Purchasing IT hardware only to have it arrive unconfigured, especially with limited time and staff, can be a significant challenge. Network, server, and storage hardware often require complex configurations, but businesses frequently face obstacles such as a shortage of IT staff, limited technical knowledge, and the necessity of on-site setup. Deploying hardware across multiple locations further complicates the process.
The need for remote configuration is apparent, yet it often remains an untapped goldmine for businesses unaware of this solution. Remote configuration enables customers to securely and remotely access their hardware for pre-configuration before deployment, allowing them to save time, resources, and money. Curvature, a global leader in IT solutions, provides this service free of charge with any hardware purchase, allowing customers to configure their gear remotely with ease. Our Remote Configuration services help businesses optimize their IT deployment through industry-leading security measures, expert staff, and a user-friendly process.
The Challenges of Traditional Hardware Configuration
Traditional hardware configuration presents several challenges to businesses that can be mitigated with remote configuration. Firstly, coordinating with on-site staff for equipment installation and setup is time-consuming and prone to roadblocks, such as unplanned configuration changes or insufficiently trained personnel. Additionally, requiring IT staff to be physically present at every location to perform initial configurations creates logistical and resource constraints.
When businesses lack adequately trained staff, the risk of misconfiguration increases, leading to extended network downtime and operational inefficiencies. Furthermore, shipping unconfigured hardware can be more costly than pre-configured equipment due to freight costs associated with routing hardware to a central location for setup before deployment. Factors include freight costs of hardware to one central location for configuration before deployment to its various offices. Similarly, shipping various hardware components to be configured at one location can drive up costs significantly for the customer.
Who Benefits from Remote Configuration?
Remote configuration is ideal for various business scenarios:
- Businesses with remote or widely distributed offices – Companies lacking on-site IT staff can pre-configure networking, server, and storage hardware remotely before shipping, ensuring a plug-and-play setup upon arrival. This eliminates costly travel expenses and on-site configuration challenges.
- Organizations requiring copycat configurations – Clients deploying identical setups across multiple locations benefit from remote configuration. For example, one client needed 100 switches configured identically for deployment to different locations. By using Curvature’s Network Terminal Server, they configured all switches remotely, eliminating the need for an on-site visit to each office. They completed configurations in batches of 10 on their own schedule, with expert engineers available on standby for assistance.
What is Curvature’s Remote Configuration Service?
As businesses face challenges with on-site personnel shortages, configuration challenges, and shipping costs, Curvature’s Remote Configuration service is the solution. Customers can securely and remotely access their networking, server, and storage gear prior to shipment, and configure it to their specifications, ensuring equipment arrives deployment-ready.
First, equipment is thoroughly tested by qualified technicians, then connected to a remote terminal server, granting individual device access for secure configuration. Customers can configure their equipment at their convenience — whether for full pre-deployment configuration, an initial setup, or simply to create a proof of concept. Curvature on-site staff are available to assist with any physical hardware needs, such as cabling for proof of concept or device labelling. Additionally, support is offered for performing hard reboots or making any necessary hardware changes. Once configuration is complete, Curvature labels the equipment according to the client’s specifications before shipment, ensuring clear identification and avoiding confusion when multiple devices are configured.
Customers can choose between two remote configuration options:
- Network Terminal Server – Supports networking equipment configuration, including major OEMs such as Cisco, Aruba, Juniper, Arista, HPE, and Dell EMC.
- Server and Storage VPN Bench – Supports server and storage equipment configuration, including Dell EMC, HPE, and Cisco.
How Curvature Ensures Security
Ensuring data security during remote configuration is a top priority aimed at putting the customer at ease when configuring their hardware. To ensure data security, Curvature utilizes Secure Shell (SSH) encryption and assigns unique passwords to each remote port in the terminal server, granting encrypted access to the client. SSH is an essential protocol for remote configuration as it provides a dedicated, secure connection between the customer and the terminal server. The information shared through this tunnel is encrypted, providing only the assigned customer access to it.
Additionally, Curvature’s terminal server operates through a dedicated firewall with its own internet connection. This secure connection affords customers peace of mind when configuring their unit, without any interference from adjacent networks. Curvature also holds ISO 27001 certification, a globally recognized information security management system standard for the IT industry, further demonstrating our commitment to data protection.
Remote Configuration and Your Business
To conclude, remote configuration can be a game-changer for businesses with limited staff and budgets. Secure remote access allows for pre-configuration of hardware before deployment, alleviating the need for on-site IT staff with specialized configuration training. Curvature’s Remote Configuration services simplify deployment through extensive security measures and on-site staff available to assist with any hardware or remote configuration needs. Even when shipping just one unit to a single location, pre-configuring it in advance will save you time and money on set-up and freight costs. Best of all, this service is completely free to all Curvature hardware customers!
Contact us today for a free consultation and to see how remote configuration could enhance your IT deployments and maximize your ROI.
