MRV Introduces IP KVM Switch That Scales to Thousands of Servers for Ultra Dense Server Farms
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (Nasdaq:MRVC), a leading provider of products and services for out-of-band networking, WDM and optical transport, metro Ethernet, fiber optic components, 10GE and other service aware networking products, today announced the MAX-KVM MK-348, a 48-port enterprise-class IP keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch aimed at high-density data center server farms. The company will debut the switch at LinuxWorld Expo in San Francisco (Aug. 6-9) at MRV’s booth #406.
The new switch sets an industry density record with 48 server ports in a 1U rack-mount form factor, and provides high-quality video performance to IP users with rapid video response and high update rate. This fast response facilitates tight mouse synchronization.
Up to hundreds of MK-348 KVM switches can be easily arranged as a cluster forming a large virtual KVM switch to control thousands of servers. Deployment of a MK-348 cluster requires minimal effort and does not require high-cost dedicated hardware devices resulting in a remarkably cost-effective solution.
“The density and scalability of the new MK-348 switch opens up a new market for KVM by making it dramatically easier for organizations with high server density to scale their KVM solution to support the new wave in pizza-box and blade servers,” said Noam Lotan, President and CEO of MRV Communications. “The MK-348 also has the features that will give even the most demanding enterprise the highest level of performance, security and fit with the capabilities of their IT organization.”
The integration of a built-in firewall is another unique feature of the MK-348 that provides a new level of security for both the servers and the KVM switch itself. Video, control and management data is encrypted, ensuring privacy over the network while exposing only a single TCP/IP port for minimal vulnerability. Support for a wide set of authentication standards ensures safe, easy and flexible assimilation into the IT environment.
The MAX-KVM MK-348 is based on an embedded Linux operating system for cost effectiveness and to leverage security and other features inherent in Linux. Additionally, the switch offers a traditional management command line interface familiar to Linux and Unix users in addition to a graphical user interface (GUI).
MRV’s Java-based client application, called Orion, allows IP users to control the MK-348 switch from their remote computers. The Orion client supports all common platforms including Linux, Windows, Mac OS and Solaris. The Orion client is an intuitive and easy-to-use application that allows administration of servers and the KVM switch from a Web browser without any software installation.
The MK-348 supports display resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 (UXGA) and has two network interfaces. Three over IP video sessions are supported simultaneously in addition to one local user.
Pricing and Availability
The MK-348 will be available from MRV’s VARs and distributors worldwide starting in September. List pricing for the product starts at $8,499. More information on the MK-348 product and its capabilities is available on the MRV Web site at www.mrv.com.
About MRV Communications, Inc.
MRV Communications, Inc. (“MRV”) is a leading provider of network equipment and services, and optical components. MRV’s networking business provides equipment used by commercial customers, governments and telecommunications service providers, and includes switches, routers, physical layer products and out-of-band management products as well as specialized networking products for aerospace, defense and other applications including voice and cellular communication. MRV’s optical components business provides optical communications components for metropolitan, access and Fiber-to-the-Premises applications, through its wholly owned subsidiary LuminentOIC, Inc. MRV markets and sells its products worldwide through a variety of channels, including a dedicated direct sales force, manufacturers’ representatives, value-added-resellers, distributors and systems integrators. MRV also has operations in Europe that provide network system design, integration and distribution services that include products manufactured by third-party vendors, as well as internally developed and manufactured products. Publicly traded since 1992, MRV is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol MRVC. For more information about MRV and its products, please call (818)Â 773-0900 or visit our websites at www.mrv.com and www.luminentoic.com.