USB, PS/2 Converter extends legacy data center equipment life.

Press Release Summary:



Extending life of legacy data center equipment, plug-and-play PS/2 to USB Converter lets IT managers use existing PS/2 KVM switches, servers, and KVM extenders with USB keyboard/mouse. It features two 6-pin mini DIN and 2 USB Type A connectors within 3.54 x 1.18 in. form factor and derives power from keyboard or mouse PS/2 ports. No external power is required, and functionality helps preserve existing IT infrastructure.



Original Press Release:



Minicom Extends the Life of Legacy Data Center Equipment, Preserving IT Investments



Support for USB keyboards and mice adds new capabilities to PS/2 servers, KVM switches, and KVM extenders

Minicom Advanced Systems, a leading developer of IT management solutions for data centers, announced today that they are introducing yet another tool for extending the life of legacy data center equipment and preserving IT investments. The PS/2 to USB Converter, a small, plug & play converter which enables the use of a USB keyboard and mouse with PS/2 devices, transforms PS/2 equipment from outdated hardware to valuable tools for today's data centers.

For many years PS/2 was the keyboard/mouse technology of choice for servers, KVM switches, and KVM extenders. Today, USB is the industry standard. Like any adoption of new technology, this shift is accompanied by some growing pains, and IT managers must grapple with how to incorporate USB technology within a budget. The PS/2 to USB Converter lets IT managers use their existing PS/2 KVM switches, servers, and KVM extenders with a USB keyboard and/or mouse, updating capabilities for IT equipment that would otherwise be obsolete.

"Once you have already gone through the hassle of installing and setting up your KVM switch, ensuring that all the cables are well-organized, it is incredibly disruptive, not to mention expensive, to rip all the cables out and install a new KVM switch for your USB keyboard and mouse. You can end up spending of hundreds of dollars to use a fifty dollar keyboard and mouse. The learning curve for a new switch is an additional inconvenience," explained Benny Hayumi, KVM Product Manager.

The introduction of the PS/2 to USB converter is a real-life illustration of Minicom's Real Needs(TM) Approach. The basis of the Real Needs approach is to make sure that you have the most efficient hardware for your data center requirements without spending IT dollars for equipment that you don't need. Rather than advocate "rip and replace" IT solutions, the Real Needs approach preserves past investments by repurposing and updating existing IT equipment. We utilize the infrastructure, installation, and training that you already have, and add the elements that are missing, such as the addition of USB keyboard and mouse capability.

Another aspect of the Real Needs approach is the ability to incorporate products from any company into our data center solutions. Most data centers today are hybrid environments, with IT equipment from a multitude of manufacturers. The PS/2 to USB Converter is being added to the successful Smart line of KVM switches, giving our customers USB keyboard and mouse capabilities, but it is also available as a stand-alone product. Whether your PS/2 KVM switches are from Minicom or not, you can still keep the IT equipment that you already bought. We have the confidence and ability to welcome products from other vendors if it is in our customers' best interest.

To learn more about Minicom's PS/2 to USB Converter, visit http://www.minicom.com/kvm_ps2tousb.htm

About Minicom Advanced Systems

Minicom is a global leader of IT management solutions for data centers, server rooms and rack environments.

With an established track record of pioneering innovative solutions, Minicom is synonymous with IT infrastructure efficiency and shortening resolution time in data centers. Tailored for IT managers who need secure, centralized, and seamless access to their mixed IT environments (servers, console servers, PDUs, and network devices), our IT infrastructure solutions enable local, remote, in-band and out-of-band access and management. Minicom's unique approach maximizes past investments in IT infrastructure, installation, and training while adding innovative technology, resulting in reduced costs and increased productivity.

Since 1988, we have provided solutions for some of the largest rack environments in the world. With headquarters in Israel and regional offices in North America, Europe and China, Minicom operates in over 70 countries. Our solutions are used daily to manage millions of servers.

Contact information:
North America:
David White
VP Sales, North America
414 N. Wood Ave.
Linden, NJ 07036
Dave.White@minicom.com
Tel: (888) 486-2154

Europe:
Denis Adda
Associate Vice President
denis.adda@minicom.com
Tel: (972) 2 535-9619

ROW:
Michael Lahav
Director of Sales - APAC
michael.lahav@minicom.com
(Tel): (972) 2 535-9618

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