Working in technology, we talk a lot about backup plans.
In fact, we talk about it all the time.
Because nothing is more devastating and can ruin your business faster than losing your data and not having the ability to get it back.
But there’s another type of backup plan you should also have in place. It’s called a UPS - an uninterruptible power supply, and it’s one of the most important investments you can make for the computers in your office. Not only will it protect your hardware investment, but it works to prevent data loss too.
As we approach the hottest months of the year, the weather can get pretty wild. Storms whip up, temperatures rise, lightning strikes occur, and blackouts roll all across the United States. And when the electrical current that feeds your technology isn’t steady, it can have dire consequences for your electronics.
Spikes in electrical current can happen for many reasons:
Spikes - an increase in voltage for short periods of time. This can be a lightning strike or a sudden power surge when your power is restored after a widespread outage.
Power Surges - this is a dramatic increase in voltage. It last for moments but can have significant damage to electronics
Noise - interference from things like lightning or generators. It causes disrupted power going into your devices.
Blackout - a cut in power usually caused when a transformer is damaged, or a power line goes down.
Brownout - this happens when the circuits are overloaded. If you have too many electronics connected and in use at the same time, it can trigger a brownout.
Your UPS will provide consistent backup power during inconsistent power issues. It protects both your equipment and your data by stabilizing the voltage that runs through it.
But like anything, your UPS needs change as the equipment ages. The older your UPS, the more you should assess your needs and consider your options, which in some cases may be replacing the equipment.
Is any of this true for your situation?
- The manufacturer no longer supports your equipment. If the company no longer offers your technology and you aren’t eligible for a service contract, it’s time to replace your existing UPS.
- You can no longer find parts to repair and maintain the equipment.
- The equipment no longer supports the IT loads for which it was intended. The same holds true if your IT needs have significantly outgrown your equipment.
- UPS firmware/software is no longer compatible with current security protocols, leaving you open for cyber attacks.
A new UPS can offer many advantages, such as greater energy efficiency and a more intuitive, user-friendly interface. Every case is different, but if your UPS is more than ten years old or you’re unsure if it’s fully meeting your needs, it may be time to start assessing your options.
