Weve all seen headlines describing Californias struggles to meet power demand while utility companies are in the process of being deregulated. The lack of adequate power reserves has led to power alerts and rolling black- outs throughout much of the state, with results ranging from mere inconvenience to downright life-threatening situations. Imagine being in an elevator or lying on an operating table when power is unceremoniously cut. Its impossible to discount the importance of reliable power. The same approach should be stressed when discussing backing up a main server.
The coexistence of the information age with the age of utility deregulation magnifies the problem. When the power goes out, an unprotected business can be brought to its knees. Even when the power returns, critical data may be lost and expensive hardware damaged after the briefest of power outages.
Your customers may be harboring false senses of security if they are relying solely on gas-powered generators for network support. Many larger facilities such as hospitals may rely on backup generators during emergency blackouts. Generators are fine for supporting lighting and other industrial applications, but an uninterruptible power supply system is specifically designed to protect sensitive computer equipment. In order to maintain productivity during a blackout, offer your customers network management software and a UPS.
There are myriad UPS vendors out there, so select one with a wide breadth of product that provides superior customer support and connected equipment insurance. In the long run, your customers will experience fewer power-related network problems, and you will avoid “damage control” phone calls.
Its up to solutions providers to protect their customers against the fallout of deregulation by encouraging them to invest in reliable power protection.
Priscilla W. Galgan is VP of sales/marketing at Tripp Lite, a designer and manufacturer of electronic power equipment. Comments on this column can be sent to smartletters@ziffdavis.com.