Console Management Solutions For Distributed Datacenters

What is Console Management?Console management is the set up, configuration, and maintenance of serial devices, including servers, switches, routers, and telecom gear. Most of these devices offer EIA 232 serial port(s) as a primary console port for management. IT administrators can manage serial devices locally or remotely through the device’s console port.Local and Remote Console ManagementLocal console management uses a physical connection to the device in order to perform set up, maintenance and repair tasks. Typically, an administrator would go to a failed device with a crash cart or a laptop and physically plug into the device to diagnose and fix the problem.Remote console management provides access to the console port of a device on the network via a TCP/IP Ethernet connection or by telephone via a modem-to-modem connection. A whole selection of console management tools and technologies has evolved to meet these needs. One of the most common devices used for remote console management is a console serial switch, also referred to as a console server. A serial console switch can provide access to multiple serial ports locally through its console port.Local and remote console management can be achieved via the regular network infrastructure (in-band management) or a dedicated management channel (out of-band) used for device maintenance.In-band Management: In-band management uses the same network that connects the devices being managed. Control and management data share the same network as the user data. Many in-band management tools are provided as integrated functions of the operating system and hardware platform. For example, managed devices can be accessed on the in-band network through common protocols, such as Telnet or SSH. SNMP polling allows an administrator to determine faulty behavior or connection problems.A significant limitation of in-band management is its vulnerability to problems such as an operating system crash or the loss of a network connection. The failure of a single device on the network could potentially prevent management connectivity throughout the network itself.Out-of-Band Management: Out-of-band management is the use of a dedicated management channel for device maintenance. It uses an interface that does not rely on the proper functioning of the operating system, applications, protocol stacks and the production network. Using out of band management, a network device can be accessed, reconfigured and recovered in the event of a failure of normal in-band management methods, such as an operating system crash or a network connection failure. Out-of-band management addresses the limitation of in-band communication by employing a management channel that is physically isolated from the data channel.The most common out-of-band management solution involves connecting each device’s serial port to a console switch. This allows the monitoring of Boot process and console access which may not be available using typical in-band management. Depending on BIOS support it also allows access to BIOS information through the console port.Console serial port switches can provide form factor and multiple port flexibility for up to 32 ports in a 1U form factor. Products that include flexible options to remotely access managed devices in an out-of-band management network are ideal products for data centers and high performance clusters.Another type of out-of-band management solution involves a computer with a Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) that has its own processor, memory, battery, network connection, and access to the system bus. The BMC can monitor the computer for critical events, send alerts and log events, and perform management functions. Out-of-band management can also be done by connecting the managed devices to a separate Ethernet network. An administrator can access the devices remotely via SSH or a VPN tunnel to the out-of-band management network.Console Serial SwitchA console serial switch is a device that provides single point serial port access for multiple devices with serial console port(s), such as routers, switches, servers. The Console Serial Switch typically has one or more Ethernet ports and multiple serial ports. The console switch provides the capability of using a host on the network to connect simultaneously to the console ports of multiple devices. It also provides complete in-band and out-of-band management for switches, routers, and other devices using a Telnet session or a Web Interface (HTTP). The connected devices can also be accessed securely using a console switch that supports a secure shell (SSH) or through a secure web session (HTTPS).Secure Remote Access: Both Telnet and SSH protocols are supported by most of the hosts used to access the console switch. By launching a Telnet or SSH session directly to the console switch, the user would be presented with the command line interface of the console switch. Many console switches provide web-based management software that can be accessed through a browser using HTTPS. These interfaces allow the administrator to access attached devices or to control the console switch itself.Telnet communication is a plain text communication and is not encrypted leaving sensitive information vulnerable. SSH and HTTPS communications are encrypted and secure. After authentication a pair of public keys is exchanged between client and server. All communication is then encrypted using the received public keys. Only the corresponding private key holder can decrypt the messages. Using these industry standard protocols, an administrator can access the serial console port of an attached data center device as if using an actual crash cart.Secure SSH Console Serial Port Switches offer a broad set of secure access methods that meet the needs of different customers. Look for switches that support Secure Shell (SSH v2), individual port authentication, HTTPS for enhanced security, and dial-in access support, so that only known users at specific locations can access the switch.Remote, Centralized Management: The ability to monitor and control managed multiple remote servers makes the console switch a powerful tool. Through console redirection, administrators can access the BIOS and operating system processes of a managed server through the serial port. Console redirection sends a managed server’s system output to the serial console port and accepts inputs from the console port.In Windows, EMS console redirection starts as soon as Windows begins to load and is available until the Windows graphical interface becomes active. Once the Windows graphical interface is active, the special administrative console takes over. In other operating systems, such as Linux or FreeBSD, console redirection remains active after the OS has loaded. Redirection is accessed through a serial console login.Scalability and the switch’s control methods are important issues to consider when centrally managing larger deployments. Scalability varies with different console switches. Some switches support as few as four devices, while others support a larger number. Maintaining large deployments of servers can be simplified with a console switch. For control, a well-designed graphic interface and the ability to configure complex events (data capture, notificatin, and scripting) enhance an administrator’s ability to manage multiple devices and minimize down time.Administrator’s can securely manage up to 32 devices with a high end Secure SSH Console Serial Port Switch. Features like: easy-to-use web-based interfaces, menu-driven device selection and diagnostic and event management features will be very useful in allowing administrators to quickly locate the source of equipment failures and correct them.Environmental Monitoring: Another way that console switches can maximize uptime is by detecting external environmental threats that can cause managed devices to fail. Excessive heat and rapid temperature changes in a data center, server room, or network closet can damage equipment. Low humidity levels can produce electrostatic discharge, interfering with hardware and causing system damage. Some consoles switches include sensors that detect these environmental threats and sends alerts so the threat can be addressed.Secure SSH Console Serial Port Switches monitor multiple environmental conditions, including: temperature, humidity, and water detection. The switch also supports contact sensors. When a sensor goes out of a defined range, the system will notify you via email, LEDs, web page, or SNMP trap.SummaryLook for console serial switches that provide complete in-band and out-of-band management of local and remote devices, as well as remote environmental monitoring of server rooms. Features such as an easy-to-use graphic interface, powerful diagnostic tools for large deployments, secure access, and high port densities in a small form factor will enable administrators to effectively and securely manage multiple devices. A quality device will give IT managers many different control and interface options for managing: servers, switches, routers, and telecom gear in a cost effective way.

Friendly Advice on How to Start a Farmers Market

If you would of told me that I would be managing a farmers market a year ago I would of thought you were crazy. The opportunity arose quite suddenly to be the manager of our local farmers market. I am no expert on how to run a farmers market, but the following are important concepts to consider when you are thinking of starting a farmers market for your community or taking over one as a manager.Before you even begin to formulate your location, vendors, layout, marketing strategies you need to have a board of directors. This board will be the governing entity of your market. You will need people who are experienced in urban planning, business, the agricultural scene, and active with your community. It is also a good idea to talk to other farmers markets; how did they start their market? What advice do they have? Would they be willing to help you? Once you have your board members selected, you need to come up with a mission for your market. What do you stand for? What do you want your community to gain by your presence?You can’t have a farmers market without vendors. The type of vendor for your market really depends on your location. Here in Asheville, artisan vendors don’t do great. Produce vendors those are the vendors you want. You need to make sure that they are not all selling the same crops. Variety is key. At our market we have five produce vendors. They all have different items for sale. With the new craze of food trucks, it would be a great idea to recruit one or many for your market. My market is a smaller farmers market and I found that it’s best to try to reach out to food trucks that are just starting out. The ones that have been around for a longer period of time may consider your market – if it’s on the small scale or just starting up – a waste of their time because they may not make what they would consider to be a good profit for their time.Marketing is a deal. Based off data the best way to market is using social media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,etc. These are valuable assets to any business. You can also use Google Business to let people know about your market. Social media posts are free, which is great when you are just starting out. Once you get your market sustainable cash flow, you can look into boosting posts on Facebook and Twitter. Both Facebook and Twitter offer you to set your advertising budget which allows for less stress; once your budget has been spent the advertising stops until you reset it. Another great idea is to partner up with local businesses that are willing to promote your market using their social media. From my experience going and talking to local restaurants, breweries, kitchen supply stores that do food demos are all great prospects.Location! Location! Location! This is very important to farmers markets. Last year my market was behind a church in their parking lot. There was no road visibility. We lacked new customers due to no visibility. During the off season we worked diligently to find a new location that was more visible, had walk ability, as well as good parking. We are now partnering with a local business to use their parking lot which has road visibility, parking as well as walk ability for our neighborhood. This move was a win-win for everyone involved. Our customers are now their customers, and their customers are now our customers.If you want to start your own farmers market here are some resources to consider reviewing before starting the process. There is a course you can take through the Farmers Market Federation of NY, Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Broome County and SUNY Cobleskill and funded by NYS’s Fresh Connect Program. This program costs $200, after taking the certification course you will be a certified Farmers Market Manager. It is an online course. I plan on taking it in the near future. Another great resource is ASAP. They have a section dedicated to how to become a farmers market manager with Powerpoint slides, PDF’s on farmers market rules and regulations. The best part is that this is a free resource.Resources:http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/fmm-pro-suny-farmers-market-managers-certification-programhttp://www.asapconnections.org

The Internet Marketing Structure We Lean On

A total body structure.How come can we see? So why can we hear? For what reason can we speak? How come can certainly we stand, walk, jump, and sit? Quite simply, how do we live in this world? As a result of science and technology, we know today. We can see simply because we possess a two of eyes. People can hear as we have a couple of ears. We can easily speak out mainly because we have actually a mouth and vocal chords. We all can easily stand and perform locomotive functions mainly because we own our body. We are capable live in this globe since we have a full human framework. Even though we may not see it, nonetheless the structure of the human body provides us life, aside from the external components, just like air, food, water, and others, that all of us want to have each day. Without a total body structure, we are not able to live routinely in this world.A simple structure to carry out a goal.Structures are not merely crucial and helpful to the human body. Actually, the office building that you are occupying, the home exactly where you and your spouse and children lives, the automobile that you drive from your home to work, the retail center exactly where you buy your basic and several other personal requirements, and different issues in the natural environment possess a basic structure to accomplish not simply their physical presence but also their goal too. Is right now there a home with out doors and roofs? Is presently there an automobile with out engine and wheels? Structure is an essential part of their being-without it, their being and intent is not complete. If you believe that the structure is only for physical characteristics alone, then simply you require to presume once again. In fact, abstract items also need to have structure in order to endure. And Internet marketing does require a particular structure. In what way?Website marketing structure is created of many aspects.Affiliate marketing is recognized from other different kinds of business ventures, including the brick and mortar marketing, throughout its structures. Online marketing structure is constructed of different factors which include long and short-term advertising tactics, direct and indirect branding market, traffic evaluation, product sales volume analysis, and other important components. There is certainly a need for every single Online marketer, if a neophyte or a skilled one, to understand the structure of Affiliate marketing to obtain the suitable procedure and be good in their particular careers.Learn the fundamental structure of Website marketing.One of the secrets in gaining successful marketing methods is to learn and figure out the fundamental structure of Online marketing. For example, you need to understand that there is a large variation among short-term and so long-term advertising tactics by which the previous is a short-term strategy and the second option is a long-term methodology. Most likely you will ask, Is generally there a considerably better Affiliate marketing structure? Even though the structure is viewed as to be as the standard outline, there are situations in which because of changing market circumstances and other additional factors, there is a need to change a few parts of the structure, possibly to eradicate or put more than a few aspects.Among the best Website marketing structures.The present framework of Website marketing is right now one of the better if not the greatest structures amongst all existing opportunities. Presently there are extra factors that are nowadays considered to be the greatest lifeline of the business online market.THE FOUNDER: you are one of the essential components of an Online marketing structure. The organization will not be effective if you will not fully stand up and lead your organization to the proper path. Keep in mind that the Cyberspace has its personal dungeons and it is exactly where you require to sparkle and destroy the darkness to turn into powerful on your Affiliate marketing career.THE PRODUCT: in the event that you do not have a product to offer, do you think that you will be able to get a cut of the Website marketing income pie? Secondly, it is not merely offering a particular product to online consumers. It is even more of selling an exclusive product that will provide you larger product sales as you complement your Online marketing business. This contains effective advertising of products on the Word wide web and numerous internet based advertising packages.THE DATABASE: it is the list of people who provides you authorization to get in touch with them throughout emails and newsletters. It is significant to the presence of your web business since you will need to build a faithful clientele base that will never simply make purchase yet will even make regular purchase of your solutions.THE AFFILIATES: no person is an island. You equally will need affiliates that will certainly help you publicize and market your goods. They are not only assisting you to earn nevertheless as well helping them to generate for themselves.Due to the smart minds of online marketing innovators and professionals, we possess an enhanced Affiliate marketing structure to lean on.

Why Businesses Should Care About Google Analytics

Any business with a website should care about Google Analytics because it’s as important to your online success as cash flow is to your business finance. Google Analytics is a free service from the well known search giant that is easily installed on the pages of your website. It provides the business owner with a wealth of essential information about the good,the bad and the ugly of their website performance.

Google Analytics is important to businesses because it will tell you a whole range of metrics about how your website is or isn’t performing. For example it shows the number of new and returning visitors, how long on average they stay on the site and which pages are most looked at. This data is essential for businesses to understand consumer reaction to their business and helps them change the parts of the website that are not working and optimise the parts that are.

The type of information any Chester business needs to know about their website includes; how many visitors am I getting on the site every day or week? Do those visitors come back or are they brand new? What are the most popular pages on my site? Do my visitors look at one page or many? How long does the average visitor stay on my site? What proportion of visitors follow through to an inquiry and what proportion of visitors come to my site from search engines? Google Analytics answers all these questions and more.

This data is vital to the planning and development of a business website. Business websites have to constantly evolve just like the business, offering new information, improving customer satisfaction and promoting more customer inquiries. GA also allows businesses to analyse the navigation of their site, to optimise the landing pages and the patterns that people click through their site.

The good news is that Google Analytics is cheap and easy to install and use by people with no technical skills. It’s simply a click of a button to see all the latest information.

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