To support today's IT high availability needs, many businesses have adopted multiple remote management technologies in data centers and remote/branch office locations. An Ethernet-based service processor is often used for remote server management. Service processors enable remote access to power control, sensor readings and, in some cases, server configuration, monitoring and control ¯ even when a server is down.

This white paper discusses the leading service processor technologies in use today and illustrates how these tools provide increased service availability, essential support for multiple vendors and legacy operating systems, greater security and scalability without adding another layer of complexity.