PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1410173
PUBLISHER: Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1410173
The KVM switch market was valued at US$574.633 million in 2021.
The KVM switch market is projected to show steady growth during the forecast period. A KVM switch is a specialized hardware device designed to enable a user to manage several computers using one or more sets of video monitors, keyboards, and mice. Depending on their specific configuration KVM switches can support either a single monitor or multiple monitors. The prominent drivers of the KVM switch industry growth are the improved data centres establishments, the surge in remote work arrangements, and advancements in technology.
KVM switches are widely used in data centers to efficiently manage multiple servers and systems from a central location, enabling streamlined control and increased productivity. Data centers establishment is experiencing a rapid surge due to the exponential growth of digital data and cloud-based services owing to which the need for scalable and agile management solutions becomes paramount. KVM switches offer a cost-effective way to optimize workspace utilization and enhance data security making them an essential component in data centers. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2022, the volume of data center workloads reached 800 million, marking a significant increase of 340% compared to the workload in 2015.
KVM switches are instrumental in remote work arrangements as they enable individuals to manage multiple computers or servers from a singular location, using just one set of a keyboard, video monitor, and mouse. Remote work has surged significantly due to various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changing corporate policies that encourage flexible work arrangements. Hence, as more organizations embrace remote work, the demand for KVM switches increases. As per the report provided by the UK Parliament, in June 2020, approximately 11% of the workforce in Great Britain worked remotely for at least one day, and by September 2022, this percentage had doubled, with 22% of the workforce carrying out their work from home for at least one day.
The KVM switch industry growth is being propelled by significant advancements in KVM switch technology, which now includes support for high-resolution displays and USB-C connectivity. These modern and versatile solutions are appealing to users seeking more sophisticated and efficient ways to manage multiple systems from a single location. For instance, in December 2020, ATEN International announced the launch of the CS22H 2-Port USB 4K HDMI Cable KVM Switch which features a remote port selector, further enhancing its functionality. Also, in September 2021, Cable Matters introduced a USB-C KVM switch that supports either 8K or Dual 4K video output.
Asia-Pacific will constitute a major share of the KVM switch market largely due to the rapid increase in data centers establishments and substantial government initiatives or investments which are bolstering the regional market growth. For instance, In May 2022, NTT announced the launch of a new data center in Mumbai. The company further announced its plans for eight additional data centers, aiming to achieve a facility load capacity of 509 MW by March 2024. Also, in February 2023, Trans, a cutting-edge manufacturer of consumer electronics based in Taiwan, unveiled its adaptive KVM switch that seamlessly combines USB-C, HDMI, and USB 2.0 functionalities into one cohesive unit.
Businesses are rapidly moving their operations to cloud-based platforms by which the need for physical hardware, such as KVM switches, may diminish. For example, in a cloud computing environment, resources are often managed through software interfaces, eliminating the need for direct hardware control that KVM switches provide. Moreover, solutions like virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) allow remote access to multiple virtual machines hosted on a cloud server, which could further decrease the need for KVM switches. As cloud technology continues to evolve and provide more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions, the reliance on physical KVM switches could potentially decline, posing a restraint to the market's growth.