Thinking of replacing your aging UPS? Don’t wait for a power outage! This article explores the benefits of upgrading to newer, more efficient UPS models, saving you money and protecting your valuable data.
Key Takeaways:
- Newer UPS models offer smaller size, longer lifespans, and environmental sustainability.
- Upgrading your UPS can prevent downtime and data loss during power outages and surges.
- Businesses can benefit from cost savings and reduced environmental impact with newer UPS technology.
Q: Should I replace my old UPS?
A: If your UPS is nearing the end of its lifespan or isn’t providing adequate protection, consider upgrading to a newer model for improved performance, efficiency, and data security.
Like any other piece of IT equipment, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) have a limited lifespan, typically lasting between eight to ten years. During this time, UPS batteries usually require replacement multiple times. When a UPS reaches the end of its life, it’s crucial to replace it to prevent downtime. Businesses now have the opportunity to save money and reduce their environmental impact by upgrading to more sustainable and feature-rich UPS models, particularly at edge computing sites.
Newer UPS models offer numerous advantages: they are smaller, lighter, and feature batteries with extended lifespans. Some of these models are also designed with sustainable materials, including recycled metals, which aligns with the growing trend of environmentally friendly equipment procurement.
In addition to addressing sustainability, the need to prevent downtime is another significant driver for replacing legacy UPSs. While most organizations carefully monitor the health and performance of their UPS units, those at remote edge computing sites, where IT staff may be absent, can sometimes be overlooked. This can result in outdated or even useless units staying in place.
When choosing a UPS, IT teams should consider two main criteria: the lifespan of the unit itself (up to ten years) and the battery lifespan. Newer UPS models come with lithium-ion batteries that last as long as the UPS itself, reducing maintenance costs and the need for on-site technicians.
It’s crucial to remember that UPSs play a vital role in safeguarding critical infrastructure against power surges and providing temporary power during electrical outages. A failure in an outdated UPS can lead to data loss, equipment damage, and costly downtime. The cost of such outages can exceed $100,000, according to the Uptime Institute.
In addition to preventing downtime, modern UPS models also offer benefits like a smaller footprint. As businesses adopt advanced technologies like AI and AR, they require more server space, leaving less room for UPS. Newer UPS models are smaller yet offer enhanced power protection, potentially saving significant rack space and facilitating future technology deployments.
Furthermore, these newer UPS models are more sustainable and secure. They are more energy-efficient, generate less heat, and are constructed from recyclable materials. This not only helps businesses save on cooling and power costs but also reduces their carbon footprint.
Security features like locks on access doors and customizable user interfaces are present in modern UPSs, ensuring protection against tampering and adherence to cybersecurity and physical security protocols. Remote monitoring and management capabilities are also more advanced, offering visibility into UPS performance and predictive maintenance data.
For edge computing environments, UPS models like APC Smart-UPS Ultra and Smart-UPS Modular Ultra meet the criteria of sustainability, compactness, efficiency, and extended lifecycles. They are the ideal choice for upgrading legacy UPSs and modernizing power management.
Ensuring UPSs at the edge perform optimally is crucial for IT operations. If your UPS fleet is due for an upgrade, now is an excellent time for an assessment. Identify which units need replacement and take advantage of the new features that can help you save money and contribute to a sustainable future
