Visara International Announces Version 3.0 of the iCON - a remote Twinax solution for IBM AS/400 and iSeries Console Consolidation
Raleigh, N.C. – [October 10, 2005] – Visara International, a world leader in the innovation, development and delivery of Console Consolidation solutions, today announces the third generation of software for the Visara iCON remote Twinax server.
Version 3.0 exploits Visara's top-to-bottom control of the Twinax technology, providing automatic failover for individual console sessions. By modifying the behavior of the adapter attached to the Twinax cable, two iCON servers, attached to the same cable, can alternately control the same display session, - one actively serving it to VT5250 clients, and the other passively monitoring the other, watching the responses. If power failure or cable failure causes the primary iCON to stop responding, the backup iCON will automatically take over the session. New enhancements to the VT5250 client will allow it to automatically follow the session to the alternate server.
Late last year Visara introduced the iCON family: the single station iCON-1T and the rack-mountable iCON-xT which can handle up to 20 Twinax connections. The iCON-1T is a both a direct “green screen” replacement and server, shipping with a 122 key 5250 keyboard and optional monitor. The iCON-xT is a 3U enterprise class server that does not require monitor, mouse or keyboard, but like the -1T, can provide simultaneous local and remote access to the Twinax console session. Both models have secure, SSL encrypted, browser based configuration and management, either from their own Netscape browser, or from any remote desktop. The free VT5250 emulator is included with all units, and is downloaded through the browser interface.
In May, Version 2.0 added the iCON “domain” to manage groups of users across the Enterprise, which will keep multiple usernames, passwords and privileges synchronized. It also added RAID disk mirroring, and monitoring of the fans, drives, and temperature using a simple browser interface. Version 3.0 adds the ability to make a digital image restore point (a snapshot of the RAID system), and create a recovery CD.
Another enhancement in Version 3.0 is support for remote access using a dial-in modem. This is particularly useful for the Midrange Service Provider who wants to improve response time, especially for the small AS/400 shops that need “hands-on” support that would usually require dispatching a administrator or serviceman to remote sites. The low-end single station iCON-1T is ideal for this application, as it reliably replaces the Twinax “green screen” for the untrained local user, but also serves the session to the remote administrator. Requiring only the standard Windows dial-up networking, directly connecting to remote iCONs is as simple as dialing up the local ISP.
Visara has an iCON server available for demonstration at http://icon.visara.com.
VT5250 and the manuals can be downloaded to any Windows 2000 or XP PC.
About Visara
Headquartered near Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Visara is a global leader in the innovation and development of network computing solutions. With over 30 years in the industry, Visara has an installed base of over 2 million networked desktop devices worldwide. Combining innovation and experience makes Visara a leading designer and manufacturer of inter-network solutions. With offices throughout North America and internationally, Visara designs, delivers and services its products through a worldwide network of direct and indirect sales. For additional information about Visara's products and solutions, please visit our website at http://www.visara.com or email info@visara.com.