Reducing Downtime and IT Support Costs for Retail and Branch Offices

Challenge:

The customer – a Fortune 500 organization with hundreds of branch offices and retail locations required a secure, robust, yet easy-to-implement and use solution for managing IT equipment across all of its branch office locations.

Historically, for every IT issue (server maintenance, system crash, router troubleshooting, etc.) the customer deployed IT technicians from a central hub to each branch location – a solution that was not only inefficient in terms of response time, but expensive in hard and soft costs. Could Lantronix provide a more cost effective, centralized solution that was reliable and scalable?

Key Requirements:

	Solution must be scalable – capable of handling the existing hundreds of locations,  and able to accommodate rapid expansion of additional locations
	Ease-of-implementation was critical
	Ease-of-integration with each brand office’s unique environment and variety of IT equipment
	Remote monitoring, device management and power management
	Highest levels of encryption and security to ensure data assets are protected

The Solution: Lantronix SLB – Secure Branch Office Manager

The Lantronix SLB – a consolidated hybrid management solution for distributed IT environments – was an ideal solution for the customer, whose business model requires the need to manage hundreds of branch offices with thousands of pieces of IT equipment, yet cannot support on-site IT staff.

Lantronix SLB – Application: Remote Monitoring and Management of Branch Offices

Results?

	Rapid deployment – the set-up and configuration of the SLB was done in a matter  of minutes and the centralized management solution was up and running within days
	Customer can remotely manage all IT equipment –  including ability to cycle power remotely (On/Off/Reboot), with no loss of power downstream during power switching
	Customer virtually eliminated “truck rolls” (IT technician deployment) to  all branch locations for IT equipment management
	The SLB solution overall resulted in reduced operating costs,  improved response time and service quality for all IT issues

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About the Lantronix SLB

Built specifically for the branch office – The Lantronix SLB is ideal for locations with a handful of servers and/or networked devices and where there is little or no on-site IT staff, such as branch offices or campus environments. The SLB supports a variety of industries including banking, finance, insurance, healthcare, retail sales, hospitality and education. It delivers secure remote console and power management (on/off/reboot) for up to eight devices. A total out-of-band solution, the SLB enables administrators to centrally monitor, manage and troubleshoot IT equipment even if the network or Internet is down.

SLB Key Benefits:

	Compact hybrid design to meet the unique needs of remote branch office environments
	Integrated secure console management (8 serial ports), remote power management (8 switching power outlets) and dual AC power inlets for redundancy and failover
	Automatic power source switchover
	Per outlet current measurement for energy monitoring
	Front LCD and keypad allows for quick network set-up and easy deployment
	Highest levels of encryption and security
	Centralized management integration with Lantronix vSLM and ConsoleFlow management software

Reliable, Remote Server Management That Works From Anywhere

Challenge:

The customer – a leading provider of on-demand IT infrastructure solutions, hosting more than 22,000 small and medium-sized businesses and 3.1 million web sites worldwide. By offering the best choice of servers, software tools and world-class support, all backed by state-of-the-art facilities and unmatched network connectivity, this company helps turn information technology into a powerful competitive advantage that enables its customers to successfully grow their businesses.

Upon reviewing results from one of the company’s regularly scheduled customer feedback polls – an ongoing practice for continuous improvement – They found one of the top requests from its customers was the ability to add remote KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) management capabilities to their servers.

Recognizing this important customer request, the company’s technology team began to investigate ways to quickly and affordably add this capability to the company’s product catalogue. They were soon presented with a major issue: in a hosting center environment loaded with different servers, it is difficult to separate individual customer ports to diagnose a problem over the network with regard to BIOS or other operating system issues. The team realized they needed a single-port solution that allowed them to buy “per port.” However, typical KVM solutions on the market were high-port count and too costly for customers. Could Lantronix provide a more cost-effective, reliable remote server management?

Key Requirements:

	Solution must be scalable and cost-effective to handle the growing amount of  equipment that requires monitoring
	Ease-of-implementation was critical
	Remote access and control for distributed server equipment from a central  point of access
	Flexibility of KVM providing non-blocked, single-port access to servers over IP

The Solution: Lantronix Spider – Flexible and Scalable KVM-over-IP Solution

After reviewing traditional KVM solutions that did not meet their specific needs, the company discovered Lantronix Spider. In addition to providing the secure, KVM-over-IP access they needed, the Lantronix Spider offered a flexible, scalable and affordable CAT5-based remote access solution in a cable-friendly, compact, “zero-foot print” package.

A single-port device, the Lantronix Spider allowed the company to add remote IP users one server port at a time, which provided the company with the most cost-effective and scalable solution for its customers. This one feature alone made the Lantronix Spider a stand-out winner for meeting the company’s challenges. Additionally, the KVM solution provided hands-on access to remotely diagnose attached servers and perform a number of administrative tasks such as software installations from one central location.

Lantronix Spider Application – Distributed KVM Access

Results:

	Improved customer responsiveness and service to increase customer base
	New revenue stream for the company
	Capability for system administrators to remotely install additional software and  virtually manage everything from the operating system up
	Ability of adding one port per server makes their service cost effective and flexible for their wide variety of customers
	The company now uses Spiders as an extension of its internal technical support staff, adding additional value to the company’s resources
	Ensures both the company and its customers’ IT assets are constantly up and running

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About the Lantronix Spider

Lantronix Spider Distributed KVM – a whole new concept of KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) access and control. Lantronix Spider provides secure, non-blocked BIOS-level access over IP to servers that’s guaranteed … no matter how many administrators need access. With built-in SwitchPort+ Ethernet switching technology, Spider eliminates the barriers of analog CAT5 KVM switches. Equipment can be distributed remotely and managed over an IP network or the Internet! This makes the Lantronix Spider perfect for branch offices, campus or multi-floor environments and small/medium sized businesses – basically anywhere servers are spread out in different locations.

Lantronix Spider Key Benefits:

	Incredibly low “cost-per-remote-user” server management solution
	Secure, full BIOS-level control of servers over an IP network
	Full KVM switch in a “Zero U” form factor-takes up no rack space
	Compact server-powered design – no external power supply required
	Cost-effective, “add-as-you-grow” scalability by daisy-chaining multiple units

Lantronix Solutions Help Ensure that Broadcasting Company Data Center Stays On Top of Its Game

Challenge:

A large broadcasting company deployed the Lantronix SLC 8000 console managers in their data centers to provide a robust infrastructure management solution at each of their geographic sites. Conscious of their need to provide service at all times, the customer was forced to consider a robust and effective cellular out-of-band management solution which would provide an uninterrupted alternative route for control of their equipment.

The customer was particularly worried about access to their key infrastructure and data equipment in the event of a denial of service attack on the Internet.

The console ports of all equipment were already conveniently aggregated by using the Lantronix SLC 8000 console manager which could be used as an efficient gateway to any particular site and its device. It was now just a question of choosing the right complementary solution to allow the engineers and network administrators to remotely access the console manager potentially from anywhere in the world during an unprecedented network outage.

Could Lantronix provide an ideal remote cellular access solution that would give users the ability to securely and remotely access the console manager and hence its connected data center equipment?

Key Requirements:

• Instant access to the console port of any piece of equipment within a local data center
• Availability and control are top priorities even if there is a DOA attack
• Must make full use of the audit log tracking features of the Lantronix SLC 8000 unit
• Simple
• Reliable
• Cost effective

The Solution:
Lantronix SLC 8000 and PremierWave XC Cellular Unit

In order to meet their customer’s needs, the customer incorporated the Lantronix PremierWave XC cellular unit at each key site as an added solution to each SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager. Having set up a GSM cellular connection to the main administrator port on the front panel of the SLC 8000 unit provided direct access. Administrators now have Command Line level access for debugging, rebooting any piece of equipment attached to the console manager even in the event of a denial of service attack on their network.

Lantronix PremierWave XC Application: Cellular Out-of-Band Management

Results:

• Engineers and administrators could provide 24/7 support for the data network infrastructure system for resilient operations
• Audit logs were maintained without losses as per corporate guidelines
• Response times were significantly improved

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About the Lantronix PremierWave XC

High Performance, GPRS, Linux-Based Application/Device Server that offers Ethernet or GSM/GPRS connectivity for remote access and easy management of machines and equipment over the network and across the Internet.

Lantronix PremierWave XC Key Benefits:

• Dual connectivity offers flexibility and redundancy
• Provides network connectivity to virtually any device with a serial port
• Simple device set-up, configuration and monitoring with powerful, industry-standard management tools (Web, CLI, XML)

Learn More about the PremierWave XC

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About the Lantronix SLC 8000

Future Proof Your Secure Out-Of-Band Management Solution

The Lantronix SLC 8000 advanced console manager is the industry’s first modular console server that provides secure remote access to IT equipment, while reducing deployment costs and time.

SLC 8000 Key Benefits:

• Reduces downtime and increases efficiency with anytime, anywhere access to IT equipment
• Enables custom “mix-and-match” configurations with USB and RS-232 modules
• Simplifies service deployments and balances CAPEX and OPEX with its modular design
• In-band (Ethernet) and out-of-band access (dial-in/out via modem, as well as cellular: PremierWave XC HSPA+ and 4G LTE with newly available LTE connectivity kit)
• Front LCD and keypad allows for quick network set-up and easy deployment
• Protects management interfaces with authentication and FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption
• Centralized management integration with the Lantronix vSLM and ConsoleFlow management software

Request a Free 30-Day Trial Today  – FREE 30-day trial for qualified customers

Learn More about the Lantronix SLC 8000

Delivering Scalable, Reliable and Robust IT Infrastructure Support for a Global Workforce

Challenge:

The customer – a Fortune 500 organization with hundreds of networked controllers with only serial port access for debugging.  All members of each engineering team must have access to the controller serial data from remote locations.

Historically, console servers were designed for one or two TCP connections to each serial port allowing remote diagnostics and reboot of the connected equipment.  Rarely were all 48 ports active any one time.  Could Lantronix provide a more cost effective, centralized solution that would be reliable and scalable to hundreds of engineers?

Key Requirements:

• Solution must be scalable – capable of handling the existing remote locations, and able to accommodate rapid expansion of additional locations and engineering teams
• Ease-of-implementation was critical
• Ease-of-integration with the ability to stream serial port data to multiple team members
• Ability to support all 48 ports streaming to engineering teams at once
• Highest performance available

The Solution:
Lantronix SLC 8000 – High-Performance Console Manager

The Lantronix SLC 8000 console manager provides secure, remote access to servers and IT infrastructure equipment, whether it’s located down the hall or across the globe. IT professionals can use the SLC 8000 to monitor, manage and troubleshoot nearly anything in the data center rack, from anywhere, at any time. This capability means faster response rates which translate into reduced costs, more access and less downtime.

Lantronix SLC 8000 Application: Remote Debug and Monitoring by Multiple Teams

Results:

• Rapid deployment – the set-up and configuration of the SLC 8000 was done in a matter of minutes
• Engineering team members can remotely monitor debug logs from the same piece of serial equipment
• Ability to stream single port data to multiple users
• Ability to stream all serial ports simultaneously to multiple users
• The SLC 8000 solution overall resulted in reduced operating costs, improved response time and service quality for the engineering teams

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About the Lantronix SLC 8000

Future Proof Your Secure Out-Of-Band Management Solution

The Lantronix SLC 8000 advanced console manager is the industry’s first modular console server that provides secure remote access to IT equipment, while reducing deployment costs and time.

SLC 8000 Key Benefits:

• Reduces downtime and increases efficiency with anytime, anywhere access to IT equipment
• Enables custom “mix-and-match” configurations with USB and RS-232 modules
• Simplifies service deployments and balances CAPEX and OPEX with its modular design
• In-band (Ethernet) and out-of-band access (dial-in/out via modem, as well as cellular: PremierWave XC HSPA+ and 4G LTE with newly available LTE connectivity kit)
• Front LCD and keypad allows for quick network set-up and easy deployment
• Protects management interfaces with authentication and FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption
• Centralized management integration with the Lantronix vSLM and ConsoleFlow management software

Request a Free 30-Day Trial Today  – FREE 30-day trial for qualified customers

Learn More about the Lantronix SLC 8000

Ensuring Public Safety Through Responsive Real-Time Building Vibration Monitoring

Challenge:

The customer is a leading integrator of building instrumentation working on a custom project that needs to monitor vibrations in commercial buildings to detect ground disturbances resulting from events that may cause structural change, such as earthquakes. The customer needs alarms to be generated when building vibrations exceed a predetermined threshold for response in real-time. Data collected must also be fed to custom applications for analysis and preventative measures.

The buildings are equipped with vibration sensors which are constantly sending data over Local Area Network (LAN) for processing locally; however, an alarm needs to be sent to the proprietary cloud-based notification application via cellular link if a significant vibration is detected. Could Lantronix provide a reliable and intelligent cellular solution that is also easy to implement and can fit within existing infrastructure?

Key Requirements:

• Quick time to market while supporting extensibility with a custom application
• Solution must create LAN on Ethernet side and monitor data from multiple devices via TCP connections
• Ability to upload data via a metered cellular connection

The Solution:
PremierWave XC HSPA+

The Lantronix PremierWave XC HSPA+ intelligent cellular gateway was implemented as a headless Linux computer loaded with custom applications. This implementation uses the PremierWave XC HSPA+ in gateway mode to create a local LAN on the Ethernet port. It then leverages built-in run time support for the Python programming language and provides necessary customization required by the customer’s application to receive data from the Ethernet devices and parse it. When the data exceeds the programmed threshold, an HTTP connection is made to a cloud server to send an alarm to users anywhere and anytime.

Lantronix PremierWave XC HSPA+: Intelligent Commercial Building Vibration Monitoring

Results:

• Quick deployment of custom application with Python program
• Reduce data costs on cellular connection by deploying intelligence to the edge
• Data available to business users anywhere in the world

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About the Lantronix PremierWave XC HSPA+

High Speed 3.5G HSPA+ Intelligent Gateway and Application Server

PremierWave XC HSPA+ is an industrial grade 3.5G wireless solution offering Penta-band HSPA+ performance, network redundancy, and enterprise-level security for mission critical applications, time sensitive event tracking, and M2M/IoT connectivity.

PremierWave XC HSPA+ Key Benefits:

• Penta-band UMTS/HSPA+ (Global Coverage)
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
• Ethernet-to-Cellular Routing
• SMS – Shoulder Tap, Relay Control, Event Notification and Tunneling
• Dual network connectivity (wired Ethernet and Cellular) for flexibility and redundancy
• Unique design for quick and easy connectivity to virtually any device with a serial port
• Industrial Grade Design
• 5-Year limited warranty

Learn More about the PremierWave XC HSPA+

Ensuring the Highest Levels of Reliability and Service for Cable and Video Streaming

Challenge:

A leading nationwide provider of cable television has hundreds of local area data centers or Points of Presence (POP) to support regular programming and on-demand entertainment. Each POP is unmanned and all technical glitches must be investigated and resolved within a very short time frame to ensure the highest level of service for their paying customers. The POPs contain many different types of equipment including: routers for receiving data from the Central Network Control to HQ, routers for relaying
data-rich video streams to paying customers, data storage, and servers.

Could Lantronix provide the cable provider with a cost-effective remote access and management solution that would allow 24/7 access to essential equipment in the POP network and help them to ensure reliable and consistent content delivery to millions of customers?

Key Requirements:

• Instant access to the console port of any piece of equipment within a local data center
• Ability for multiple administrators to access any single end point
• Full audit log tracking
• Simple, reliable and cost effective
• Support for USB and Serial RS-232 console ports

The Solution:
Lantronix SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager

The cable provider incorporated the Lantronix SLC 8000 advanced console manager at each POP site, enabling them to establish a robust, secure architecture for access and control to all POP equipment. Administrators were able to control servers, power units, and other key equipment over the network through a consistent interface. With the Lantronix SLC 8000 advanced console manager’s Command Line Interface (CLI), administrators could use abbreviated commands for debugging, diagnosis, and taking remedial actions on POP equipment remotely. This capability enabled faster response rates which translated into reduced support costs, enhanced network visibility and less downtime.

Lantronix SLC 8000 Application: Secure, Remote Access to Cable and Video Streaming Equipment

Results:

• Achieved cost effective control system for all equipment at each remote site
• Enabled faster response times to technical issues
• Built in automated audit logging saved time and ensured compliance
• Significant operational savings through the centralized administration function

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About the Lantronix SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager

Future Proof Your Secure Out-Of-Band Management Solution

The Lantronix SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager is the industry’s first modular console server and the only one to support up to 48 high-density USB ports. The SLC 8000 provides easy, flexible, secure administration and management of IT equipment from anywhere at any time.

SLC 8000 Key Benefits:

• User-swappable modules allow for easy upgrades and scalable expansion–easily and quickly configure up to 48 ports with “mix-and-match” 16 port USB and 16 port RS-232 modules
• Able to handle up to 15 users per port simultaneously and 396 concurrent sessions per console (up to 2X more than other competitors). This helps companies minimize downtime in the age of IoT – when the network is being taxed with ever increasing amounts of data
• The only console server in the market today that is compatible with all Cisco, HPE & Brocade serial and USB switches and routers
• Intuitive user interface, built-in help menus and abbreviated CLI command features allow for easy deployment and remote management of equipment
• In-band (Ethernet) and out-of-band access (dial-in/out via modem, as well as cellular: PremierWave XC HSPA+ and 4G LTE with newly available LTE connectivity kit)
• FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic encryption mode for government and military applications
• Centralized management integration with the available Lantronix vSLM and ConsoleFlow management software
• Anytime, anywhere secure access to IT equipment

Request a Free 30-Day Trial Today  – FREE 30-day trial for qualified customers

Learn More about the Lantronix SLC 8000

Enabling Secure Management of the Data Center, From Anywhere

Challenge:

A leading global technology company needed a way to remotely monitor and manage network equipment installed at their Asian data center.

The customer required a secure IT infrastructure management solution that would enable them to monitor the data center 24/7, even in the event that servers or networks were down. In addition, the customer wanted a solution that could easily be integrated without significant capital expenditure costs.

Competing console servers in the market are costly and do not offer the appropriate levels of security or scalability that the customer required to manage the data center efficiently. Could Lantronix provide a secure, cost-effective solution that allows the customer to remotely manage the data center around the clock?

Key Requirements:

• Ease-of-implementation
• Instant, remote access to the network equipment
• Secure transfer of information from the data center
• Cost-effective

The Solution:
Lantronix SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager

The customer deployed the Lantronix SLC 8000 advanced console manager to manage its Asian data center remotely. The SLC 8000 provided the customer’s IT professionals the ability to monitor, manage and troubleshoot servers and IT infrastructure equipment from anywhere and at any time. By establishing secure, reliable connectivity to the data center, IT professionals can now diagnose and resolve problems immediately – right from their desk. The SLC 8000 saves time and energy that would have been needed to send staff directly to the data center.

In addition, when new equipment needs change or additional ports are needed, the SLC 8000’s unique modular design allows users to simply add or swap RS-232 and USB modules to its modular chassis, which is expandable up to 48 ports. This offers easy scalability and upgrades while minimizing capital expenditures and time required deploying new services and equipment. While other console servers in the market are costly, the SLC 8000 delivers a robust, scalable IT infrastructure management solution at a competitive value.

Lantronix SLC 8000 Deployment Application:
Remote Management of Data Center Equipment

Results:

• Rapid deployment
• Centralized monitoring and quick troubleshooting of remote equipment
• Secure access to IT infrastructure equipment
• Support multiple users to connect to a single device port and simultaneous access to all 48 ports
• Scale as system configuration and device console mix changes

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About the Lantronix SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager

Future Proof Your Secure Out-of-Band Management Solution

The Lantronix SLC 8000 advanced console manager is the industry’s first modular console server that provides secure remote access to IT equipment, while reducing deployment costs and time.

Lantronix SLC 8000 Key Benefits:

• Reduces downtime and increases efficiency with anytime, anywhere access to IT equipment
• Enables custom “mix-and-match” configurations with USB and RS-232 modules
• Simplifies service deployments and balances CAPEX and OPEX with its modular design
• In-band (Ethernet) and out-of-band access (dial-in/out via modem, as well as cellular: PremierWave XC HSPA+ and 4G LTE with newly available LTE connectivity kit)
• Front LCD and keypad allows for quick network set-up and easy deployment
• Protects management interfaces with authentication and FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption
• Centralized management integration with the Lantronix vSLM and ConsoleFlow management software

Learn More about the Lantronix SLC 8000

Strengthening Banking Security Through Customized OOBM Applications

Challenge:

A central IT service provider responsible for developing and operating all IT applications for a prominent German financial institution required an Out of Band Management (OOBM) solution that enabled remote out-of-band management access for multiple administrators with distinct areas of expertise, permissions, and access rights.

In addition to upgrading their Out of Band Management (OOBM) system, the end-user customer requested a tailored security feature that provided a clear audit trail of who did what and when, and to which system.

Could Lantronix provide a secure OOBM management solution that includes an advanced security feature tailored to the end user’s specifications?

Key Requirements:

• Special audit logging
• Cost-effective, turnkey deployment
• Self-terminating security strings
• Instant, remote access to network equipment

Solution: Lantronix SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager with Self-Terminating Strings

The customer deployed the Lantronix SLC 8000 console manager to provide Out-of-Band access over the administrator’s Ethernet channel to critical systems comprised of routers and servers. Administrators are now able to remotely manage essential IT equipment and deploy cost-effective upgrades as they become available.

Now that the end-user improved its IT infrastructure with the SLC 8000, the next challenge was ensuring that machine access was given to administrators with the appropriate credentials. In many cases, a security issue arises when an administrator logs out of the console server but fails to log out of the target machine. The danger is that a second administrator could then log into the same console server port and access the active connection. This is considered a security breach since the second user is logged in under the identification of the first administrator.

Normally when networks require a system administrator to connect to a target system through a console server, they are first challenged to identify themselves. Once connected to the port leading to the target system, they will be challenged again by the target machine’s security system – so they have to log in a second time. The SLC 8000 eliminates these added steps by customizing the end user’s software to include self-terminating security strings that automatically disconnect administrators from active sessions. Now, if an administrator disconnects from the SLC 8000 without continuing to log out of the target machine, the console manager will automatically send a logout command and end the session. This will leave the target machine protected when a second administrator tries to access the same target after the first administrator departed.

A live demo of the SLC 8000 advanced console manager will be shown at Cisco Live Berlin (Stand: E62 – Hall 3.2) from February 20, 2017- February 24, 2017. For more information about Cisco Live Berlin, click here.

SLC 8000: Secure Remote Out of Band Management (OOBM) for Financial Institutions

Results:

• Rapid deployment
• Centralized monitoring and quick troubleshooting of remote equipment
• Secure access to IT infrastructure equipment
• Supports multiple users to connect to a single device port and simultaneous access to all 48 ports
• Scale as system configuration and device console mix changes

About the Lantronix SLC 8000 Advanced Console Manager

Future Proof Your Secure Out-of-Band Management Solution

The Lantronix SLC 8000 advanced console manager is the industry’s first modular console server that provides secure remote access to IT equipment while reducing deployment costs and time.

Lantronix SLC 8000 Key Benefits:

• Reduces downtime and increases efficiency with anytime, anywhere access to IT equipment
• Enables custom “mix-and-match” configurations with USB, RS-232 modules and a variety of power supply options.
• Simplifies service deployments and balances CAPEX and OPEX with its modular design
• In-band (Ethernet) and out-of-band access (dial-in/out via modem, as well as cellular: PremierWave XC HSPA+ and 4G LTE with newly available LTE connectivity kit)
• Front LCD and keypad allows for quick network set-up and easy deployment
• Protects management interfaces with authentication and encryption.  The cryptographic modules are FIPS 140-2 approved.
• Centralized management integration with the Lantronix vSLM and ConsoleFlow management software