of other network management features. It's a simple concept, yet one that can save an incredible amount of time, space, and money while improving network organization and control.

The Before and After photos above illustrate how much space and, in turn, expense that just one ServSwitch can save in an eight-server PC application. See our on-line catalog for our full line of ServSwitch products—including KVM switches, cables, extender kits, and racks—and start saving with ServSwitch today!

Advanced KVM switches evolved out of this very need for organization and control. Five years ago, even in a large business, a data center might have had six or seven servers. Today, that number might be more than 1000. Take a look at some of the features of advanced KVM switches:

• Platform: The type of computer platform a KVM switch can handle. In addition to PCs, KVM products can be linked to Sun?, Mac?, SGI?, RS/6000?, HP9000?, and other CPUs.
• # of Ports: The number of computers you can connect directly to a single KVM switch. This number is directly related to the number of CPUs you need to control.
• Cascading/Scalability: Many advanced KVM switches support the interconnection of multiple units to increase the number of CPUs a user can control?more than 1000 in some cases. This feature is important for large business and growing enterprise networks.
• Maximum Resolution: A measure of the video bandwidth supported by a KVM switch. If you use graphic- or video-intensive applications, the higher the resolution support, the better.
• Emulation: With some KVM switches, if you disconnect a keyboard or mouse from your computer, you'll lose the use of that device and have to reboot. Advanced KVM switches eliminate these problems by generating artificial signals (emulating a keyboard or mouse) and sending them to each computer.
• Maximum Distance to Keyboard/Monitor/Mouse: Some KVM switches are designed so that the controlling keyboard, monitor, and mouse is plugged directly into the switch. However, there are many products, like KVM extenders, that you can can use to extend the keyboard/monitor/mouse connection up to 1000 feet (304.8 m) from the switch. This feature is especially important for campus-based networks.
• Maximum Distance to CPU: Connections beyond the specified distance will result in interrupted or corrupt signaling or poor video quality. Also, this feature is important for campus networks. Some KVM switches are designed to be close to a CPU (e.g., 10 feet [3.0 m]). Others, with the aid of extenders, can be placed up to 1000 feet (304.8 m) away.
• On-screen menus: A simple, graphics-based method for selecting computers. Many switch models offer on-screen menus as a standard feature or an optional upgrade. Operators can use pop-up menus to identify and select CPUs and name the servers as they choose.
• # of Users: The number of workstations (sets of keyboards, monitors, and mice) you can hook to a KVM switch and use simultaneously.

Because you can simplify and save! If you use more than one computer, you can benefit from a ServSwitch! Here's how:

• Access all your CPUs and servers with only one keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
• Save time by centralizing control of your computers and becoming more efficient.
• Save space by 70% or more?monitors are bulky and keyboards and mice take up a lot of space, which you can't afford to lose.
• Save money by reducing the number of keyboards, monitors, and mice you need and slashing the energy costs to cool your server rooms.

A ServSwitch saves you money in many ways. See how much you can save in a typical real-world application. For more details about our many ServSwitch products, go to our on-line catalog.