An inexpensive way to prevent unscheduled downtime or data loss
due to power problems is with a UPS or Uninterruptible Power
Supply. However, a UPS by itself is not enough for proper
operation. Hardware, software, and configuration together make
up a UPS system that will recover from unexpected power loss or
power fluctuations that can damage systems and peripherals. When
considering data loss, system downtime and disaster recovery,
backup methods are primarily discussed. There are many methods
of preventing data loss, including clustering, backup, security
and power conditioning. Proper power can prevent an initial
disaster from ever occurring. Providing proper power can be in
the form of an Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS. A UPS has
rechargeable batteries to supply emergency power in the event of
immediate power loss. If the power loss is longer than the
batteries can supply, then the UPS can signal the server to
initiate a power down sequence to properly shutdown, preventing
data loss. When power is re