2. The UPS and Downs of Electrical Power at Cascade University

Mary Ann Lacy, a training facility coordinator at Cascade University, plans to install a new network server for her training facility. Mary Ann has been advised by the local electric utility that provides power to Cascade University that she probably also needs to install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the new server. Mary Ann likes the idea that a UPS would help protect the universitys investment in server hardware and reduce user frustration if a power outage occurs. She wants your help with the UPS part of the installation project.

The consultant at the electric utility mentioned that articles online and in computer periodicals sometimes describe UPS equipment. Many organizations that sell UPS devices for computers have webpages that describe their products. The consultant pointed Mary Ann to online video tutorials on UPS devices (www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRiLgc4nd_Y) or (www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISrfo-Id1yw). The consultant also recommended a couple of articles in PDF format (www.falconups.com/pdf-04-2004/sbs_ups_tutorial.pdf) or (www.eetindia.co.in/STATIC/PDF/200706/EEIOL_2007JUN18_POW_INTD_TA_01.pdf).

Mary Ann would like you to first learn about some of the important features to consider when purchasing and installing a UPS, and then write a one- to two-page summary of the issues Cascade University needs to consider in the purchase and installation of a UPS for its new network server.