Currently I have a APC Smart-UPS 1500VA USB & Serial RM 2U 120V (SUA1500RM2U). http://apc.com/resource/include/techspec_i...;total_watts=50

Im looking to purchase a network management card to use for this UPS. I have decided on the UPS network Management card (AP9617) http://apc.com/resource/include/techspec_i...amp;language=en

Does anyone know if there is additional equipment that is required in order to have alerts sent out? Im assuming that I will require an additional pc to attach to the UPS in order to monitor and send out alerts. Is this correct? Please explain. If the additional PC is required, will it require an exchange mailbox in order to send out alerts? I have requested additional information from APC however they have yet to respond. If anyone has experience with these products or similar ones, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, an additional dedicated PC to the UPS would be the best way IMO. You could also just set the software up on the server or your tech room workstation, but that way isn't as redundant as a dedicated PC would be. If your company uses Exchange for its internal email then yes you will need to create a mailbox for it or have it use an existing mailbox.

A PC just for this seems exessive. Putting the software onto one of the servers will be the esiest way.
Also that way you cant have the PC fail and nothng be monitoring the UPS. If your server fails, your screwed anyways, as thats what the UPS is powering right?


However, as I understand it, some of these UPS network cards do not require a PC at all.
They simply have a web interface, and you setup SMTP address for it to send from, and a lot of other settings, like plugging into managment software on all the computers/servers attached to the UPS so that on power fail, you can stagger there shutdown, based on importance, or role.

This is how we have it setup at my companny. We have 3 large HP UPS's (not sure of VA) that have built in Network cards, and do the above.

Works very well, as things like the routers and Domain Controler can be kept online for much longer than less important devices, like File servers and the like.