Very Computer

Howdy,

I'm interested in any experiences/advice regarding true un-interruptible
power for systems.  We would like some sure means of keeping our 3.2v4.2
server and modems running for at least several hours in the event of a
local service outage.  We are currently running on an APC SmartUPS-900,
which really only provides about 30-min battery time (configured for
20-minute shutdown).

While our power here is choppy at times (local industry, I presume), we
haven't experienced any downtime (at least since moving here in July '95).
 Our system is critical, though, and overnight processing of store data is
crucial to our operation.

Advice/ideas?

Thanks!
Scot

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Scot Harkins (KA5KDU) | Systems Administrator, Thurman Ind, Bothell, WA
Renton, WA            | Native Texan.  Proud daddy and husband!

How about moving from the APC900 to the APC Matrix Series (3000/5000)?
It's not cheap (cost you about $3000), but you can add as much run
time as you want by adding more batteries (although the base unit
should give you several hours if you're using a 900 now).  
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Chris Resch
Modern Office Methods, Inc.
Cincinnati, OH

Best Power makes extremely fine ups systems which we have relied upon for
8 years that are linked to the sco os so that if power falls below battery
thresholds , then the system is brought down gracefully and reboots itself
upon resumption of active line power - in our case, we have about 30
minutes of backup battery, then off line the system goes without a hitch,
but you can configure their Microferrups systems for just about any
extended battery value or a gas/diesel generator is available to power the
system - it only takes money!

-" I'm built for comfort, not for speed "- JME III
-" Let's just get on with it, shall we? "
- The more we know, the more we realize, the less we know -

Just how critical is critical?

If it absolutely positively has to be up then there are
solutions.

Look into the Best line of power equipment.

They have some serious devices.   They also have options that
monitor the battery power and when it gets to a pre-determined
threshold it starts a small generator to continue providing
power as long as the fuel supply holds out.  I seem to recall
the minimum duration is about 24 hours.

I believe they are using the Onan generators which have been
proven reliable over the last 1/2 century or so.

Depending on length of power support these really do start to
make sense on an economical basis once you start require lots
of batteries.  On a long term basis they will also be cheaper
than replacing the batteries every 3 or so years.  By that I
mean the larger batteries that you would need for long term
outages.  You still require the battery for the initial outage
and the one for the generator.

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