ISS Technology Update, Vol. 7 Number 6
ISS Technology Update Volume 7, Number 6
6
Choosing the right type
HP ProLiant server groups are designed to use standard power supplies, supporting multiple platforms with a common slot. But,
choosing the right UPS can be confusing since there are different types: line interactive, standby (offline), and online double
conversion. Furthermore, one needs to be aware of whether data center servers use a true sine wave or a “pseudo” sine wave
(typical in low end UPSs). For optimum compatibility, servers should be connected to a UPS that provides the same type of
wave output. If your server power supply will tolerate a pseudo sine wave input, then a lower cost UPS may be adequate (be
sure to check the specifications of your server).
The main considerations when selecting a suitable UPS are as follows:
• Which operating system is running on the server? Linux-based servers shut down differently than Windows-based servers.
• What applications are running and much time do they need to shut down gracefully? An Outlook server takes more time than
a print server.
• How much power in Volt-amperes (VA) does each server require? Consider the “nameplate” rating or, preferably, the online
computer-calculated power consumption, if provided by the server manufacturer.
• What is the server wattage? This is calculated as follows: (VA) x Power factor = Watts
• Will the UPS back up one or multiple servers?
• Is UPS management needed? Typically, UPS manufacturers offer a basic management software component (provided for free
on the higher end models). Examples of more sophisticated applications include using a network connectivity solution, or
when multiple servers are attached to the same UPS and need to be shut down at different times.
Remote monitoring and other management options
HP and other UPS systems offer several management features:
• remote monitoring
• hardware resource deployment
• health monitoring
• software version control
• performance monitoring
• vulnerability scanning and patch management
• power management
For example, HP Power Manager is a web-based application that allows administrators to manage an HP UPS from a browser-
based management console (Figure 2-2).