Question : Problem: APC Network Management Card

Hi all,

I have a APC UPS we just got and would like to buy a Network Management Card for it but I have a question before I do.

We would like to install the agent on all our servers and have that one UPS shut them all down if utility power fails and battery is starting to run out. I have other UPS systems but am wondering if it is possible to have that one UPS shut them all down since they are all connected to the same utility power, if the one with the management card is on battery so are the others. There are only three servers connected to this UPS but all servers are on the same network. So is it possible to have the UPS shutdown 15 or so servers even if only 3 of them are connected to it by power?


Thanks,
Primus

Answer : Problem: APC Network Management Card

The batch file would send out a management command using a domain administrator's credentials.

This only works with Windows servers and workstations where the administrator's credentials are known, and where your network policy allows remote managment.

APC's software can run on Windows, DOS, Netware, Linux, AIX, etc.

Also, the batch file approach assumes that the one machine is running properly.  It's a single point of failure.  You can't test connectivity.

Also, some models of UPS have multiple groups of outlets so you can perform load shedding.  For instance...lose the backup servers first, then the print servers, then file servers.  Keep the Domain Controller, router, switches, and cameras up until all is lost.

You can't script that scenario.

For $300, you'll save the hassle when someone asks why the server was taken down hard instead of a orderly shutdown.  Hard to explain that you saved $300 by writing a BAT file.

:)