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6.0 UPS Monitoring

6.1 Overview

A UPS system provides excellent protection from brief power problems. However,
during an extended power outage an unattended computer system will eventually
shut down from battery capacity exhaustion. To prevent data corruption when the
UPS shuts down, your computer must be informed by the UPS of impending shut-
down and take appropriate file-saving measures. This is called UPS monitoring. The
UPSs Computer Interface port allows your UPS to communicate with a computer
system.
Some computer operating systems have built-in UPS monitoring. These systems
require various hardware interfaces. Interface kits for all operating systems that
support UPS monitoring are available from your dealer. In addition, your dealer also
offers PowerChute software which enhances built-in UPS monitoring. Versions of
PowerChute are available to add UPS monitoring to operating systems which do not
provide it.

6.2 Interface Kits

Interface kits are available for operating systems that provide UPS monitoring. Each
kit includes the specific interface cable for converting status signals from the UPS into
signals the operating systems recognize. Each kit includes all necessary installation
instructions. Systems for which interface kits are offered include Novell, LAN Man-
ager, LANtastic, Banyan VINES, and IBM AS/400.

6.3 PowerChute Software

PowerChute software provides complete data protection for most operating systems.
This software is a background process that monitors the UPS through a RS-232 serial
port on the host. PowerChute offers user notification of impending shutdown, power
event logging, auto-restart upon power return, and UPS battery conservation features.
For selected operating systems, PowerChute offers sophisticated power diagnostic and
network power management features. These include interactive battery testing;
scheduled server shutdowns, reboots and battery testing; detailed power quality
logging and a remote, real time, graphic power status display showing UPS loading
and battery conditions. PowerChute is available for many platforms including Novell,
OS/2, AppleShare, XENIX, most UNIX-based operating systems, and DEC VAX/VMS.
Caution: Use only factory supplied or authorized UPS monitoring cables!