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Adder Technology Limited Case Study

KVM Solutions Provider Improves Accessibility of Cat 5 KVM Extension System

Adder is a UK based leading developer and manufacturer of KVM products with distribution in over 60 countries.

CHALLENGES

• Integrating reliable full speed USB extension capabilities into existing video and audio extension technology

• Embedded cost-effective ExtremeUSB® technology over Cat 5 at up to 328 feet (100 meters)

The global market for KVM products reached $772.3 million in 2006, and is expected to grow to $1,157.6 million by 2011 according to VDC, a technology market research firm. The global market for distributed computing environments requiring remote access of USB peripherals using KVM extenders is steadily growing.

For more than 25 years, customers worldwide have relied on Adder’s technology solutions to control computers locally, remotely and globally. Adder Technology is a leading European developer of KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switching and extender technology. Adder’s advanced range of KVM switches, video and audio extenders enable the control of local, remote and global IT systems. Based in the United Kingdom, the company has offices in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands and Singapore.

Adder’s products are renowned for their technical excellence, reliable performance and robust design and manufacture. Specializing in advanced computer access and control products and solutions for business users, Adder has established a strong position in the KVM market demonstrated by its steady yearly growth and its impressive track record for bringing successful and profitable products to market.

Adder’s video and audio extension technologies distribute video and audio signals ideal for digital signage and media streaming applications such as in-store TV and public information systems. Adder’s customers span the retail, financial, industrial, medical, broadcast, air traffic control, digital signage, military, and server management markets. The company also provides printer sharing products, cables, accessories and power control units.

“Icron is renowned as the leading provider of USB extension solutions. By combining Adder’s KVM expertise with their ExtremeUSB® technology, we were able to develop a uniquely flexible KVM Extender at a highly competitive price."
- Adrian Dickens, Managing Director, Adder

The Challenge
KVM technology provides easy access and control to any connected CPU. However, extending the reach of audio and video applications with demanding environmental conditions and control factors proved challenging. Adder’s customers needed high quality audio and video along with complete USB peripheral connectivity without any video or USB degradation over long distances of Cat 5 cable. To meet the customer requirement, Adder looked to Icron’s ExtremeUSB technology to integrate with their existing audio/video extension technology and manage the complex timing requirements of USB to provide a long reach connection beyond the 16 feet (5 meter) cable limitation of USB. All of this would have to be transparent from the end user and maintain full speed (12 Mbps) uninterrupted true USB connectivity. In addition, some customers needed a rack mounting solution to fit their specific environmental needs so a small form factor was required.

The Solution
In today’s highly complex and competitive IT market, business partnerships and best of breed technology integration are key success factors in delivering unique, high performance products. Adder has long championed this collaborative process hence partnering with Icron to develop a superior KVM extension solution.

KVM Extension Application over Cat 5

Click Here to Enlarge KVM Extension Application