Question:

I’m seeking expert advice on implementing two specific functionalities for our desktop systems, which are predominantly accessed remotely and currently remain powered on at all times.

Firstly, I’m interested in a solution that would allow users to remotely wake their desktops through a web interface.

Secondly, I’m looking for a tool that can monitor the status of these desktops—whether they’re active, idle, or in sleep mode—and calculate their power consumption.

Could anyone recommend a system or software capable of these functions?

Thank you.

Answer:

The ability to wake up desktops remotely is commonly referred to as Wake-on-LAN (WoL). This functionality allows a computer to be turned on or awakened by a network message. For implementing WoL across a web interface, you would need a combination of software and hardware support. The desktops must have network cards that support WoL and be connected to a power source even when turned off.

There are several software solutions available that can create a web interface to send the magic packet required for WoL. These solutions range from open-source projects like

Wake On LAN by Aquila Technology to commercial software like SolarWinds Wake-On-LAN

. These tools can be integrated into your existing network infrastructure to provide a seamless user experience.

Monitoring Desktop State and Power Usage

For monitoring the state of desktops and estimating power usage, you would need a system that can interface with the desktops’ operating systems and possibly the hardware for real-time data. Software like

Spiceworks Network Monitor and ManageEngine OpManager

can monitor desktop states and provide analytics on their usage patterns.

To estimate power usage, you might need to look into more specialized software that can interface with the desktops’ power management systems. Tools like

Granola by MiserWare and EnviProt Auto Shutdown Manager

can track energy consumption and even automate power-saving modes based on usage patterns.

Combining Both Functionalities

Ideally, you would want a unified solution that combines both remote wake-up and power monitoring capabilities. While a single out-of-the-box solution may not be readily available, you can consider customizing existing IT management platforms using their APIs. Platforms like

ManageEngine

offer a wide range of functionalities, including device management and monitoring, which can be tailored to your specific needs.

In conclusion, the technology to implement the functionalities you desire is available and can be customized to fit your organization’s infrastructure. By adopting these solutions, you can enhance the efficiency of your desktop systems and contribute to your company’s sustainability goals. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope this information proves helpful in your quest for a smarter workspace.