Controlling Business From Afar

Remote power switching allows the user to control power in remote devices, and is a logical extension of the technology that led to the development of electrical locking devices that are now widely used as intercom door releases in apartment buildings. Remote switching is an ideal solution for controlling equipment in situations when access to the equipment is difficult, restricted or simply inconvenient. Remote switching devices are used for many applications, from controlling domestic appliances and operating small business systems to managing power in data centers.

A user who logs in using an internet or phone line connection  can switch on devices or reboot stalled IT equipment from anywhere in the world. Remote power switching is becoming popular with householders who want to be able to remotely control domestic systems such as air conditioners, intruder alarms and pool pumps. Remote power switches are widely used in small business applications, to control the power to office lighting, store security systems, and devices like ATMs, vending machines and digital signs. Farmers use remote switching to close gates, turn on irrigation systems and farm machinery, or dispense stock feed. Remote power switching is a vital resource for businesses that operate facilities in remote and isolated territory, such as weather stations, water pumping stations and broadcast transmitters.

 Remote switching has enormous potential to benefit large commercial IT operations, providing tools to manage and maintain servers and infrastructure in widely dispersed locations. The ability to remotely reboot critical systems after power outages or other failures can significantly reduce data center downtime and avoid major disruption to business organizations. When servers, systems and infrastructure are unavailable, business losses can amount to over a million dollars per hour in sensitive industries such as manufacturing, financial, telecommunications and energy utilities; remote power switching ensures minimal downtime and losses. Remote management of power also reduces costs by eliminating an organization’s reliance on field personnel and third party services. Crucial operational processes such as temperature and humidity control can be integrated with remote power switching so that an offsite IT manager can avoid downtime by monitoring the data center environment, responding to irregularities and adjusting operating conditions at an early stage.

Remote power switching through wireless interface has the potential to reduce home energy usage by allowing household equipment such as air conditioning systems to be switched on only when they are needed, rather than being left in standby mode “just in case”. In a small business, remote control of lighting, security alarms and other devices can reduce energy usage and save on labor costs. When remote power switching is employed to control a data center, organizations that depend heavily IT infrastructure and servers get the benefit of a reliable IT operation.