ISS Technology Update, Volume 6 Number 8 - Newsletter

ISS Technology Update Volume 6, Number 8
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Implementing power management software in large, remote environments
If you install or maintain power products, you know how critical it is to properly set up and monitor the uninterruptible power
supply (UPS) environment. In addition to the already known challenges, many enterprises are now facing the new challenge of
monitoring and maintaining a growing number of remote UPS sites. Various products are available for implementing power
management software in large, remote environments, but this article focuses on how the latest one⎯the HP UPS Management
Module⎯helps large or small companies better manage their multiple UPS systems from anywhere, at any time.
About the HP UPS Management Module
The HP UPS Management Module is an enhanced version of the HP UPS Power Manager (which required a dedicated server).
The newly designed management module features a controller with embedded software that enables comprehensive control of
power environments provided by either a single or parallel UPS configuration. Like its predecessor, it allows remote capability
by connecting UPSs directly to the network so you can remotely perform routine management tasks (for example, change
settings, monitor power, and time the shutdown procedure) through a standard Web browser. A built-in system log now gives
you access to detailed data for analysis, further facilitating the remote management of large UPS environments.
Enhancements
Here are some highlights of the enhanced features offered by the HP UPS Management Module. (A detailed description of all
functionality is included in the HP UPS Management Module User Guide.)
Flexibility and control
With more flexible control features, the enhanced HP UPS Management Module replaces previous tools of its kind:
• The management module can be configured to send alert traps to HP Systems Insight Manager and other SNMP management
programs, or it can be used as a standalone management system.
• Redundant UPS configuration provides added protection for no single-point-of-failure.
• Additional serial ports provide greater power management control and flexible monitoring.
• The following operating systems are now supported on x86 platforms: VMware ESX Server 2.5.4 and 3.0.1 (for a list of all
supported operating systems, refer to “Additional resources” below).
• As a plug-in into HP Systems Insight Manager (HP SIM), users can now discover the HP UPS Management Module, send and
receive SNMP traps, and launch the HP Management Module from the HP SIM Tools menu and Link tab.
Automated productivity functions
The HP UPS Management Module has productivity functions built into its embedded management software that eliminate the
need for a management server and that allow you to:
• Customize alerts to send email notification messages and SNMP traps
• Manage independent UPS load segments
• Control connected equipment
• Display text logs and graphical data
• Manage a graceful shutdown of attached equipment during a utility power failure