A word from our sponsor on console management

Console management or in band management comes into play when IT professionals need to gain access to network computers.  With the proper devices in place, users can log onto any computer or device plugged into the network.  They can run repair utilities, manipulate BIOS settings or bypass BIOS passwords, boot from a different source, and otherwise gain full access to other computers on the network.  Even if a computer is network unreachable, users can still gain access to perform limited service tasks, a practice known as out of band management or lights out management.  This practice is often used after hours in places like call centers or administrative computers to update firmware or system software and security features.