Can PowerChute Business Edition shut down more than 2 servers?

[Anonymous user]

Hello. We need to install SRT2200XLI which will provide power to 3 PCs. Can we make PowerChute Business Edition shut down all 3 PCs on low battery?

Since the UPS doesn't have a Network Management Card, we can't use PowerChute Network Shutdown, right? Thanks and best regards.

[BillP]

Hello Aleksandar, 

You can use the AP9624 (Interface expander) which gives you 2 additional serial ports to shut down up to 3 computers/servers with PCBE. The card would install into the Smart Slot on your UPS and you can download PCBE 9.2 for free from our website. 

Thanks,

Shanon

[voidstar_apc]

I'm biased but I personally like the network management cards (AP9630/31/35). You get Powerchute Network Shutdown for free and the cards let you monitor the UPS over the network. There are demo systems you can connect to at testdrive.apc.com. Might want to compare that with PCBE.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

If you're comfortable with a third party solution, apcupsd and Network UPS Tools both have the capability to let multiple computers monitor a single UPS and automatically shut down when appropriate.

There may, however, be some limitations on support with the current generation of Smart UPS products that communicate using the Microlink protocol. apcupsd can communicate with these over a USB connection and both programs will work just fine when communicating with an APC network management card (such as the AP9630/31/35 previously mentioned).

(I'm not sure how the optional Modbus capability offered on all later and current production Smart UPS products factors in to this, or if it factors in at all.)