Rackit Technology's Paradigm doesn't immediately jump out as an enterprise-class KVM switch, but it does provide an inexpensive solution for control of up to 64 switches in its largest extended configuration. Proving that to be effective a switch doesn't need to have a five-figure price, the Paradigm provides basic security functions for a single user station, with four user profiles and a systems-administrator profile. Users can be allowed viewing privileges, or viewing and input abilities after proper password input. Although operational security in the Paradigm is far simpler than in the other switches we tested, it still may be enough for the server farm on a limited budget.

Our configuration of user profiles and server channels was quickest on the Paradigm, as it has the least involved on-screen display. For its lack of frills, the Paradigm proved to be up to the task of supporting all our servers and worked well with all resolutions up to 1,600x1,200. The distance between KVM and console is nothing fancy with the Paradigm, which allows a maximum of 30 feet. Selected channel and live connections are displayed and controlled through the illuminated buttons on the switch or through the on-screen display. Keep-alive tests for mouse and keyboard signals included removing power from the Paradigm; its recovery was consistently flawless. As a local KVM, the Paradigm was solid despite its relative simplicity.

High-Density KVM-Switch Features Click here to enlarge

To achieve the long-distance control and network interface called for by our testing, Rackit supplied us with two third-party components: LongView and Key-View II (both made by Cybex, now a unit of Avocent). When using LongView to take our control out to 500 feet, we were not able to operationally reach the rated 1,024x768 maximum resolution, despite using top-grade Cat 5 wiring and multiple servers. We topped out at 800x600 resolution at the extended range, though we had no problems with mouse and keyboard control. The Key-View II system setup was somewhat similar to that of Raritan's TeleReach. The physical and network interface between the Key-View II and the Paradigm was straightforward, even though these products were not specifically designed for each other.

Key-View II is a Windows NT box that incorporates the Key-View software, as well as relying on Symantec Corp.'s pcAnywhere as something of a universal KVM network control solution. Although not as sophisticated as Raritan's TeleReach, the Key-View II is an effective TCP/IP interface. Throughout the Key-View II tests, many on-screen references to Cybex products reminded us that this truly is an add-on, though we couldn't find much fault with it beyond the usual quirkiness of software solutions like pcAnywhere -- including occasionally inconsistent connections.

Dial-up access was successful, allowing for nice backup access. The architecture of our testing was a little on the odd side when pricing is considered, as the Paradigm costs roughly one-eighth of the combined price of the Key-View II and the LongView. However, this does prove that a low-end KVM switch, such as Paradigm, has the basic critical features to let it compete with larger-scaling and more-sophisticated switches.

Paradigm, Rackit Technology Corp., (800) 636-3434, (212) 679-0050; fax (212) 679-0040. www.rackittechnology.com or sales@rackittechnology.com.

Lee Badman is a network specialist at Syracuse University. Send your comments on this article to him at lhbadman@syr.edu.