Uninterrupted learning, protected

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), are big, intelligent, batteries that protect critical IT infrastructure devices from power cuts and fluctuations. They provide short term emergency power in the event of power cuts, ensure that critical infrastructure devices receive a clean and stable power supply and when required send shutdown messages to devices to ensure a clean shutdown, preventing data loss or corruption.

IT Infrastructure devices ensure that the data critical to running your school is accessible and available. These devices require power to run but can also be damaged by power spikes. A well-designed UPS solution will ensure that, in the event of a power cut, your critical infrastructure devices can keep running, and can also protect your devices from damage by power surges, preventing costly replacement or repair charges.

Three of the DfE Digital and Technology Standards in schools, reference the requirement for a UPS or redundant power options:

• Servers and storage: For all servers you should have a UPS with automatic, safe shutdown of servers and a minimum of 30 minutes run-time.
• Network switching: The critical core switches should be connected to at least one UPS.
• Broadband internet: Redundant power options on core active network equipment.

When choosing a UPS solution to protect your critical devices there are some key considerations:

• Battery technology - UPSs are available with two different battery types, valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) and lithium-ion (Li-ion). VRLA systems generally have a lower initial cost but a higher Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a greater environmental impact. This is because VRLA batteries typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years and so need replacing 2-3 times during the typical 10-year lifespan, whereas Li-ion batteries have a typical lifespan of 8-10 years.
• Protected devices and required run-time – The number and type of devices that you need to protect, combined with how long you want these devices to run in the event of a power failure, will determine the size of the UPS solution you will need. It’s worth noting that larger UPS systems may require installation by a qualified electrician.

Ensuring you have the correct UPS solution to protect your critical infrastructure can be part of a wider move to modernise the overall approach to technology. Contact us to discover how it can underpin excellent teaching and learning in your school.

We've also written blog posts about the DfE standards for broadband, wireless networks and cabling to help you understand how to get the best network connections for your school.