Patrick McLaughlin
Fortress. Rack. It makes you think you`re in the Middle Ages. Actually, it`s more like cutting-edge 21st century equipment we`re talking about. Best Power (Necedah, WI) has developed new uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) in its Fortress line that are directly rack-mountable inside a telecommunications closet.
The Fortress Rackmount line comprises four new models: 740-, 1050-, 1425-, and 2250- volt-ampere sizes. The 750-VA unit is 31/2 inches tall; the 1050- and 1425-VA units are 51/4 inches tall; and the 2250-VA model is 7 inches tall. All models include features such as user-programmable buck/ boost and nominal voltage regulation; user interface; a built-in BestDock communications slot for expanded communications options such as PC interface via the Internet; front-panel, user-replaceable batteries; and built-in transient surge suppression for associated modem or network connections.
"An increasing number of routers, servers, hubs, and other network equipment are being placed in rack enclosures," says Tom Thiele, Best Power product manager. "Now all the features recently introduced in new Fortress tower models are available for rack-mount applications, including advanced power control and monitoring capability over the network." Every rack-mountable Fortress ups includes Best Power`s Checkups II Suite power-management software and connecting cable. Checkups supports operating systems, including dos, Windows 3.1x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, OS/2, Novell/Windows 3.1x, Novell/dos, and several versions of unix.
The BestLink snmp/web adapter, also recently introduced, is separately available for Fortress Rackmount. Best Power says this option provides both network- and Web-based monitoring capability in any network-connected computer using a Web-based browser between the associated ups connected via an Ethernet local-area or wide-area network. The adapter can also be used with any other UPS from Best Power that is equipped for RS-232 serial communications.