eRIC

The eRIC product line from Raritan is a remote access platform in a PCI-card form factor. The eRICs themselves are PCI cards that can be plugged into target servers, providing KVM access to those servers via locally attached cables and/or remotely (via IP network connections). Key to the cards' functionality is their BIOS-level interactions; the vendor states that the cards can be accessed and the server managed even if the operating system itself is hung.

The cards facilitate remote connectivity and access through the Internet from Java-enabled, Internet-connected browsers (Telnet and SSH access are also supported). Each card includes both a dedicated serial port and a dedicated Ethernet port, such that the card can be reached directly (via a separate network connection or a modem connection to the serial port) even if the machine's primary network interface itself is down. BIOS parameters of the target server can be managed remotely, and the target machine itself can be powered on, powered off, or reset over IP (check with the vendor to see if additional adapters may be necessary for this).

Up to 15 remote users can view the target server simultaneously.

The card itself is agent-less, and, according to the vendor, O/S agnostic; it requires no software on the target server and can work in PC, Sun, or Mac systems. Supported protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, UDP, RADIUS, LDAP, SNTP, DHCP, PAP, and CHAP. The cards support IP auto configuration via DHCP and BOOTP, and communications are protected via 256-bit encryption, built-in authentication and support for 3rd party AAA servers, support for SSL certificate management, and event logging. The cards are self-powered; though an external adapter is also supported for the new eRIC G4. IPMI 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 over IPMB and LAN are also supported for server health monitoring.

Products currently listed in the eRIC product line include the eRIC express, and the new eRIC G4, which is based on the vendor's own KIRA100 KVM-over-IP system on a chip. A key enhancement to the G4 product offering is the addition of the vendor's Dual Channel Virtual Media technology; which allows remote users to transfer installation files or other data to and from the target machine over the KVM ports.

The eRIC remote access cards are available now; pricing on the Raritan site lists the eRIC express for $649 and the new eRIC G4 for $499.

Contact Raritan for further information.