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ZPE Systems Announces 100,000th Port Shipment of NodeGrid Serial Console

by | Feb 24, 2016 | Press Releases

FREMONT, CA, February 25, 2016 — ZPE Systems today announced the shipment of its 100,000th port of NodeGrid Serial Console since launching in April 2015. Its open modular design, fast x86 CPU and built-in flash combined with the latest 64-bit Linux OS enable lightning response times. Designed by industry veterans, NodeGrid Serial Console has received early customer adoption buy-in from global enterprise and web scale datacenter customers.

“We’re very pleased to announce our 100,000th port shipment milestone of NodeGrid Serial Console – the world’s first open standards-based OOB platform” said Arnaldo Zimmermann, CEO of ZPE Systems. “We are dedicating this achievement to our global customers and our sharp technical team for their impressive collaboration.”

Every NodeGrid Serial Console ships with numerous time-saving technologies: Zero-Touch Provisioning for easy and simple configuration; dual 10G SFP or 1G Ethernet, cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity; environmental and power monitoring with NodeStash™ data collection and dashboard; natural language asset search; vendor-neutral power management; Docker apps integration; industry-leading security measures; and HTML5 Browser-in-a-Container cross-device access.

“ZPE Systems’ customers recognize our fully modernized serial consoles and our experienced engineering team as key reasons to explore a new IT device management vendor relationship,” said Zimmermann. ZPE’s global enterprise customers continue to benefit from immediate response times, fast development support and the company’s ongoing dedication to innovative engineering solutions.

NodeGrid Serial Console Highlights

  • Highest concurrent user count in a serial console: 1,000 users (20 users per port @115,200bps)
  • Industry security firsts: system configuration checksums, bare metal booting, cryptographic cypher suite levels
  • Secure in-band and out-of-band access to serial devices via web, CLI and direct shell
  • 96, 48, 32 or 16 serial port models with dual/single AC or dual DC power
  • 64-bit 4.x Linux kernel; Docker optimized for flexible script and integration
  • HTML5 remote console access – no Java dependencies
  • Vendor-neutral power management: Avocent/Emerson, Raritan/Legrand, ServerTech, APC/Schneider

Additional Resources

About ZPE Systems, Inc.

ZPE Systems is the data center industry’s first provider of Software Defined Infrastructure to manage physical and virtual IT devices. The company’s NodeGrid platform simplifies access and control of compute, network, storage and power infrastructures. NodeGrid Manager provides vendor-neutral OOB management of IT devices. NodeGrid Serial Console enables OOB access & control of serial devices. NodeGrid [CI] protects converged infrastructure. NodeGrid Flex and NodeGrid Bold control devices at the edge of the network. NodeGrid USB provides a high-density USB type C mobility development cycle environment. NodeGrid Service Processor secures IPMI management ports and IoT devices.

ZPE provides smart, consolidated IT management solutions that reduce downtime and CAPEX/OPEX. The company is headquartered in Fremont, California with resellers in Japan, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and India. ZPE Systems, the ZPE logo and NodeGrid are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZPE Systems. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Press Contact

ZPE Systems, Inc.
Alvin Chan, Marketing Manager
510-298-3022
alvin.chan@zpesystems.com

Smart Serial Console Servers Conserve Network Ports

by | Feb 3, 2016 | Data Center Management

NodeGrid Serial Console (NSC) is able to share network ports with fellow devices, sharply reducing network switch port usage for OOB device management. This new port saving feature is already reliably and securely saving many valuable network switch Ethernet ports, reducing cat5/6 cabling usage and shaving expenses worldwide.

NodeGrid Serial Console cascades, or daisy chains, network ports as shown below by implementing a network bridge between ports ETH0 and ETH1. In this configuration several NSC units can be used in cascade mode, all sharing the same network switch port, saving a physical port on each switch. Instead of occupying multiple ports on a master network switch, we can share one port among multiple NSC units. A typical network layout before cascading ports is shown below, along with a port-saving cascaded network layout.

This is another example of versatility implemented by ZPE Systems for simpler data center device management, control and recovery.

In cascade configuration, each NSC still has its own dedicated IP address (DHCP or Static) allowing for independent system administrator access. At the same time, cascading console units saves valuable network switch ports for better uses.

NodeGrid Serial Console’s powerful multi-core processor mitigates any performance impacts from handling cascaded network traffic.

On top of this configuration, it also possible to run Cloud Clustering (a NodeGrid Feature license) for a 360° view of all ports anywhere in the world.

Cloud Clustering

Multiple NodeGrid nodes can easily manage thousands of IT devices. NodeGrid provides scaled access and control of NodeGrid-managed data centers in true cloud cluster configuration. Each node securely and resiliently communicates with other nodes.

A single NodeGrid node provides access and control of up to 1,000 physical and virtual managed devices. NodeGrid insures efficient, fast provision of services to these devices by way of live connections. These live connections provide an active conduit of data collection to notify you immediately of user-customizable alarm conditions on a 24 x 7 basis.

Questions?

Contact our solution specialists via email -or- give us a call. We’re here to help.

Maximizing Retail And Remote Office Uptime

by | Dec 8, 2015 | Data Center Management

NodeGrid Serial Console™ is not just for data centers.

Retail, Remote Office and POD/POP environments normally do not have dedicated IT support staff available. So who will monitor and repair network and server downtime issues? Can your business afford to turn away customers or let employees sit idle during network or server downtime events?

Maximized retail store, remote office and POD/POP IT uptime is possible without staffing a full time IT expert in every remote site. You simply need extremely reliable remote hands access.

ZPE Systems’ NodeGrid Serial Console provides smart, consolidated “out-of-band” access and control of your retail and remote office IT equipment. In case your store’s router goes down, ZPE’s NodeGrid Serial Console automatically senses the network failure and activates your choice of cellular modem, over a cellular carrier and mobile plan of your choice. ZPE does not lock you into one or two predetermined cellular providers.

  • Seamless SSL VPN experience with enterprise grade cellular modem of your choice
  • Gateway and routing (IP forwarding) capability
  • DHCP server
  • Built-in firewall, Wi-Fi hotspot ready
  • Docker and scripting apps for extensibility
  • Power control, monitoring and auto-repair
  • Enterprise grade secure authentication & authorization

Unlike our competitors, we simultaneously provision a seamless SSL VPN experience with your choice of static, dynamic or private IP address – so you don’t have to wonder what your store’s new IP address is during a severe IT breakdown event. ZPE’s Instant SSL VPN creates a tunnel back to corporate with the same exact IP address as before so your customers and employees are no worse for wear.

In fact, NodeGrid Serial Console offers more than just SSL client and server VPN capability to retail and remote office customers. Want to consolidate IT hardware in each store? Add backup capability? Add more IP addresses, Wi-Fi and networking capacity?

Retail and remote sites benefit from NodeGrid Serial Console’s unique features below, not available from competitors’ consoles:

  • Enterprise grade cellular modem – your choice of carrier, model, features and plans. Ideal for network failover and redundancy at globally distributed remote offices and retail stores.
  • Gateway and routing (IP forwarding) capability – intelligent multiple routing table algorithm for physical network or logical network fail over detection.
  • DHCP server – provides extra IPs for your remote site on regular or emergency basis – or replaces your current router altogether.
  • Firewall – built-in and turns on with a checkbox.
  • Power control and monitoring – get alerts of suboptimal IT device health before POS malfunctions occur. Repair hardware faults automatically. Preventive medicine is the best kind.
  • Security – built-in selectable 1024-bit encrypted cryptographic protocols and selectable cypher suite levels: high, medium, low and custom. NodeGrid Serial Console supports X.509 SSH certificates, Local, AD/LDAP, RADIUS, TACACS+, Kerberos authentication, user-access lists per port, group/role-based authorization, granular authorization for port access, power access, appliance privilege, system configuration checksum, system event syslog and more.
  • Docker and scripting apps – bulk up your stores’ customer services by deploying your own in-store DNS Server Docker app (customer-store interactive Wi-Fi), NFS Docker app for extra storage use (CCTV or product display playback), or any other new scripts or apps which increase in-store profitability, YOY.
  • Wi-Fi hotspot ready – start beaming your own Wi-Fi signals. Just plug any USB Wi-Fi antenna into your NodeGrid unit. Perfect for the far corners of your retail empire.

Highlights

  • Fast remote hands troubleshooting of retail and remote office server, network, power and storage issues.
  • Dedicated central office staff quickly triage and solve IT issues, greatly reducing the need for on-site IT staff at retail and remote office sites.
  • 24×7 access to IT assets via your choice of cellular provider. ZPE doesn’t lock you into one or two pre-determined carriers. Choose any carrier regionally and globally based on availability, reception and cost.
  • Seamless enterprise level security, networking continuity and access to your IT devices.

Think NodeGrid Serial Console might be a good fit for your environment?

Give us a call -or- Contact a ZPE Pre-Sales Engineering Representative for more information.

Schedule a Demo Today

One Easy Way To Consolidate Your Out-Of-Band Management – And Save Money

by | Nov 11, 2015 | Data Center Management, Out of Band Management

Did you know there’s an easy way to consolidate your Out-Of-Band data center management – and save money?

For all that IT provides, there is a constant cry from businessmen to cut costs, find cheaper vendors, outsource whatever can be outsourced – and provide better service.

Maintaining and upgrading your data center IT systems is critical to business continuity. For most businesses, maintaining this ever changing multi-vendor environment — using many different and expensive proprietary management tools — just doesn’t scale.

What is the solution?

To cut costs while improving data security and DevOps productivity, businesses need a smart, consolidated, vendor-neutral Out-Of-Band IT infrastructure management solution. A flexible solution that replaces dozens of other IT device administration tools saves you time and simplifies Out-Of-Band management.

ZPE Systems automates and consolidates management of your physical and virtual IT infrastructure while helping you cut costs to gain competitive advantage. ZPE Systems’ vendor-neutral Nodegrid™ family of products unifies your Out-Of-Band management of hardware, virtual machines and converged infrastructure. Nodegrid scales to your company’s needs with Nodegrid Manager® for software-defined infrastructure, Nodegrid Serial Console™ for legacy servers, PDUs and network gear.

Nodegrid Manager

 

 

 

 

Nodegrid Manager is the industry’s first and only Software-Defined Infrastructure virtual appliance that provides access and control of server, storage, networking, virtual machine, PDU and UPS devices from one screen. Nodegrid Manager is great for heavily software-based companies.

The Nodegrid OS core engine utilizes a unique technology stack that allows for policy-based automated discovery and configuration of device consoles to minimize configuration and maintenance. The core engine utilizes a unique interface abstraction layer which provides translation of the many protocols and methods required to access and control device consoles from multiple vendors. It also supports Environmental and Power Monitoring with NodeStash™ data collection, correlation, natural language search and dashboard and Vendor-Neutral Power Management for VMs, IPMI and PDU’s

A flexible, unified interface with Web GUI, CLI (for scripting) and RESTful API enables automated customization and integration of your console portals and applications.

Cluster multiple Nodegrid Managers together for a complete 360° view of all your assets via a secured and resilient internal cloud. Find any device quickly using natural language search to quickly access and control IT assets. Bookmark common devices for instant access.

Nodegrid Serial Console

Nodegrid Serial Console is the data center industry’s next generation serial console switch and the highest density console in the world. Nodegrid Serial Console boosts productivity, multi-user access and reduces infrastructure costs with the latest technologies. Open modular hardware design, blazing fast CPU speed and more memory together with the latest 64-bit Linux OS enable lightning fast response times. Support for Docker Containers enables feature expansion. Multiple industry-first security measures protect your business, including bare metal booting and configuration security checksum. It also supports Zero-Touch Provisioning for easy and simple configuration and Browser-in-a-Container for secure HTML5 navigation to IT infrastructure devices without deprecated NPAPI/Java code viewers. Designed by industry veterans, Nodegrid Serial Console is available in many 1U configurations—96, 48, 32 and 16 port models.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordering Details:

The Nodegrid Product Family Provides Robust Management Features:

  • Secure Out-Of-Band (and In-Band) access and control of numerous vendors’ devices including: VM, server, IPMI, networking, storage, serial console and power
  • Docker apps integration and 64-bit direct Linux shell for powerful scripting
  • Industry exclusive security measures, including bare metal booting and configuration security checksum
  • Browser-in-a-Container for secure navigation without deprecated NPAPI/Java code viewers
  • Cross-device HTML5 remote console access
  • Policy-based authorization and authentication via AD/LDAP
  • Data logging, event notification and alarms
  • Environmental and Power Monitoring with NodeStash™ data collection, correlation, search and dashboard
  • Premise, Hybrid and Cloud device management
  • Vendor-neutral power management: Cyclades/Avocent, Raritan/Legrand, ServerTech, Emerson, APC/Schneider and more

Nodegrid Benefits

  • Minimizes MTTR, downtime and expenses with secure, centralized remote device access and control
  • Increases site reliability with open industry standard hardware, and simplified easy-to- use software
  • Remote vendor-neutral power control embedded on session (hot keys) or via web (buttons)
  • Avoid travel and access your device anytime and anywhere over the network
  • Increase productivity by accessing all your devices from a clustered system for a complete asset view
  • Increase security with encrypted, logged access to devices
  • Self-healing system based on actionable data and triggers
  • Extended automation and custom scripts based on actionable real-time data and alert triggers
  • Search for any device information, including custom fields, to quickly access your device
  • Easy integration with 3rd party management tools via APIs and CLI
  • Add further value with licensed features like Docker, Clustering and Managed Devices

Want to Know More? Let’s Chat!

Still have questions about how easy it is to use Nodegrid Out-Of-Band management products? Give us a call or email us, we’re happy to discuss how Nodegrid can support your environment.

Nodegrid 3.0 Generally Available

by | Sep 29, 2015 | Press Releases

Nodegrid 3.0 Generally Available

 

 

FREMONT, CA, September 29, 2015 — ZPE Systems today announced general availability of Nodegrid version 3.0, the core software platform that runs Nodegrid Out-Of-Band and In-Band infrastructure management products including Nodegrid Serial Console™, Nodegrid [CI]™ and Nodegrid Manager

Nodegrid 3.0 is based on the latest 64-bit Linux OS and delivers key features requested by ZPE Systems’ global customers in the OOB IT Infrastructure Management market. Features like Zero-Touch Provisioning for easy and simple configuration; Environmental and Power Monitoring with NodeStash™ data collection, correlation, natural language search and dashboard; Vendor-Neutral Power Management for VMs, IPMI and PDUs; Embedded Docker Apps Integration; and Browser-in-a-Container for secure HTML5 navigation to IT infrastructure devices without deprecated NPAPI/Java code viewers. In addition, Nodegrid supports more devices than ever.

The vendor-neutral Nodegrid platform expands vendor support for seamless IT device and converged infrastructure management to include: HP/Dell/IBM/Nutanix/EMC Converged Infrastructures, VMware, KVM, Cisco UCS, Redfish, Intel IPMI, Dell iDRAC, HP iLO, IBM IMM, Oracle ILOM, OpenStack, AWS, Azure, NetApp, EMC, Avocent/Emerson, Raritan/Legrand, ServerTech and APC/Schneider, with more names coming every month. Nodegrid monitors and displays relevant data center fitness indicators for all of these platforms.

Nodegrid NodeStash continuously measures critical data points of all managed devices in your multi-vendor IT Infrastructure. Nodegrid monitors your devices via IPMI, SNMP, SSH and various other protocols to provide vital information regarding power draw, temperature and other critical data center environment variables, that can be displayed in one centralized view.

Nodegrid 3.0 continues providing robust management features such as:

  • Secure In-Band and Out-Of-Band Access and Control of numerous vendors’ IT device types including: Virtual Machine, Server, IPMI Service Processor, Networking, Storage, Serial Console and Power
  • Industry-first security measures: system configuration security checksum, bare metal booting, selectable 1024 bit encrypted cryptographic protocols
  • Premise, Hybrid and Cloud device management
  • Docker apps integration and 64-bit Linux shell for powerful scripting
  • Vendor-neutral power management: Cyclades/Avocent, Raritan/Legrand, ServerTech, Emerso­n, APC/Sheneider
  • Supports Serial consoles from: Cyclades/Avocent, Raritan, OpenGear, Lantronix
  • Supports KVM Switches from: Avocent, Raritan

Availability

All ZPE Systems products are available now and shipping globally with Nodegrid 3.0.

About ZPE Systems, Inc.

ZPE Systems is the data center industry’s first provider of Software Defined Infrastructure to manage physical and virtual IT devices. The company’s Nodegrid platform simplifies access and control of compute, network, storage and power infrastructures. Nodegrid Manager provides vendor-neutral OOB management of IT devices. Nodegrid Serial Console enables OOB access & control of serial devices. Nodegrid [CI] protects converged infrastructure. Nodegrid Flex and Nodegrid Bold control devices at the edge of the network. Nodegrid USB provides a high-density USB type C mobility development cycle environment. Nodegrid Service Processor secures IPMI management ports and IoT devices.

ZPE provides smart, consolidated IT management solutions that reduce downtime and CAPEX/OPEX. The company is headquartered in Fremont, California with resellers in Japan, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and India. ZPE Systems, the ZPE logo and Nodegrid are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZPE Systems. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Press Contact

ZPE Systems, Inc.

Alvin Chan, Marketing Manager

510-298-3022

alvin.chan@zpesystems.com