Console controls 3000s through Web

Console controls 3000s through Web

HP releasing new Internet appliance for system management

Managers from CSY began to tout a new Internet console device that talks to HP business systems at IPROF, a secure Web Console that uses a Java-based browser interface to remotely control HP 3000s and peripheral subsystems over the Internet.

The HP Secure Web Console was quietly released from HP’s Grenoble Division at the end of January. It’s a stand-alone device that accepts serial input from the 3000’s 2392A terminal emulation console port on one end and outputs to a TCP/IP port, and includes Web software wired into the device, according to HP’s Data Center Solution Team manager Mike Paivinen.

HP Secure Web Console HP’s documentation on the product actually lists the Secure Web Console as a device for controlling HP 3000s and HP 9000s, so its compatibility with 3000 networking and MPE/iX isn’t an issue. Paivinen said his Data Center Solution Team is looking at the Console for managing RAID subsystems.
“CSY’s looking at managing Model 10 and Model 20 disk arrays with this,” Paivinen told IPROF attendees at the SIGSYSMAN meeting. “It takes serial in, puts TCP/IP out, and you can even do control-Bs with it” for low-level rebooting of 3000s.

HP’s data sheet says the product is “an easy-to-use device that maximizes server uptime by guaranteeing secure access and administration from any Internet browser.” It’s target market is listed as “HP 3000 and 9000 customers.”

The HP Secure Web Console, the first member of what HP is calling its HP Internet Management Appliances family, can be used to administer an HP server via its RS-232 console port. System managers who replace the local console terminal with a Secure Web Console can perform system administration tasks remotely from a Windows 95 or NT browser, regardless of the server’s operating status.

HP believes that the product will permit managers to perform tasks over the Internet that previously required on-site intervention. This obviously makes security a crucial element in the product’s success. Security will be handled in the product’s first version (part number J3591A) through password digest encryption, suitable to prevent password eavesdropping.

A later release of the product (J3598A) will incorporate SSL client and server certificates and signature along with a smartcard token. This SmartCard kit version of the product includes an optional smartcard reader and five cards. CSY demonstrated Gemplus SmartCard integration with the HP 3000 during last summer’s HP World conference, showing how access to personal medical insurance records could be secured using a card reader. HP is planning a full introduction of the device, including pricing details, in May.