APC by Schneider Electric KVM-PS2VM PS/2 KVM Server Module with Virtual Media
Overview
The KVM-PS2VM is APC by Schneider Electric's second-generation PS/2 KVM server module designed for use with APC's 2G KVM switch infrastructure. It provides local and remote keyboard, video, and mouse control over PS/2-connected servers while adding virtual media capability — allowing administrators to mount remote ISO images, USB drives, or boot media without physically visiting the rack. If your data center still runs PS/2-legacy servers alongside modern hardware, the KVM-PS2VM bridges that gap without requiring a full server refresh. For a broader look at APC by Schneider Electric's data center product line, including KVM switches, PDUs, and UPS systems, the brand catalog covers a wide range of rack infrastructure.
Key Features
- Virtual Media Support: Mount remote ISO images or bootable USB media from the KVM switch console — cuts the time to reimage or recover a downed PS/2 server from a physical visit to a remote session, critical in lights-out data centers or co-location environments.
- PS/2 Server Connectivity: Purpose-built for PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, making the KVM-PS2VM the correct pick when your existing server fleet hasn't been migrated to USB — avoiding the need to replace hardware that's otherwise still serviceable.
- Compact Form Factor (12.5 × 12.5 × 1.4 cm, 0.14 kg): Slides into the back of a rack-mounted server without consuming a U slot or adding meaningful weight — relevant when you're managing dense, fully populated racks where cable management is already tight.
- TAA Compliance: Meets Trade Agreements Act requirements, which matters for federal, state, and municipal procurement where TAA-compliant sourcing is a contract condition — not a bonus.
- Operating Temperature 0–50 °C: Covers standard data center and IDF closet environments. The 50 °C ceiling is adequate for most equipment rooms; for higher-temp edge deployments (plant floors, outdoor cabinets), verify your enclosure stays under that threshold before specifying this module.
- Regulatory Certifications (FCC Part 15 Class A, UL 60950-1, CE, C-Tick, VCCI Class A): Pre-cleared for North American, European, and Asia-Pacific deployments — reduces compliance review time for multi-region rollouts.
- 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty: Covered for two years from date of purchase — relevant for lifecycle planning in environments where KVM infrastructure is typically refreshed on a 3–5 year cycle.
Integration & Compatibility
The KVM-PS2VM is part of APC's 2G KVM server module family and is designed to pair with APC 2G KVM switches. Compatibility is switch-family specific — confirm your KVM switch accepts 2G server modules before ordering. The PS/2 interface means this module is not interchangeable with APC's USB-variant server modules; if your servers use USB HID, the USB KVM server module variant is the correct selection. For environments mixing PS/2 and USB servers on the same KVM switch infrastructure, both module types can typically coexist on the same 2G switch chassis. If you're also evaluating KVM accessories and cabling for your switch deployment, confirm cable lengths and adapter requirements against your rack depth before finalizing the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the KVM-PS2VM TAA compliant?
A: Yes. The KVM-PS2VM carries TAA compliance, making it eligible for federal and government purchasing programs with TAA sourcing requirements.
Q: What is the warranty on the KVM-PS2VM?
A: APC covers the KVM-PS2VM with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Q: Does the KVM-PS2VM support virtual media?
A: Yes. Virtual media support is a core feature of the KVM-PS2VM, allowing administrators to mount remote boot media or ISO images through the KVM switch without physical access to the server.
Q: What certifications does the KVM-PS2VM carry?
A: The KVM-PS2VM is certified to FCC Part 15 Class A, ICES-003, UL 60950-1, CE, C-Tick, and VCCI Class A — covering North American, European, and Asia-Pacific compliance requirements.
Q: What is the operating temperature range for the KVM-PS2VM?
A: The KVM-PS2VM operates from 0 to 50 °C, covering standard data center and IDF closet environments.
Q: Is the KVM-PS2VM compatible with USB servers?
A: No. The KVM-PS2VM is designed for PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces. For USB-connected servers, APC offers a separate USB-variant KVM server module in the 2G family.
The KVM-PS2VM is a module I still see specified regularly in mixed-generation server environments — particularly in government and healthcare facilities where PS/2-interface servers are still running production workloads and a full hardware refresh isn't in the budget cycle. The virtual media feature is the real differentiator here; being able to push a recovery image or OS installer remotely without dispatching a technician to the rack is the spec that justifies the module over a basic KVM dongle, and the KVM-PS2VM delivers that within APC's 2G switch ecosystem.
Technical Highlights:
- Virtual Media: Remote ISO and boot media mounting means server recovery and reimaging can happen from the KVM console — no physical presence required, which directly reduces mean time to recovery in lights-out or remote data center deployments.
- TAA Compliance: This is a hard procurement gate for federal contracts and many state/municipal bids. The KVM-PS2VM clears that gate, which eliminates a sourcing complication that would otherwise stall the order.
- Operating Range 0–50 °C: Solid coverage for climate-controlled equipment rooms. At 50 °C ceiling, you have margin in a properly cooled rack, but edge-closet deployments without active cooling need a temperature audit before spec-in.
Deployment Considerations:
- The KVM-PS2VM is 2G-family specific — it does not drop into older APC 1G KVM switches. Verify your switch generation before placing the order; a mismatch means the module simply won't seat or register.
- PS/2 and USB server modules can coexist on the same 2G switch chassis, but they are not interchangeable per port — each port's module type must match the server's HID interface. Map your server fleet before ordering module quantities.
Best fit: government data centers and healthcare facilities running mixed PS/2/USB server environments on APC 2G KVM infrastructure, where TAA compliance is a contract requirement and remote virtual media access eliminates after-hours dispatch calls to the machine room.
