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In the event of a power outage in your office, the fate of your mission-critical hardware – switches, firewalls, routers, and servers – hangs in the balance. Are they abruptly powered down, necessitating a reboot? What about the safety of your data?If you've ever grappled with lost time or discovered corrupted data following a power outage, you're aware that IT complexities extend beyond the simplicity of turning a device off and on again.Enter the uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a solution for unplanned outages, safeguarding your machines, time, and data.WEBIT Services has over 25 years of experience helping clients in the greater Chicago area achieve their IT goals.By reading this article, you'll gain insights into the workings of a UPS, its advantages, and potential challenges.
Also referred to as a "battery backup," a UPS retains a charge, delivering short-term power to connected devices during emergencies.UPS devices come in various sizes, featuring diverse battery capabilities. Some cater to personal computers or home offices, while others are robust enough to sustain crucial office hardware like servers, firewalls, and internet routers.Without a UPS, a power outage shuts down mission-critical hardware. However, devices plugged into a UPS benefit from a limited power supply during an outage.In the event of a brief outage (lasting seconds to minutes), a UPS ensures continuous operation for connected devices. Conversely, during an extended outage, the UPS provides sufficient time for a clean shutdown, preventing damage to machines or data.An unexpected, abrupt shutdown can potentially harm equipment or data. Even a few minutes for proper shutdowns can play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety of hardware and data.
In a power outage, devices connected to a UPS continue receiving power until the UPS battery is depleted.At the very least, this facilitates clean shutdowns and data preservation.The duration of power provision by the UPS hinges on its size and the number of connected devices. A larger UPS battery accommodates more devices and sustains them longer than a smaller one.
The UPS's ability to supply power during an outage ensures the operation of critical devices for a limited time.Brief outages do not disrupt the functioning of devices connected to a UPS, eliminating the need for rebooting. While rebooting may not be bothersome for small devices or computers, rebooting servers and firewalls may need expert intervention.Sometimes, you may need an IT technician to help reboot more sensitive, mission-critical hardware and prevent additional loss or damage. If your IT provider is off-site, this means waiting for the technician to arrive on-site.
By preventing sudden shutdowns, a UPS safeguards data from loss or corruption. Interruptions during file downloading, uploading, or saving processes can result in corrupted files, rendering them unusable.A UPS ensures a consistent power supply during outages, allowing time to save files and execute proper shutdowns. The extra time for clean shutdown or file transfers prevents data corruption, ensuring the integrity of files.
A UPS serves as a surge protector, mitigating the risk of hardware damage caused by sudden power surges. It provides a steady, consistent flow of electricity—not too much or too little—to connected devices. This protects them from electrical component damage.For instance, a power surge damaging a critical network switch can render the entire network inoperable. With UPS surge protection, concerns about damage due to power surges are alleviated.
The cost of UPS units varies based on functionality, ranging from approximately $100 to over $1000. Smaller UPS units with limited outlets and battery life may cost around $100, while larger, more powerful units suitable for multiple devices can exceed $1000.Depending on your IT setup, you may need multiple UPSes to protect all mission-critical hardware.Your IT provider can recommend an appropriate UPS based on your IT system and budget, assisting with setup for optimal functionality.
Although the UPS unit may last a decade, its battery typically requires replacement every 3-5 years. While this is a smaller expense than replacing the entire UPS, poor battery maintenance can impact the UPS’s performance over time.Your IT provider can facilitate battery orders, oversee replacements, and monitor the UPS to ensure it remains effective and well-maintained.
A UPS adds an extra layer of protection for essential network hardware and data by providing a power source in an outage. Consider implementing a UPS if you:
A UPS may not be suitable if:
Consult your IT provider or internal IT team to explore the potential benefits of UPS units in your IT system. They can guide you in selecting a UPS that aligns with your needs and budget.Once the UPS is acquired, your IT provider will handle the setup and ongoing maintenance of the device.WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of satisfied clients in the Chicago area select, set up, and utilize technology that increased productivity and protected data.If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see if WEBIT can help.If you're not ready to make a commitment but would like to learn more about IT strategy and IT downtime, we recommend the following articles:
