KVM over IP?

[kirkas]

I am just wondering (and to be honest, I don't really need it), but does BODHost offer KVM over IP? I understand KVM switches can be expensive, so it'll probably be costly to the end user. And BODHost is a managed provider, anyway, so the point may be moot, but I do see how having KVM over IP could be useful to people, especially for those who like complete control over their servers.

[Rocky]

Having a KVMoIP attached to a server would definitely be useful if you're going to test a newly developed Kernel &/or all the system boot time activity/behavior after particular OS changes. They are of course costly peice of hardware.. & regarding their availability, Shane would be happy to answer

[Vertigo]

What is KVM over IP anyway? This is the first I ever heard of it. From what you say, it sounds like it's another way to control your server, but doesn't the control panel and/or SSH already do that?

[surreality]

KVM stands for "Keyboard, Video, Mouse", so KVM over IP is essentially technology that captures keyboard, video, and mouse signals and sends them over the Internet, thereby allowing you to control your server almost as if you were standing in front of it.

The advantage of KVM over IP is that you're not dependent on the server being online since you will be accessing it over a specialized hardware called a KVM switch. This allows you to do things that you can't do with a conventional control panel or SSH, such as BIOS interaction, monitoring the booting process before, during, and after, etc. Since you will be using specialize hardware, though, KVM over IP can be quite expensive.

[Vertigo]

Oh, so that's what it means. Thanks for the info, surreality! It sounds like a pretty nifty thing to have, but if it's really so expensive, then it's probably not worth getting unless you really need it.

[larrysstyle]

I guess we learn something new everyday. I've never heard of KVM, and it sounds pretty interesting. I think I'll do a little research on this myself.

[alyaly]

Originally Posted by surreality

KVM stands for "Keyboard, Video, Mouse", so KVM over IP is essentially technology that captures keyboard, video, and mouse signals and sends them over the Internet, thereby allowing you to control your server almost as if you were standing in front of it.

The advantage of KVM over IP is that you're not dependent on the server being online since you will be accessing it over a specialized hardware called a KVM switch. This allows you to do things that you can't do with a conventional control panel or SSH, such as BIOS interaction, monitoring the booting process before, during, and after, etc. Since you will be using specialize hardware, though, KVM over IP can be quite expensive.

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying here. Are you saying that with KVM, you don't need to have hosting somewhere? That you can just do this yourself using KVM? Sorry, I'm confused.

[techgirl]

I'm just not familiar with KVM. I guess I'm not up to par these days with all this tech stuff. Heck, a girl can only do so much in a day. I guess I'll set some time aside to learn more about this KVM.

[ljonston]

Originally Posted by surreality

KVM stands for "Keyboard, Video, Mouse", so KVM over IP is essentially technology that captures keyboard, video, and mouse signals and sends them over the Internet, thereby allowing you to control your server almost as if you were standing in front of it.

The advantage of KVM over IP is that you're not dependent on the server being online since you will be accessing it over a specialized hardware called a KVM switch. This allows you to do things that you can't do with a conventional control panel or SSH, such as BIOS interaction, monitoring the booting process before, during, and after, etc. Since you will be using specialize hardware, though, KVM over IP can be quite expensive.

That sounds very labor intensive. Definitely not for the lazy minded people like me

[Spooky]

Originally Posted by alyaly

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying here. Are you saying that with KVM, you don't need to have hosting somewhere? That you can just do this yourself using KVM? Sorry, I'm confused.

You still need a server somewhere. KVM only allows you to access your server as if you were standing there in the datacenter. Well, almost as if you were standing there, since you really can't reach through the screen to change any hardware.

[squishy]

Hmm... so you'll even be able to make changes to the kernel and stuff? I can see how that can be useful. Sounds like the kind of thing that a person who wants to do their own server management would use, though. With managed servers, what's the need? A quick call or email and your host/datacenter would be able to do things for you.

[Shane Phillips]

Originally Posted by squishy

Hmm... so you'll even be able to make changes to the kernel and stuff? I can see how that can be useful. Sounds like the kind of thing that a person who wants to do their own server management would use, though. With managed servers, what's the need? A quick call or email and your host/datacenter would be able to do things for you.

haha...indeed

Let your hosting provider do the job for you...

Regards,

Shane Phillips

[Dave M]

Unless you're a skilled systems administrator, there really is no need to use KVM over IP. It'd just be wasted money if you did. The general rule of thumb for anyone new to VPS or dedicated servers is to only get as much as you need. I've seen people try to get the latest and greatest on an unmanaged plan, only to end up bashing their heads against the wall.

[kirkas]

Hmm... so since BODhost is a managed dedicated server provider, they don't offer KVM over IP? Makes sense, I guess. KVM switches are horrendously expensive, anyway. :P

[Shane Phillips]

Originally Posted by kirkas

Hmm... so since BODhost is a managed dedicated server provider, they don't offer KVM over IP? Makes sense, I guess. KVM switches are horrendously expensive, anyway. :P

They are expensive. However, our level-3 admins have made exceptions with some of our clients and offered them KVM-IP for their operations. Please be advised that we also offer the add-on option only if a client requires it.

Regards,

Shane Phillips

[gazzie]

KVM-IP would be a good tool to use, especially if you colocate. I think most people who use KVM over IP colocate their servers, since they're usually the type who want complete control over their server.