We've been using APC UPSs for at least 3 years. We probably have
about 40 in use at the moment. In that time we've had one unit fail. We
probably experience 5-6 power outages per year, most lasting only a
few seconds. In the time we've been using APC units we've had 2
power outages which lasted long enough to drain the UPSs. Mileage
Apparently Varies.

- Joe Alexander

>>> "[log in to unmask]" 09/08/98 07:13pm >>>
Excuse the somewhat off-topic posting, but there is a good cross
section
of system managers on the lists...

We have recently had a rash of failures of APC brand UPS systems
which
are typically deployed as backup for small departmental servers (NT and
Novell) and in the network MDFs for the hubs/switches in the buildings.
These are typically supporting 7-15 amps with a target runtime of at
least 10-15 minutes.

For our large-scale needs we use Best FerrUPS and have had great luck
with them.  But four of the APC UPS units have died in the last month,
two of them going completely black, the other two lockup in battery
mode (it's not overloaded either, it stays that way with load removed).

I'd be interested in some recommended alternatives that you have had a
proven track record of reliability.  We don't necessarily need fancy
monitoring software or server integration for the most part, just a
reliable UPS for the MDFs to carry us through the typical historical
profile of short power interruptions.

Thanks in advance, reply directly and I will summarize.

Jeff Kell <[log in to unmask]>
Systems/Network Administrator
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga