How to monitor and control multiple UPS's?

[Anonymous user]

We have 5 SmartUPS 1500's (4 stand alone, 1 rack mount). I want to install some type of APC software on one of our servers that will allow me to monitor and control all of our UPSs.

What software do I need? Can the software run on a virtual server (VMware) or does it have to go on a physical server? I want the software to be able to provide a controlled shutdown during extended power outages and I need something that can shut down VMware VM's if possible.

What do I do for cabling all of the UPSs to a single server?

Thanks.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

PowerChute Network Shutdown is the software that would work with VM environment i.e. Hyper-V and VMWare. To use this software you would need to have a network management card on the UPS. The network management card is responsible on sending UPS status and On Battery events to the PCNS. Because of this, you also need to have a network setup on your end. Also, you will need to purchase PowerChute Network Shutdown if it is for Hyper-V and VMWare. The free version of PCNS does not support VMWare and Hyper-V. See the links below for Operating System Compatibility and the correct version that you should use.

Another software that we have is PowerChute Business Edition, but this would not work on VMWare and Hyper-V environments and the PC where you are going to install this would need to connected to the UPS thru Serial or USB connection.

Below are the links for PCNS

PCNS Product Information Paget > http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=127
PCNS Operating System Compatibility Chart > http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SJHN-7AYQNP_R21_EN.pdf