The APC UPS Selector is a free,
interactive online tool that helps you decide on the right UPS
battery backup unit for your unique requirements.
Because these changes in utility voltage are
often incredibly fast, the UPS battery backup unit must be able to
switch over to battery power extremely fast to avoid data
loss.
In fact, one of the major differentiators
between an entry-level UPS battery unit and a more advanced,
server-grade, battery backup unit is the transfer time between
utility power and battery.
There are also much more expensive online UPS
battery units that maintain a constant live connection with the
battery backup power source, virtually eliminating transfer time.
Unattended Shutdown Capability of UPS Battery Backups
A server-grade UPS battery backup unit
absolutely needs to have unattended shutdown capability. Through a
hardware interface, typically implemented through either the serial
or USB port, the battery backup unit is in constant real-time
communication with the power management software running on the
server.
Tip:
Many inexpensive, entry-level, desktop UPS units include an
interface to the PC for limited power management functions and
unattended shutdown capabilities. This is a great feature I
strongly recommend.
Unattended shutdown capability, working hand in
hand with the operating system, is designed to kick in when the
server has been on battery for a preconfigured amount of time.
Because servers usually are running 7-by-24 and
small businesses rarely have around-the-clock on-site
computer support, the battery backup unit needs to be able to shut
the server down gracefully when no one is available to
perform the shutdown task manually. Note that this graceful, automated
shutdown is vitally important to preventing data corruption and data
loss associated with hard crash shutdowns.
Because the UPS battery backup interface and
its included power management software need to communicate properly
with your PC or server hardware, operating system and software
applications, it’s very important to ask about interface and
operating system compatibility, before you buy. The power
management software needs to be compatible and preferably
vendor-certified for your desired operating system. Also be sure you
have an available serial or USB port on your PC or server.
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