Anyone uses remote 'reset' devices?

[gse]

If any tech here has experience with using devices which allow to remotely 'reset' or power cycle the locked up servers?
Which is easier on hardware - complete power cycling or just the device that emulates 'reset' button? please post your opinion.
thanx

[Phiber]

What is it you wnat to do?
Reboot if it hangs and you cant gain shell access?

[gse]

yes, when OS locks up you get no shell access and you want to reset it remotely (to save the trip and the time). Found couple of devices, sort of modem you can dial in and turn the power off and on - this is a complete power cycling the box. One device I found won't power cycle, but acts like 'reset' button. Not sure which is better, any ideas?

[hp]

reset is as good as shutting it down.

[Phiber]

Set up a second machine with a program that reset the server, a watch dog as they are called. a old 486 should do and wont cost that much...