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MegaRAC G2

So far we have tested conventional remote access solutions, but the next product is designed for remote access with a difference. Take a situation where you have servers in many different geographical locations, but where employing IT specialists around the world is not economically viable.

American Megatrends, Inc. recognized this problem and introduced a hardware solution that enables the remote access required to repair and develop new installations and configurations from afar. The MegaRAC G2 provides a speedy connection, enabling one employee to oversee all your IT needs from just one location - in an instant.

The solution is a processor card that is inserted into the servers to be remotely managed. It provides out-of-band, BIOS level access without the need for drivers, and can be installed on all operational servers across a diverse global area to enable installation, repairs or a system reboot from your remote head ­ office location.

Installation should be undertaken by your experienced IT specialist wearing the appropriate earthing strap. The hardware slots into any PCI port and is virtually plug-and-play. There is no OS dependency and no drivers are required for most major operating systems. Once installed, alerts can be generated and remote work can be undertaken. The MegaRAC G2 can monitor and manage your servers, allowing problems to be diagnosed swiftly to limit any potential downtime.

The card comes with the appropriate CD and cables, and can be easily integrated into your existing servers without substantial configuration changes. It purports to be able to handle video redirection at up to 15 frames per second, although we didn't test this aspect. It is system independent, allows complete remote management, requires no drivers, allows remote updates to be installed, provides alerts, delivers event viewing and will reduce downtime on your business-critical environments.

You also have to run the Seek application from another computer on the network to configure the card. To run remote management and do system changes and update work, you simply access via a web browser, enter the G2 IP address and your user name and password. It really is that simple.

Product title
MegaRAC G2
Product info
Name: MegaRAC G2 (Remote Access group test) Description: Price: $499
Strength
Simple installation and configuration requirements means that you can get the remote management of your servers in place pretty quickly.
Weakness
None.
Verdict
The G2 card provides widely diverse offices with the same level of system maintenance as the main corporate office without the expense of further staffing requirements. Great administration tool.

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