Despite continuous advances in computer technology, power outages continue to be a major cause of personal computer (PC) and server downtime, highlights power management provider Jasco Power Solutions MD Marco da Silva, who adds that protecting computer systems with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) solutions should form part of a total backup solution.

He tells Engineering News that having a reliable Web-based interface power solution that is integrated with multinetwork communication protocols can allow for comprehensive and understandable remote monitoring and management of UPS systems.

“When it comes to protecting computer systems, an integrated solution takes into consideration the backup time needed, the possible amount of time that a UPS will contend with power failures, the recharge capability of UPS batteries and whether it will communicate with the information technology (IT) device for a soft and automated shutdown or restart,” says Da Silva.

Other factors that must be considered include the UPS heat dissipation to ensure that sufficient cooling is applied, and ensuring that the electrical network is correctly applied in the building circuits that feed the UPS.

Da Silva further explains that a network interface card connected directly to the network enables a UPS to notify the user of any problems through a configurable notification feature that uses text messaging or a website interface.

“The UPS system communicates through simple network management protocol (SNMP) or a transmission control protocol interface. “The SNMP card is typically a separate device that is installed as an aftermarket solution to ensure that the UPS is communicating to customers’ networks and allowing for remote communication from anywhere in the world and, subsequently, for integration and control,” explains Da Silva.

The technology can be applied on protected servers and provides a graceful and unattended shutdown of the extended power outages protecting vital business information.

A graceful and unattended shutdown is a method whereby the UPS, through its SNMP card, monitors the mains feeding into it. When the system notes that the autonomy time on the battery bank is about to be depleted, the SNMP card signals to the IT device to begin a shutdown protocol. This method protects against the unplanned shutdown of IT systems, thereby mitigating the risk of compromising data integrity.

Da Silva further highlights that this technology can produce real-time reports, reduce the requirements for network bandwidth and monitor the alarm systems of organisations, further emphasising integration and proactivity.