1. Protect servers and network appliances such as firewalls, switches and wireless access points with uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs).

• Make sure that all servers are connected to the UPS via smart cables and have the manufacturer’s software installed and configured correctly to shut the server down safely when battery power drops to a certain threshold (generally 5-10%). For servers, I strongly recommend APC SMART-UPS (not the BACK-UPS which is the consumer line).
• A 1500VA unit can power 1 server,  1 firewall, 1 switch and 1 wireless access point for as long as 45 minutes.
• Additional servers will decrease this time. Additional servers will also requires separate UPSs to make use of the smart cable unless you invest in special UPS cards to be installed in each server and the UPS, which will allow for multiple server connections to the same UPS. (By default, most UPSs only accept one smart cable connection). Definitely seek the advice of an expert if you need this.
• Try to locate the server room away from any exterior walled rooms, make it is as central to the office as possible.

2. Protect workstations, laptops and other electronics with surge protectors or UPSs

• Mission critical workstations, such as those used in CAD or design environments, should have small UPSs (750VA+).
• Do not plug printers of any kind into a UPS (surge protectors are ok)
• APC BACK-UPS with PowerChute Personal software are acceptable.

3. Elevate all computer equipment 6 or more inches off the ground.

• This includes cables. In the case of desktops, mount UPSs high on the inside of the desk to ensure that power cables are not touching the floor.

4. Change UPS batteries when needed

• Build into your annual maintenance routine to check on the battery quality of all of your UPSs, and change out any batteries that need it. Most UPSs come with indicators on the front console when this needs to happen, or they sometimes make noise as well. The management software can also help.

Tags: APC, appliance, battery backup, business continuity, disaster recovery, firewall, flood protection, network protection, power protection, switch, uninterupted power supply, UPS

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