KVM Extender Market

Market Overview

The global KVM extender market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.43% during the forecast period (2024-32). The market is expected to experience growth due to increasing demand for more ergonomic workplaces, investments in IT hardware, and the centralization of assets and security. Moreover, KVM facilitates the enhancement of working conditions and the creation of additional free space by relocating heat and noise-generating workstations to server rooms. Therefore, the use of an extender aids in the organization and efficient utilization of desk space.

Highlights

• Analog KVM extenders dominate the global market
• North America is the largest shareholder in the global market

A keyboard, video monitor, and mouse (KVM) extender is a gadget that lets users put their computer—typically a workstation or server—and its peripherals farther apart. The KVM receiver unit powering the monitors, keyboards, and mouse allows the user to work on a computer from a distance or remote station. KVM extender enables remote computer control when necessary, such as centralizing equipment for security and ease of maintenance, ensuring user comfort and safety, and facilitating or enhancing collaborative efforts.

KVM extenders comprise two primary parts: the remote unit and the local unit. KVM extenders are utilized in data centers, server rooms, industrial environments, and other situations where it is impractical or inconvenient for the user to have the computer in close proximity. Due to their ability to facilitate remote access and control, they provide flexibility and convenience, making them applicable in diverse professional settings.

Market Dynamics

Global KVM Extender Market Drivers

Rising Adoption of Virtualization

Storage virtualization, also known as software-defined storage, has the highest adoption rate among emerging virtualization technologies at 40%; application virtualization follows at 39%, and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) technology comes in at 32%. KVM extenders are in high demand because of the widespread use of virtualization in IT infrastructures. These gadgets enable access to virtualized servers and systems from anywhere, allowing for more adaptable and scalable resource deployment. 

A well-established technology, virtual machine (VM) based server infrastructure allows for hosting numerous virtual machines on a single physical server, thereby reducing hardware and maintenance costs. Nevertheless, there are still problems with bandwidth, performance, and the "real desktop experience" when accessing these VMs through a Local Area Network. This is no longer an issue with today's KVM extenders, which offer transparent USB support, quick access, and native HD or higher resolutions. In this way, users can access a virtual desktop and interact with it in real-time, just like a physical PC, all without disrupting the regular data network of an organization. This is expected to drive market growth.

Rising Industrial Applications

KVM extenders are useful in industrial settings where computers might be situated in challenging or constrained spaces. KVM extenders are used by sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and oil and gas to control and monitor processes from a single, secure location. An increasing number of well sites, pumping stations, pipelines, processing facilities, and refineries are being constructed as the oil and gas industry expands.

Moreover, industrial automation and safe, dependable networking are essential for efficient, productive, and trouble-free operations along the entire route. For example, Kuwait's National Oil Refinery Uses Matrox Extio 3 to Provide Secure Remote KVM Connectivity. The sophisticated security features of Matrox Extio 3 give remote operators safe access to Kuwait National Petroleum Company oil refinery control systems from anywhere in the globe. Such factors propel market growth over the forecast period.

Global KVM Extender Market Restraints

High Initial Costs

The hardware and installation expenses associated with deploying KVM extender solutions can add up to a hefty sum at the outset. This initial investment may be too steep for some companies, especially those in the small and medium size range. For example, one can expect to pay between USD 1200 and USD 1500 for a DVI Fiber KVM Extender with audio and RS232. This is expected to hinder market growth. The high price of KVM extenders may prevent some users from using them, but the value they offer must be considered in the grand scheme of things. These devices enhance operational efficiency, allow for remote management, and boost system reliability. 

Global KVM Extender Market Opportunities

Growing Adoption in the Healthcare Industry

KVM extender solutions can benefit from the healthcare industry's reliance on cutting-edge IT infrastructure for patient data management and diagnostic equipment. Clinics, hospitals, and CORs all require the coordination of multiple signal sources, such as endoscope cameras, planning computers, and overhead cameras employed during surgery. Therefore, IT administrators and technicians can perform diagnostics and maintenance on these devices remotely using KVM extenders.

Furthermore, market players in the KVM extender space would do well to keep tabs on developments in related industries, new technologies, and consumers' changing wants and needs so they can seize opportunities with grace. For example, kvm-tech offers various products for the medical industry. With the installation of the kvm-tec Switching System and the versatile combination of Full HD Extender with 4K Extender, many things become simpler and easier to coordinate. Such factors provide opportunities for market growth over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global KVM extender market is segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global KVM extender market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially over the forecast period. In North America, KVM is primarily used as a central management solution for data centers. With a KVM switch, users can access and manage multiple computers in a data center from a central location. Data centers are quickly embracing digital KVM switches because of how easily they can be integrated with current infrastructure. This helps to save time and cut down on cable costs. Moreover, there is a growing need for a safe hardware solution to monitor data transfer as more and more government, military, and intelligence agencies utilize computer networks with varying degrees of classification.

For instance, Raritan Inc. introduced a secure KVM switch with multiple security features because government and military computer systems require extra security. A computer's security classification level determines how it manages access and information transfers, which mainly serves to protect information.

Europe is expected to expand steadily over the forecast period. Western European countries such as Germany and France maintain a high installed base of control rooms owing to the rapid transition towards digital communication and the adoption of broadband LTE. Some Eastern European countries, such as the Netherlands, are witnessing a high installation base of control rooms. For instance, in April 2018, Black Box Network Services launched the Emerald Unified KVM Platform to distribute high-quality video, audio, and peripheral signals throughout hybrid environments, including IP and direct connect networks and a combination of physical and virtual desktop servers. Moreover, the growing demand mainly influences the Europe-based KVM market in the transportation sector. For instance, digital KVM switches are used in control room applications for airports and underground railway stations.

The Asia-Pacific KVM extender market is greatly influenced by the rapid advancement of the Internet and technologies in data centers and control rooms, particularly in government agencies and financial institutions. The IT infrastructure of many nations in the Asia-Pacific area has been developing and expanding quickly. KVM extenders are necessary for remote management to set up data centers, server rooms, and other computing facilities. Therefore, companies are partnering and developing new products to increase their market share. 

For instance, Magna Systems & Engineering and Black Box, prominent suppliers of IT connectivity solutions, have inked a channel partner agreement. Consequently, Magna will now supply the broadcast markets in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia with the Black Box keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) product line. For more than 50 years, Magna has provided services to the broadcast sector in the Asia-Pacific area. Such factors propel regional market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global KVM extender market is segmented into type and end-user.

Based on type, the global KVM extender market is segmented into analog KVM extender and digital KVM extender.

The digital KVM extender segment dominates the global market. Digital KVM extenders are capable of transmitting video signals in digital formats, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI (Digital Visual Interface). Higher resolution, improved image quality, and compatibility with contemporary display technologies are all provided by digital signals. Users are moving away from analog KVM extenders and toward digital ones due to the numerous advantages offered by the former, such as improved resolution, quicker signal switching, and more peripheral options, all of which are in line with the growing popularity of the internet.

Moreover, digital KVM extenders offer better compatibility and support for the majority of other USB devices, including advanced control surfaces, keyboards, mice, and touchscreens. Compatibility with existing network infrastructure is an additional benefit of the military-grade and security-focused growth of the digital KVM extender.

Based on end-users, the global KVM extender market is segmented into commercial, industrial, and others.

Data centers and server rooms are used in commercial settings to store vital computing equipment. IT professionals can access and control servers, switches, and other hardware from a distance with KVM extenders. This makes it possible to manage, troubleshoot, and maintain servers effectively without being physically present in the data center. KVM extenders significantly boost the commercial organization's efficacy and efficiency.

For example, digital signage is used in most commercial spaces, like shopping malls, to direct audiences to specific information sharing; it is also used in airline terminals for passenger navigation and in restaurants and sporting venues for other messaging signage. Moreover, commercial aviation employs KVM extenders and switches in air traffic control towers to provide redundancy for mission-critical application systems.

Recent Developments

• September 2023 - A novel USB-C® Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch dock for two computers was unveiled by Cable Matters®, a leading provider of connectivity solutions in the industry. With the Cable Matters USB-C KVM Switch Dock, two devices can share two ultra-high-definition displays, a single USB-C connection, a single keyboard and mouse, and a single charger and peripheral.