Abstract: A system for enabling secure remote switching and robotic operation and monitoring of multi-vendor systems such as those in laboratories, factories, classes and networks. Equipment server nodes support Clients, TCL, and equipment server sub-systems. Clients use graphical user interfaces to log-in and access functions on server nodes. A client/server application-level protocol provides programmable levels of security and reliability. Server functions include user management, resource management, reservation, statisitical data, usage case storage and retrieval, and documentation of configurations. Electro-mechanical equipment server sub-systems interconnect a plurality of switch, action control, and command and display modules. Switch modules interconnect a plurality of multi-wire or fiber optical communication interfaces. Action control sub-system modules control power, servo, light, and other action pod modules. Power action modules control and measure equipment power.