Aten's KW1000 KVM Delivers High Resolution Over Wireless
But while traditional KVMs simply switch one keyboard, mouse and display between multiple computers using special cables, Aten Technology's new KW1000 wireless KVM lets network administrators control and manage multiple computers from a notebook computer from anywhere that the 802.11b signal will reach. In busy enterprise environments, it's a huge time-saver for solution providers to be able to troubleshoot networked systems from wherever they might be.
Aten's wireless KVM technology eliminates both the need for the cables that would normally run from a computer to a KVM switch and the task of running those cables. The KW1000 wireless KVM digitizes the keyboard, video and mouse data and sends the signal over an 802.11b wireless link. The wireless KVM extends an IT manager's reach as far as the 802.11b signal will carry, and peripheral technologies such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) can extend the signal farther still.
The KW1000 is fortified with security features including password protection and advanced encryption. The Windows GUI and Java-based client software work with all operating systems. The client software must be installed on any computer that will be controlled by the KVM, and the computer must be able to receive 802.11b signals. The client software in conjunction with the signal from the KW1000 makes the computer behave like a conventional KVM, giving the user the ability to connect to and control any computer connected to the wireless KVM.
Transmitting video over wireless is usually a problem, but Irvine, Calif.-based Aten worked out the bugs. The KW1000 wireless KVM can deliver 1,600 x 1,200 DDC2B video resolution over wireless, which is high enough to properly display the output of virtually any system.
Aten's KW1000 wireless KVM isn't technically an entire KVM in itself. It just adds wireless connectivity to a conventional KVM. The KW1000 has jacks for connecting a local keyboard, mouse and monitor, and it connects to the keyboard, mouse and video ports of a conventional KVM using a special cable. The local ports allow all computers connected to the conventional KVM to be controlled in typical KVM fashion. The number of computers that can be controlled by the wireless KVM depends entirely on the capabilities of the conventional KVM connected to the wireless unit. Whatever signals are presented to the wireless KVM from the conventional KVM are transmitted via 802.11b to the notebook computer running the client software.
The KW1000 wireless KVM, priced at $999.99, should work properly with any PS/2 KVM and not just units from Aten, although Aten units support hot keys and on-screen displays. If solution providers want to go with an Aten KVM to connect to the wireless KVM, Aten's MasterView Max four-port and eight-port units are ideal; they cost $349 and $499, respectively.
The Aten channel sales program has been in existence since 1997. In 2004, the Six-Star VAR Program was added, which offers a generous $5,000 MDF sign-up bonus as well as 5 percent co-op. Aten is currently offering double co-op on all qualifying purchases for the first three months on board. All distributors are offered the same pricing and support, regardless of size. Rebates are awarded based on sales volume. Average margins depend on the product, the market and the volume, but usually are in the 30 percent to 40 percent range, according to Aten. Demonstration and evaluation units are available to VARs and distributors at reduced prices.
