APC Powerchute Business Edition - Basic

[Edu-IT]

Hi there!

Have APC PBE installed on the main server here; probably a daft question but does any software need to be installed on the other servers connected to the UPS?

Under device list I can see one of the other servers, under discovery, but when I try to add this there is an error about applying the configuration profile.

Thanks for any help.

[kmount]

How are the servers connected to the ups? serial? network?

[timzim]

You need to install client on every server you want to shutdown from the main BackupExec server (i.e. the one connected by usb/serial port to the UPS). You also need to install the console on a workstation if you want to manage the software (which I presume you do). To install either client or console you should be able to use the same installation program you used to install the server module.

[Edu-IT]

Serial cable.

You need to install client on every server you want to shutdown from the main BackupExec server (i.e. the one connected by usb/serial port to the UPS).

Right, I'll need to check what is on the discs then. So lets say Server 1 is the main one, which has the program on right now, I need to also put the client on Server 2 and Server 3 if I want them to be monitored.

[timzim]

With the basic version you can only monitor 1 UPS (using the console installed on, say, workstation1). You use the install the server module on the server which is directly connected to the ups via usb/serial (call this server1). You install the client module on any server drawing power from the ups (server2 & server3, say).

You use server1 to monitor the power output, etc of the ups. If there's a power cut server1 will detect that the ups is on batteries and send a command to server2 & server3 to shut themselves down gracefully (if you've configured it to do so, using the console on workstation1). If you don't have the client on a server then it can't be shutdown from server1 when there's a problem.

I think that's right but correct me if not.

If you want to monitor more than 1 ups you need to purchase the next version up of BackupExec.

For installation I'm sure you just run the same program on each machine and it gives you the option for server, client or console.

[Edu-IT]

I was about to ask that, the version I have says single node on the disc.

If anyone can confirm the above before I spend time trying, that would be appreciated.

[Nixphoe]

timzim is correct.
There is also another solution a UPS Network Management Card. It will do the same thing. Not sure which would be more cost effective for you.

I've also seen, but not used, the command file. You might look at setting up a batch file to use the shutdown command to shutdown the servers that are plugged into that APC. Then under Events > Actions > Command File, point to that batch file that you have setup.

[Edu-IT]

You might look at setting up a batch file to use the shutdown command to shutdown the servers that are plugged into that APC. Then under Events > Actions > Command File, point to that batch file that you have setup.

Nice idea actually.

Something like

shutdown -f-m \\Server

perhaps?

[Nixphoe]

I would include the -s tag as well

shutdown -s -f -m \\computername -t 0
Depending on your settings with APC shutting down your system you may or may not want to setup the t tag even for 0 (zero).

[Edu-IT]

I would include the -s tag as well

Would be a good start.

Thanks!