We use IP-based KVM's. You can control a lot of systems with less rack space, and cable management is easier and works better over distances.

Avocent, Aten, and probably a few other KVM mfgs have had products like this for many years.

These things aren't cheap regardless of the manufacturer so I hope you would go for something better than IOGear if you need to deploy +16 port KVMS.

IPMI might have it uses too (including iLo), but a switchable PDU, plus an IP KVM is a true out-of-band solution.

Would this not be useful for running a render farm or rack mount server?

I hope it handles USB emulation.

We stopped using KVMs. The cost per port because exhorbitant after you consider the various modules needed. Plus the waste of rack space.

We now use either the Dell DRAC5 or HP iLO adapter. Integrated into the server plus the added benefit of being able to power cycle servers.

?
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/remotemgmt.html

one port, ethernet/RJ-45. Switch is optional if you use a crossover, of course. You connect to it, and see exactly what is on console. You can even constantly record what is on screen, playback the video for review. No analog KVM can do that.

I guess it might be useful for call centers or other dense office computing clusters where the IT admin might want to cycle through the machines in order to manage an update.

Since I really can't imagine, what purpose would someone have to control more than 16+ systems through KVM?

This + 6 Antec Skeletons = Damage Labs 2.0 ?

Why is the tree limited to only 2 levels? Can you have have a huge tree of these and have unlimited computers?