Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, unexpected power outages can seriously disrupt your business, impact your IT systems, and potentially cause costly downtime and the loss of critical data.
In the UK, power outages can last up to 151 minutes on average, with many losing power for three to four hours.
Even a relatively short time without power can have far-reaching consequences. But by deploying a reliable backup power source, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) ensures your systems stay up and running, safeguarding your data and equipment even if the power grid goes down. In this blog we explore why a UPS is so critical to safeguard your IT systems, and some essential factors to consider when choosing a UPS to suit your business.
Understanding the Role of a UPS in IT Infrastructure
A UPS acts as a buffer between your IT equipment and the power grid, providing emergency power when the main supply fails. This critical component ensures that your computers and other IT systems continue running long enough to either restore power or shut down systems properly.
Protect Against Data Loss and Downtime
Power outages or sudden interruptions can lead to data loss and system downtime, costing your business time and money. An uninterruptible power supply mitigates these risks by maintaining consistent power to critical systems, preventing abrupt shutdowns, and ensuring that ongoing processes can be completed safely.
Safeguarding Equipment and Extending Lifespan
Beyond keeping your systems running during outages, a UPS shields your hardware from damage caused by power surges, spikes, and fluctuations. These power anomalies can severely reduce the lifespan of IT equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacements. A UPS helps protect your investment and extend the operational life of your infrastructure.
Ensuring Business Continuity and Compliance
For many businesses, regulatory compliance requires systems to be continuously operational and data to be protected. A UPS helps meet these compliance standards by ensuring your IT setup remains available during power outages. This helps prevent service interruptions and fosters trust with customers and clients, who rely on you for consistent service delivery.
Choosing the Right UPS for Your IT Needs
IT teams often prefer having full control over their UPS setup, integrating it into their network for transparency and easy management. Environmental monitoring cards that allow compatibility with existing systems are also key, as they enable IT teams to track power, temperature, and other crucial factors. With numerous servers, cabinets, and racks to protect, efficiency and effective space management are vital.
Here are some essential factors to consider:
- Power: The first step in choosing a UPS is determining the total power usage of the devices you need to protect to define the appropriate capacity. Be sure to add a buffer of 20-30% to cater for additional power demands.
- Runtime: If your priority is to safely shut down equipment after an outage, a UPS with a few minutes of backup power may suffice. However, for critical operations that require uninterrupted power, you need a UPS with a longer runtime.
- Outlets: In larger IT setups, where numerous devices run simultaneously, it’s crucial that the UPS can accommodate everything, including servers, routers, and monitors, without overloading.
- Size and design: Some UPSs are desktop-friendly, while others can be rack-mounted in server cabinets. With many IT teams housing multiple cabinets and racks in the same area, choosing a form factor that fits seamlessly into your space and setup is essential.
- Network and environmental monitoring: IT teams often prefer UPS systems that integrate with their existing network, allowing them to manage power usage remotely and monitor environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Environmental monitoring cards can ensure real-time updates and compatibility with the broader IT network, offering transparency and greater control over the infrastructure.
Take Action Now to Protect Your IT Setup
A UPS is no longer a luxury but a necessity for any business reliant on IT infrastructure. By investing in a UPS, you can prevent data loss, protect your equipment, and ensure business continuity. Don’t wait for an unexpected outage to highlight your vulnerabilities – take action now to safeguard your systems.
Explore BCL Power’s UPS Solutions
At BCL Power, we offer a range of UPS systems designed to meet your specific IT needs. Our expert team can help you choose the right solution to protect your infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted business operations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your IT setup.