IBM Brings Rack-Mounted UPS to iSeries

IBM Global Services last week introduced a rack-mounted Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) for iSeries servers. The 2.7 kW 9910 Model P33, which was first made available to pSeries customers in August 2001, was brought to the pSeries twin server, the iSeries, on April 20. IBM also announced four other new UPS systems for iSeries and pSeries servers in its 9910 line of power protection devices, which is an OEM model from Powerware.

IBM said it brought the 9910 Model P33 UPS to the iSeries because of customer demand for rack-mounted UPS for iSeries servers. While, several years ago, IBM did introduce an adapter kit that allows tower iSeries models to fit into industry-standard 19-inch racks, the iSeries can hardly be called a rack-mounted server. However, with widespread adoption among computer buyers and sellers of the modular rack form factor–which provides a common housing for all sorts of blades, disk arrays, tape drives, routers, UPS systems, and other components–the introduction of the 9910 Model P33 for the iSeries can be considered a good sign for standards-based computing in the OS/400 world.

The 9910 Model P33 is a high-voltage UPS based on the Powerware 5125 that has been customized for IBM environments. It occupies 2U of rack space and features Powerware’s Advanced Battery Management technology, which, IBM says, doubles battery life, provides for “load segments” to allow for scheduled shutdowns and maximized runtimes, and features Buck and Double Boost voltage regulation to correct fluctuations in incoming voltage.

Up to three servers can be protected with the P33, which can also be equipped with multiple Extended Battery Modules to provide further protection. Powerware offers the AS/400 Bundled X-Slot Relay Card and a 25-foot AS/400 interface cable to provide a comprehensive solution for iSeries rack clients, IBM says. Unless the pricing has been changed from the pSeries (which we were unable to confirm at press time), the P33 for iSeries starts at $2,840, with additional Extended Battery Modules going for $1,936.

IBM last week also introduced four other new 9910 models based on Powerware’s designs, including the Models P93, P95, and P64, which are available now, and the Model P30, which ships July 20. All four new UPSs will protect both iSeries and pSeries servers.

The P64 and P30 models are both true online, double-conversion UPSs that are based on the Powerware Model 9125 and are available in both rack and tower versions. Like the P33, the P64 and P30 include Powerware’s Advanced Battery Management technology and support additional Extended Battery Modules, while adding improved management capabilities through an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) enabled card. The P64 is a 6000 Volt-Ampere (VA) (about 4,200 Watts) UPS and costs $4,411. The P30 will protect half that, with a 3000 VA, 2.1 kW rating, and will cost $3,082 when it ships.

The new P95, which is based on the Powerware 9305 Model 30, is a double conversion UPS in the 7.5 kVA range designed for use in server rooms or server farms. Like the less powerful Powerware-based UPSs from IBM, the P95 features Advanced Battery Management-power management technology and SNMP communications capabilities, but also provides higher levels of reliability through the Hot Sync parallel redundancy system, which allows two or more UPSs to work in parallel. Pricing for the P95 was not provided by IBM.

The new P93 is an enterprise-class, triple-phase UPS in the 20 kVA range. The P93 is based on the Powerware 9330 Model 20, which is often used to protect critical servers, ISPs, telecommunications, and process control equipment. The P93 uses Powerware’s DC Expert Plus Built-in Battery Monitoring and advanced communications capabilities, and ships from IBM with a premium one-year ProActive Service Plan. The P93 list price is $38,345.

For more information, including cabling and power-cord requirements, see IBM’s hardware announcement 104-126.