Cyclades Raises Enterprise KVM-Over-IP Security Standards with AlterPath KVM/net; IP-Based Remote Management Support Complements Cyclades' Unique Enterprise-Class KVM Solution.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NetWorld+Interop 2004 Las Vegas 

Booth #849

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2004

Cyclades Corporation, a data center management company that reduces unplanned downtime, today introduced the AlterPath(TM) KVM/net, an enterprise class, CAT5-based keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch that enables data center administrators to securely access and control connected servers from a Web browser located anywhere. The new product offers a clear advantage over other KVM switches by providing unique security features that allow seamless integration with existing security systems. Furthermore, Cyclades' offering can be combined with the company's current remote console server and power management products as part of a comprehensive remote data center management solution.

"The AlterPath KVM/net product line is a great example of a Cyclades product that helps companies reduce their business risk and operational costs," said John Lima, Cyclades' president and head of European operations. "This KVM line offers a tremendous level of control over servers in the data center or in remote offices, reducing the costly need to send IT staff onsite. Yet despite its powerful management capabilities, the AlterPath KVM/net integrates with customers' existing security systems, reducing the chance of unauthorized access. Because IT managers can quickly resolve network incidents, we also help them preserve network availability, another key way we limit business risks. These are powerful tools that deliver critical business benefits for our customers."

Cyclades' new KVM switch protects data centers with security features like embedded server-based authentication with widely-used protocols (RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP and Kerberos) as well as user access lists per port. Unlike competitive products, this capability is embedded into the hardware, which is inherently more secure and eliminates the need for external software along with the corresponding cost of additional software licenses.

In addition, the new Cyclades product provides logging capabilities, allowing data center managers to control and audit multiple system administrators' access to different servers. This is required for incident cause identification, security audits, or compliance with government regulations.

"The AlterPath KVM/net showcases Cyclades' decade of experience as a pioneer in secure remote data center management solutions," said Marcio Saito, Cyclades' chief technology officer. "While our customers recognize the productivity gains that are possible with Web-based KVM access, they require our advanced security and management features to ensure their networks are safe from unauthorized access. We stand apart in our market as the only vendor able to offer this unique combination of management, connectivity and security features that has elevated enterprise-class remote data center management to a new level."

To simplify deployment, all Cyclades AlterPath KVM products use industry standard CAT5 cables to connect the KVM switch to servers in the enterprise. Cyclades enhances this capability with additional technology embedded into the hardware that extends the reach of the unit, enabling the switch to control servers up to 500 feet from the KVM main unit.

The AlterPath KVM/net also includes cascading support with centralized port management, matching the connectivity and management benefits of other Cyclades KVM products. These features enable data center managers to increase the number of managed servers without losing the advantage of centralized configuration and access. Because administrators can access any port from a single interface, they have greater control and the ability to expand their coverage as the data center grows.

Cyclades' new KVM product joins an expanding AlterPath family of remote data management products that can be combined and deployed in a variety of combinations to meet customer needs. Cyclades' console servers, power management devices, KVM switches and remote management appliances integrate seamlessly under the same security and management model, enabling data center managers to use Cyclades as a single, integrated source for their remote management and business continuity requirements.

About Cyclades

Cyclades solutions are used by data centers and branch offices to create a secure alternative path (out-of-band management) to remotely detect and correct infrastructure problems, reducing business risks and costs while maximizing service availability and operational efficiency. Cyclades AlterPath family of solutions -- including console servers, KVM, power control and system management products -- complements traditional network management for total control and operational consolidation of the infrastructure. More than 8,000 customers depend on Cyclades' technology to automate maintenance, incident detection and recovery activities at large installations of centralized and/or distributed networks. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Fremont, Calif., Cyclades has 16 offices worldwide and can be reached at [phone] or www.cyclades.com.

About Out-Of-Band Management

Out-of-band management provides an alternative route to network infrastructure that is independent of the data network (WAN and/or LAN). Instead of relying on network protocols, as does 'in-band' management, out-of-band management uses direct physical access provided by the console ports of equipment to only address infrastructure (hardware failures, low-level configuration problems, OS failures, etc.) -- not application -- problems. The combination of Cyclades out-of-band technology with in-band solutions ensures total coverage of network monitoring and management needs and allows IT professionals to respond to critical events in any circumstance.