Abstract: A system for transparent switching of management sessions utilizing in-band and out-of-band technologies is provided. The system provides continuous access to the managed system(s) by combining in-band tools, which generally require lower network bandwidth and provide better response time with less latency when the system under management is in-service, with out-of-band tools that provide continued access to the system under management when the network interface or operating system become unstable or the system in placed by an operator or falls unexpectedly to an out-of-service condition.