[comp.unix.questions] Reducing many terminal consoles to a single workstation

arnold@synopsys.synopsys.com (Arnold de Leon) (07/26/90)

Here is the problem:  We want to reduce a dozen terminals currently
acting as consoles for a dozen file servers in our machine room to
a single workstation.

I am currently investigating using a workstation with enough
serial ports as console for the file servers.  I expect to
be running something like X on the workstation.  The idea is
I can open windows to any of the machines as needed.
The "console" can also do some for logging if desired.

Has anyone done anything similar to this.  Does anyone sell
something like this?  I believe DEC sells a workstation console
for its VAXclusters.

Any pointers, suggestions, hints before I'm in too deep?

Thanks.

jbayer@ispi.COM (Jonathan Bayer) (07/27/90)

arnold@synopsys.synopsys.com (Arnold de Leon) writes:


>Here is the problem:  We want to reduce a dozen terminals currently
>acting as consoles for a dozen file servers in our machine room to
>a single workstation.

>I am currently investigating using a workstation with enough
>serial ports as console for the file servers.  I expect to
>be running something like X on the workstation.  The idea is
>I can open windows to any of the machines as needed.
>The "console" can also do some for logging if desired.


Why not get a 286 or 386 box running SCO Xenix?  Xenix has the ability to
have up to 12 screens at the main console, and you can change screens 
simply by typing alt-F2 (to get to the second screen) or alt-F12 (for
screen 12).  Then all you have to do is to add a 12 port serial card,
and get a good terminal program (pcomm comes to mind) and you are all
set.


JB
-- 
Jonathan Bayer		Intelligent Software Products, Inc.
(201) 245-5922		500 Oakwood Ave.
jbayer@ispi.COM		Roselle Park, NJ   07204