HOUSTON – Hewlett-Packard announced the HP 1×4 Server Console Switch, a four-port integrated keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM) system for managing multiple USB and PS2 devices from a single console.
One console controls four additional computers and up to three additional USB 2.0 devices. Available in a compact rack-mount or tabletop configuration, the switch supports devices including computers, servers, and peripheral such as printers, scanners, and storage.
HP said the device brings commercial grade quality to small and medium businesses. New high-speed USB 2.0 pass-through ability improves data transfer speeds when upgrading applications or operating systems. Flexible mounting allows the switch to work in table-top or rack-mount applications.
KVM, audio and USB focus can be switched together or independently using intuitive hot-keys for efficient sharing of devices. A system administrator could begin burning a DVD on one system, switch to another system to download a software patch from the Web, while simultaneously listening to an instructional CD playing from the local workstation.
The console switch features three USB ports on the front panel to enable USB peripheral device connection. Once connected, these USB peripheral devices can be accessed by up to four of the attached computers. Using a hot key command, the user can select peripheral sharing of the target computer selection.
In addition, the HP 1×4 Server Console Switch supports resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 – perfect for workstations. For customers with rack-mount servers, the switch fits into a standard 19-inch rack.
The switch is available now with list price of US$229.
