US Patent 7852873 Universal computer management interface

An integrated computer management apparatus allowing a networked administrator to manage a computer via multiple connection types and protocols. A preferred embodiment of the device has a network connection for the administrative users, coupled via an internal Ethernet switch and a processor to keyboard-video-mouse, serial, and Ethernet computer connections. Depending on hardware characteristics, operational status, OS, and administrator preferences any of these may be used to provide remote computer system management functions. Software running on the processor can provide direct logical connection between the remote administrator and a management port; may serve web pages graphically interpreting data gleaned from one or more of the connections; can provide protocol translation or proxy services; or locally execute an intelligent management agent. The device can be physically small enough to be supported by its connecting cables, and receives power from the attached computer.