The ATEN CS228 is a KVM Matrix switch with the following properties:
It can control up to 8 computers (or 64 computers if it is daisy-chained).
Two consoles can access shared computers simultaneously.
It has audio (speaker/microphone) support to/from both consoles.
In plain English, this means that two operators can share up to 8 computers at a time and follow several collaboration modes:
They can share a single computer – one operator has full control while the other is a passive observer.
They can switch computers in seconds – as long as they don’t try to use the same device (in which case, see scenario 1)
They can pass control of a given device back and forth between them with a few keystrokes.
Consider the scenario where you need to train a new hire to use a complex software package (e.g., CAD, business intelligence, movie editor, etc.).
The idea is simple. Pair a newbie with an experienced professional and give the newbie some introductory tasks. Even the simple tasks will have a few tricky parts. That’s when the newbie calls across the cubicle and asks “How do I do this?” The mentoring professional hits a couple of keys to take control and demonstrate – while the newbie gets to watch and ask questions. A quick demonstration and it’s back to work for both of them. As the newbie gains confidence, the mentor can share more complex tasks – first by letting the newbie watch, then by letting the newbie drive under the mentor’s watchful eye. Eventually, the questions will subside and both will be working full time on value-added tasks.
The following figure shows how this compares with standard classroom and OJT. The intensity of blue in the diagram indicates the amount of revenue work that is being done. Dark blue is all productive work. Light blue is semi-useful. White is purely overhead devoted to teaching and learning.
Not only will both parties spend less time on the OJT process, they can both get their tasks completed faster. Taken to the limit, this approach holds the promise of almost totally eliminating training time and almost totally eliminating errors due to lack of training. That’s a pretty promising outcome for a $600 black box.
Zero Cost OJT for Software
If not, check out the ATEN CS228.
The ATEN CS228 is a KVM Matrix switch with the following properties:
In plain English, this means that two operators can share up to 8 computers at a time and follow several collaboration modes:
Consider the scenario where you need to train a new hire to use a complex software package (e.g., CAD, business intelligence, movie editor, etc.).
The idea is simple. Pair a newbie with an experienced professional and give the newbie some introductory tasks. Even the simple tasks will have a few tricky parts. That’s when the newbie calls across the cubicle and asks “How do I do this?” The mentoring professional hits a couple of keys to take control and demonstrate – while the newbie gets to watch and ask questions. A quick demonstration and it’s back to work for both of them. As the newbie gains confidence, the mentor can share more complex tasks – first by letting the newbie watch, then by letting the newbie drive under the mentor’s watchful eye. Eventually, the questions will subside and both will be working full time on value-added tasks.
The following figure shows how this compares with standard classroom and OJT. The intensity of blue in the diagram indicates the amount of revenue work that is being done. Dark blue is all productive work. Light blue is semi-useful. White is purely overhead devoted to teaching and learning.
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