Top Reasons IT Teams Prefer a Rackmount Monitor Keyboard Setup

As information technology (IT) environments continue to become increasingly fast-paced, the emphasis on efficiency is paramount. With the increased dependence on servers by many organizations to support the management of business-critical processes, IT teams are often charged with the responsibility of managing multiple systems either in a data centre, server room or via a remote office. IT teams require the most reliable, compact tools available for troubleshooting, network management, and general server administration in order to minimize downtime and ensure that operations run smoothly.

The Rackmount Monitor Keyboard Setup has proven to be a valuable and popular solution for IT teams. While new methods for remotely managing servers and virtualising them are becoming more common, there are still several advantages to implementing a Rackmount Monitor Keyboard as part of a server room and/or data centre configuration. In this article, we will examine the key reasons that IT teams choose a rackmount monitor keyboard, from an efficient use of valuable data centre space to streamline workflow efficiencies, as well as troubleshoot more effectively.

What Is a Rackmount Monitor Keyboard?

A rackmount monitor keyboard is a compact all-in-one console that integrates a keyboard, monitor, and pointing device (trackpad or trackball) into a single unit for server management. Typically, these are a 1U or 2U configuration and can fit into standard 19" "rack mount" enclosures.

Rackmount monitor keyboards can provide local access to servers and networking devices located in server racks so that IT staff have a way to manage multiple machines without having multiple keyboards, monitors, and mice for every server. Moreover, if combined with a KVM switch, rackmount monitor keyboards allow staff to manage multiple servers from one workstation. This makes it essential for staff working in large data center facilities.

Why IT Teams Prefer Rackmount Monitor Keyboard Setups

1. Efficient Use of Space

The most notable benefit of a rack mount monitor keyboard is its ability to save on space. Because most server rooms or data centers are incredibly busy and have limited rack space, it is important to use every available square inch of rack space. The traditional method for connecting multiple computers/servers with individual displays/keyboards/mice creates a lot of clutter in the working area.

A rackmount monitor keyboard combines all of the necessary items into one compact drawer (1U or 2U) that can be placed directly into the rack. The use of a rackmount monitor keyboard allows IT personnel to break up the clutter created when using multiple cables, thereby allowing them to keep their equipment organized and maintain available space in their rack for additional hardware such as storage devices, networking devices, etc.

Furthermore, by reducing the amount of equipment that requires connecting to a server (i.e. the use of a rackmount monitor keyboard), companies can take advantage of a more efficient workplace environment by improving the organization of their workspace and helping to enhance their operational efficiencies. For organizations that have limited space or have very high density racks, this is a very important benefit.

2. Simplified Management of Server Hardware

Traditionally, server management requires an IT professional to be physically present at the server's location. Remote management tools typically cannot manage or troubleshoot servers that are experiencing issues outside of normal operating conditions (due to a remote communication failure, as an example) and therefore there is a need to create an alternate method of providing physical access to the server hardware. An example of how to do this is by using rackmount monitors with a keyboard drawer system. This type of setup provides immediate physical access to the hardware of the server for IT professionals.

With the keyboard drawer removed IT professionals can now connect directly into the server console, eliminating the need to use a crash cart and unplugging and replugging cables to switch between multiple machines. This method allows IT professionals to directly access all areas of the server, including performing BIOS-level debugging, configuring hardware, backing up operating system files, etc. Having immediate physical access to the server allows IT professionals to resolve problems with their servers quickly and to minimize downtime of the servers during a crisis.

For companies that rely heavily on server uptime and reliability physical access to the server is the best technique for diagnosing problems. Relying solely on remote access can cause problems when there is a system crash or network failure, or the server becomes unresponsive. Utilizing rackmount monitors with a keyboard drawer accessory provides immediate physical access to the server hardware when remote access fails.

3. Rack Mount Monitor Keyboards Integrated with KVM Switches

One of the best features of the rack mount monitor keyboard is that it can be integrated with a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch. A KVM switch allows IT professionals to manage multiple servers (or systems) from a single set of independent peripherals: keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

Data centres and server rooms typically host many different servers that require simultaneous management. Therefore, the alternative solution would be to have an independent keyboard, mouse, and monitor for every server in your data centre or server room. However, when you connect your rack mount monitor keyboard to a KVM switch, the IT User [professional/conventional or whoever that is] can control a variety of different servers using the same monitor keyboard. This simplifies workflows and reduces clutter around the workplace.

Regardless of whether the IT User [professional/conventional or whoever that is] is managing virtual servers, physical servers, or network devices, a rack mount monitor keyboard with KVM integration allows the User [professional/conventional or whoever that is] to easily switch between different systems with just one push of the button or one keyboard shortcut. KVM integration with rack mount monitor keyboards saves space and provides improved time savings for Users [professionals/conventional or whoever that is] while significantly increasing their overall productivity.

4. Improvement in Workflow Efficiency

IT professionals are typically required to handle multiple responsibilities concurrently, and switching back and forth between different systems takes a considerable amount of time and effort away from their primary objectives of supporting business operations. By utilizing a rackmount monitor/keyboard integrated with a KVM switch, IT professionals can easily switch between systems without needing to visit each computer physically.

With a rackmount console, IT professionals will be able to easily switch between systems, connect to servers without searching for cables, and troubleshoot/configure hardware in real time. This one-touch switching feature is beneficial to large data center/server room environments because the cost of downtime can be significant. Additionally, it also supports remote work environments where IT professionals need to manage systems located in multiple physical locations.

Being able to quickly switch between devices enables IT professionals to spend less time performing routine tasks, perform more accurate troubleshooting activities, and provide 100% uptime availability to mission-critical applications.

5. Enhanced Protection and Oversight

Physical access to servers is often required for various server environments for security purposes. Therefore, rack-mountable monitor and keyboard combinations are helpful by giving IT personnel the ability to maintain complete local control over their servers and infrastructures, allowing them the ability to secure their environments from unwanted outside intrusion or remote access.

Monitoring and controlling all servers and related devices, through KVM and other technologies, enables IT organizations to manage all network devices from one (1) point of control, preventing unauthorized access to multiple systems from any single location. This gives the IT staff another level of protection beyond just being in the server room, because they can monitor the physical environment without being physically present.

6. An Economical Option

An economical rackmount computer monitor keyboard is the cost-efficient all-in-one answer for server management instead of independent displays and other external peripheral devices.

If you're comparing other options like KVM switches or IP-KVMs (Remote Control Software), these products can be very expensive, but the combination of a KVM switch with an integrated rack-mounted console can provide you with the same features for less money.

When outfitting a data center or server room, you will save considerably on the cost of using rack-mounted computer monitor keyboards because they provide you with all of the external peripheral functions that you need within a small footprint, thus contributing to the savings of operating costs and keeping equipment purchase costs down.

Conclusion

Today's high-tech workplace requires IT administrators to have access to reliable and fast server management solutions. Rackmount monitor keyboards are a decades-old product that is used to manage multiple servers and can be an important resource for IT professionals that need to access and troubleshoot servers from remote locations. Rackmount monitor keyboards provide the following benefits: space-efficient design and simplified workflow and more efficient control.

In addition to their already established benefits, when used in conjunction with a KVM switch, rackmount monitor keyboards can offer additional advantages to IT Administrators in that it allows them to manage multiple systems or servers from one set of peripherals. There are several ways that rackmount monitor keyboards can provide value to IT Administrators and companies, including, but not limited to: increased productivity, improved reliability, increased control, and increased operational effectiveness.

Rackmount monitor keyboards are a practical solution that any IT Administrator can use to provide better service to his or her customers while providing increased uptime in high-demand server environments.