APC and IBM Announce Availability of the IBM Portable Modular Data Center Solution

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, today announced an expanded relationship with IBM to offer an IBM Portable Modular Data Center container version based on APC’s award-winning InfraStruxure architecture and IBM’s global services capabilities. IBM’s PMDC provides a fully functional data center in a shipping container with a complete physical infrastructure including power and cooling systems and remote monitoring. By integrating APC InfraStruxure products into the container it builds on the global alliance between APC and IBM announced in 2006 when APC was selected as a key data center physical infrastructure provider to IBM's Scalable Modular Data Center (SMDC) and later when APC solutions were chosen as the foundation for the IBM High Density Zone (HDZ) solution, which allows customers to deploy a high density environment rapidly within an existing data center.


“APC’s footprint in IBM’s modular data center offerings demonstrates the adaptability of our solutions to meet customer demands in a variety of business applications,” said Jim Simonelli, Chief Technology Officer, APC. “APC’s data center physical infrastructure design lends itself well to IBM’s PMDC, focusing on maximizing efficiency through a modular and scalable approach. The pre-engineering and pre-testing we do for our products ensure the PMDC solution is highly reliable and available.”


“IBM’s partnerships with leading vendors such as APC provide customers with an efficient, cost-effective solution to support IT growth in a more flexible environment,” said Steven Sams, vice president, Global Site and Facilities Services. “The inclusion of APC technology is a result of our long-standing relationship with APC. Our partnerships provide our clients with best-of-breed technology and the world-class service capabilities of IBM’s global technology services organization.”


APC provides the physical infrastructure components in other IBM modular data center offerings including IBM’s SMDC. This solution, available worldwide, incorporates APC's award-winning technologies for power, cooling, racks and enterprise management software and helps clients rapidly deploy a cost effective and energy-efficient, scalable 500 to 2,500 square foot data center to support their business. The partnership enables clients to quickly design and build a data center in nearly any working environment using IBM Global Services’ capabilities and a standardized data center architecture, reducing up front capital and on-going operational costs.

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APC’s New InfraStruxure Management Software Provide View of IT Physical Infrastructure

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, today announced new products and enhancements to its InfraStruxure® Management Software that identifies opportunities for savings such as right-sizing data center physical infrastructure equipment, which alone can save up to 38 percent in electrical costs [1]. The APC InfraStruxure Management Software portfolio helps companies improve energy and cost efficiencies and support short- and long-term planning, forecasting and budgeting. With the new portfolio, data center managers and IT executives have the ability to take a holistic view of data center physical infrastructure service quality, end-to-end energy use, and the various costs associated with it. The vendor-neutral software provides the industry’s first and broadest integrations with critical IT support systems, including Schneider Electric PowerLogic ION-Enterprise power management, building management and enterprise management, enabling the monitoring, controlling and resolving of issues in a user-friendly environment.



“Businesses are continually looking to make smart decisions across every part of their organization and data centers should be no different. A broad, comprehensive view and analysis of complex IT physical infrastructure enables greater efficiency and an entirely new level of business insight for our customers,” said Dave Guidette, senior vice president, Enterprise Systems, Services & Software, APC. “In addition, the continued integration to Schneider Electric’s Power and Building control systems and the introduction of the InfraStuxure Energy Efficiency application demonstrate definitive steps in our company’s delivery of the newly announced EcoStruxure™ architecture, providing customers with solutions that create an intelligent energy management system across all application areas.”



The new APC InfraStruxure Management Software portfolio moves beyond traditional monitoring and control of power, cooling, security and environment, to bring data centers the information needed to run as a business, such as predictive simulation and stranded capacity, equipment age and health, current and historic power usage effectiveness (PUE), energy use and costs. The software suite reduces multiple log-ins, simplifies training for day-to-day operations, and brings a new visual experience to the workings of the data center, including pre-set and customizable map views, trending reports, physical views and location-based drill-downs. The vendor-neutral portfolio, which includes the introduction of InfraStruxure Energy Efficiency, InfraStruxure Operations, InfraStruxure Central 6.0, InfraStruxure Capacity 6.0 and InfraStruxure Mobile 6.0, integrates and communicates with leading building, enterprise and network management systems through open-standards and includes a full SDK (Software Developers Kit) to custom integrate with other systems.



“With energy costs rising for most organizations, it is vital for executives to employ the appropriate tools and techniques to help manage the energy cost curve,” said Rakesh Kumar, Research Vice President, Gartner. “Having access to analytics and metrics into areas including current and historical power usage values and which subsystem draws the most costs, organizations are able to fully understanding how to improve energy efficiency and control costs across the board.”



With InfraStruxure Energy Efficiency, IT organizations have insight into current and historical PUE data and can identify efficiency losses, enabling a fact-based understanding of how much power is devoted to driving the installed IT-equipment compared with the total facility consumption. In addition, through a web-based dashboard, data center executives have the ability to view detailed insight into how effectively energy is utilized down to the subsystem level, as well as an understanding of how to improve energy efficiency. As subsystem data can either be measured or estimated, customers with few power meters will also benefit from the application.



InfraStruxure Operations enables vendor-agnostic inventory management with real-time device failures, presents data shown within the data center physical layout and provides recommendations on how to resolve issues. Additionally, a location-based drill-down view provides a structured overview of data center locations from a global to local view down to single assets, and the PUE calculator supplies information on daily utilization of energy.



InfraStruxure Central 6.0 monitors and manages all networked physical infrastructure devices and integrates them with other management systems for a complete, end-to-end view of the data center. The new version of the software enables two-way communication with critical power and building infrastructure such as generators and air handlers, manages power quality from the utility through interaction with any building power meter, and provides click-of-a-button power utilization data via integration with PowerLogic ION-Enterprise. For the first time, summary reports are available to bring new insight into data center health, planning and budgeting, and suppressed notification and maintenance mode capabilities ensure fast and accurate notifications to the right people at the right time.



Rounding out the portfolio are InfraStruxure Capacity 6.0 and InfraStruxure Mobile 6.0. The InfraStruxure Capacity 6.0 application helps plan and optimize utilization of the actual physical infrastructure capacities, enabling efficient equipment provisioning and right-sizing of the data center. Additionally, the new version bridges another application layer by identifying and simulating which servers are impacted by failures in the physical infrastructure and linking the physical layer with business processes further up the chain. Based on Motorola (Symbol) MC70 hardware, InfraStruxure Mobile 6.0 provides wireless operation of the data center and automatically synchronizes server locations, ensuring data integrity and improving operational efficiency.

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APC’s Robert McKernan Named One of the Top 25 Most Influential Executives

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, today announced that Robert McKernan, President, Americas, was named one of the 100 Top Most Influential Executives in the Industry by Everything Channel’s CRN. McKernan was included on the “Top 25 Most Influential Executives” list based on his continued focus on enabling partners to deliver complete, value-added power and cooling solutions in data center and business network environments.

McKernan is responsible for the sales, marketing, quality and customer care of APC’s full range of solutions in the North American and Latin American regions. This includes driving the strategy and marketplace execution for Schneider Electric’s direct and partner sales to the IT and data center segments. McKernan has more than 16 years of sales and marketing experience in channel and end user sales. Prior to his current role as President, Americas he held the position of Vice President, North American Channels for APC responsible for the development of go-to-market strategy, sales, and marketing to APC's 8,000 partners.

The Top 100 Most Influential Executives in the Industry listing recognizes the executives who have changed the way the channel does business today and in the future. This year’s list salutes the 25 Most Influential Executives – individuals who are focused on innovation, as well as consistency and those overcoming remarkable challenges; the 25 Channel Sales Leaders – hard charging executives who are driving their indirect organization and partners forward with sales and marketing initiatives; the 25 Most Innovative Executives - individuals who exude innovation from either a technology or business strategy front; and the 25 Mavericks - executives whose brash and bold thinking is changing the rules of the channel.

“I am honored to be among this group of influential channel executives,” said McKernan. “In 2009 we expanded upon the success of our award-winning Channel Partner Program to better align our resources to ensure partner success. We continue to invest in initiatives that provide the training and support partners need to deliver integrated, energy efficient solutions that solve customers’ problems.”

"With so many innovative channel executives in the industry today we’ve expanded our list to include 100 executives. We’ve highlighted the most influential, the sales leaders, the most innovative as well as those who have changed the rules of the channel. We salute these leaders for their hard work and devotion to the technology channel," said Robert C. DeMarzo, senior vice president and editorial director, Everything Channel.

The Top 100 Most Influential Executives in the Industry were selected by the editors of CRN. Winners were announced in the November 30 issue of CRN. To read about the Top 100 Most Influential Executives in the Industry, go to www.channelweb.com.

To Purchase APC Products Visit http://www.apcguard.com

New APC Smart-UPS Feature Increased Intelligence and Energy Management

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, today announced two new series of APC Smart-UPS® models designed for use in server rooms and network closets. Based on more than 20 years of design experience, these new uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) systems offer time-saving, user-friendly features like an LCD interface with diagnostic capabilities and advanced energy management that delivers clear and timely energy consumption metrics. In addition to providing superior data protection, the Smart-UPS systems’ ‘green’ mode can achieve efficiencies of more than 97-percent, for a utility and cooling savings averaging more than $25 per year versus most line-interactive UPS systems.



“In these difficult times, users need exceptionally high efficiency in order to optimize IT assets and reduce operating costs. In addition, they require advanced monitoring and diagnosis capabilities to prepare and react in near real-time,” said Dave Johnson, senior vice president, Home and Business Networks, APC. “With a history of more than 20 million units sold, the new APCSmart-UPSmodels offer IT and facilities managers the highest efficiency, manageability and reliability that today’s distributed systems demand. These advanced models will once again raise the bar for server class UPSsystems.”



Built on the same standards as the award-winning Smart-UPS family, the new models include an intuitive, customizable LCD interface to provide local and remote configuration capabilities, accurate power status information, diagnostics, tests and activity logs. Information is clear and concise and displays everything from product serial number to APC support information in a multitude of languages. Additionally, APC Smart-UPS are the only units to offer advanced energy management to notify users of a recommended battery replacement date. This technology adjusts a battery’s lifetime based on environmental conditions to provide advanced notification.



In conjunction with the new interface, the Smart-UPS models offer increased capabilities for users to monitor and control energy usage. Each model includes a ‘green’ mode that automatically bypasses unused components, allowing for reduced energy consumption without sacrificing protection or system operation. Further, the units have built-in energy and efficiency meters to help monitor power usage. New switched outlet groups provide additional control to allow for non-critical load shedding, sequenced start-up/shutdown and the ability to reboot single or multiple devices independent of the UPS.



"Sisters of Mercy is excited to see the continued commitment from APC in announcing the new Smart-UPS to the market,” said David Shaw, executive director of data center solutions, Sisters of Mercy Health System. “As a current APC user, we can attest that the advanced energy management and the innovation of the 'green' mode will help any organization achieve its energy efficiency goals and reduce operating costs while maintaining consistent performance and reliability.”



Additionally, Roberta Gamble, director, Energy and Power Systems, Frost & Sullivan stated, “Critical network gear and data require guaranteed availability and superior energy management capabilities. With cut budgets and increased uptime needs, IT managers are under a great deal of pressure to operate at high efficiency without sacrificing reliability. Products that can guarantee these qualities should be at the top of every IT manager's list.”



Smart-UPS models are available in both standard and 2U rack tower convertible extended-run forms. A flexible form factor provides versatility to operate in or out of a rack and enhances the ability to standardize. The extended run models also allow customers to add intelligent external battery packs that sense and update runtime automatically, allowing for smooth deployment while the system is in use. As many as five external battery packs can be added to models up to 1500VA and as many as ten battery packs can be added on models 2000VA and greater, allowing scalable runtime from minutes to hours.



Included PowerChute® management software provides IT administrators the comfort and convenience of remote monitoring, control of safe system shutdown and advanced UPS management. Additional manageability is available through the SmartSlot, an internal accessory slot that allows installation of optional accessories to enhance performance. All APC Smart-UPS models are certified for use within APC’s InfraStruXure® architecture and are compatible with a variety of operating systems and network management platforms.

To Purchase APC Products Visit http://www.apcguard.com

APC Introduces the MGE Galaxy 3500 for Small Data Centers

— APC by Schneider Electric today announced the MGE Galaxy 3500, an innovative, three-phase general purpose uninterruptible power supply (UPS). With an optimized footprint in a sturdy enclosure, the MGE Galaxy 3500 is suitable for a wide range of applications in the 10-30kVA segment – from small data centers and electrical rooms up to highly demanding industrial environments.

Relying on hot-swappable batteries, the new MGE Galaxy 3500 results in reduced downtime and increased runtime scalability for IT and electrical room environments. Designed to pack a myriad of features into a small footprint, the MGE Galaxy 3500 makes the best use of available space in tight environments, even those without dedicated IT space. The double conversion on-line topology, critical for process control, industrial, electrical room, and automation control applications, delivers zero transfer time and perfect regulation, while the parallel capability – up to four units – for either capacity or redundancy delivers flexibility of evolution.

Particularly well adapted to demanding industrial environments, the MGE Galaxy 3500’s heavy duty design of reinforced steel plates – 2mm front steel plate and NEMA 12/IP51 top plate – protects the UPS against hard handling, dirt and dripping liquids. In addition, it features easily replaceable air filters that prevent dust and debris from affecting performance. The MGE Galaxy 3500 also offers best-in-class efficiency, up to 93 percent, for reduced cost of ownership.

“The MGE Galaxy 3500 provides high-performance power protection and is the most efficient general-purpose UPS for electrical rooms and small data centers,” said Dave Guidette, senior vice president, Enterprise Systems, Services & Software, APC. “It offers the reliability and robustness that you expect from the MGE Galaxy product line with increased efficiency and modularity.”

Additional design benefits of the MGE Galaxy 3500 include:

· A unique slide in/out concept that makes it easy to replace the entire power module

· A maintenance bypass switch that is accessible from the front of the unit

· Dual mains input/output that allows for connection to two separate power inputs for increased availability

· Busbar connections for easy connection to extended run battery cabinets

· Soft generator walk-in that allows for use of a smaller generator (1.5 x UPS kVA rating)

· A user-friendly interface that includes a backlit display, independent status lights and navigation keys

· A network management card that allows for remote management of the UPS by connecting directly to the network via a Web browser and environmental monitoring

Included in the product price, the MGE Galaxy 3500 ships with start-up to ensure a zero-default installation, virtually eliminating the risk of failure or malfunction due to incorrect operation at start, as well as a one-year, on-site warranty that can be upgraded to a four-hour response (where available) to increase application availability. Additionally, Schneider Electric offers a remote monitoring service that enables IT and facility managers to meet service level objectives and minimize costs by tapping into Schneider Electric’s experienced staff of power professionals.

To Purchase APC Products Visit http://www.apcguard.com

APC Wants Electrical Contractors to Take the “Ride of a Lifetime Challenge”

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, today announced the launch of APC’s “Ride of a Lifetime Challenge” offering electrical contractor firms in the United States and Canada an opportunity to win one of eight OCC Original production choppers from Orange County Choppers (OCC).The contest, which runs through June 30, 2010, is designed to provide electrical contractor firms with additional information regarding the integration of Schneider Electric and APC solutions to help develop and expand their businesses.

“Last month we gave OCC the unique challenge to build a hybrid Schneider Electric chopper that demonstrates how we help people make the most of their energy,” said Rob McKernan, President, North America, APC.“To commemorate this challenge, we are encouraging electrical contractor firms to learn more about what inspired our theme bike and how they can work with APC to deploy safe, reliable, and efficient data center solutions.”

Later this year the Schneider Electric custom motorcycle will embark on a road show to give electrical contractor partners a sneak preview of the theme bike and an opportunity to meet their local support team to learn more about APC’s “Ride of a Lifetime Challenge”. The roadshow includes eight regional events slated for Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Newburgh, NY, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.The events will also serve as an educational forum for electrical contracting firms to learn more about partnering with Schneider Electric and APC to capitalize on emerging trends like energy management and sustainability.

To Purchase APC Products Visit http://www.apcguard.com

Schneider Electric Sponsors 2009 Solar Decathlon

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced its sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 as part of its commitment to help people make the most of their energySM. The Solar Decathlon challenges students from 20 university teams from the United States, Canada, Germany and Spain to design, build and operate energy efficient, solar-powered houses at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The houses will be assembled in a solar village that will be open to the public from Oct. 9 to 13 and Oct. 15 to 18, 2009, and will feature energy efficiency and renewable energy exhibits with strategies to reduce consumption of fossil fuels and lower utility bills. The Solar Decathlon demonstrates innovative clean energy technology research and development; shows consumers the benefits of solar-powered living; and develops a well-trained workforce who is uniquely prepared for green jobs.


Contestants will be required to connect their houses’ electric systems to the local Washington, D.C., utility service provider through a “micro-grid” consisting of electrical infrastructure. Schneider Electric has donated the micro-grid design, site and engineering services, as well as the required electrical distribution equipment for the event.For the first time in the Solar Decathlon’s history, teams will compete in a net-metering contest, which allots points to teams that produce more energy than they utilize.Surplus solar energy will be sold back to the utility provider to meet the energy needs of the greater D.C. community.Additionally, Schneider Electric products have been donated for use in Solar Decathlon homes.


“Schneider Electric is proud to sponsor the Solar Decathlon and encourage students and the community to think about active energy solutions that can be implemented today,” said Amelia Huntington, President, Schneider Electric U.S. “By contributing our expertise, as well as our energy management and technology solutions, we can raise awareness of the opportunities to make energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green.”


By sponsoring the 2009 Solar Decathlon, Schneider Electric is able to share broad-based knowledge and resources, as well as its passion with a new generation of energy enthusiasts. Sustainable development is a real and essential opportunity for mobilization, growth and differentiation, and Schneider Electric is committed to producing innovative and effective solutions to curb energy waste, promote production and influence consumption habits that respect the environment.

To Purchase APC Products Visit http://www.apcguard.com

Schneider Electric ChallengesOCC to Build Their First Hybrid Motorcycle

Schneider Electric announced today it will partner with custom motorcycle manufacturer Orange County Choppers (OCC) to design and build the first hybrid motorcycle in OCC history.Designed through a collaboration of Schneider Electric employees and the OCC design team, the Schneider Electric custom chopper will exemplify the company’s efforts to make energy solutions safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green.To kick-off this partnership, Orange County Choppers founder, Paul Teutul, Sr. will be at Booth #600 at the 2009 NECA Show on Monday, September 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m.


“Schneider Electric is challenging Orange County Choppers to build a custom motorcycle that will support our company mission of helping people make the most of their energy,” said Amelia Huntington, President, Schneider Electric U.S.“This hybrid motorcycle will employ a built-in intelligent energy management system that will allow it to be more efficient and productive by considering multiple variables to select the best energy source available.Schneider Electric employs the same management methodology to help our customers do more while using less energy in buildings, data centers, industry and residential markets.As one of the premier builders of custom motorcycles, Orange County Choppers will bring an unprecedented level of expertise and creativity to showcasing our mission through their design.”


“The goal is that the Schneider Electric hybrid chopper will be capable of traveling farther, without refueling or recharging than any other OCC bike in history,” Paul Teutul, Sr., founder, Orange County Choppers.“The ability to help design and build a hybrid motorcycle of this caliber is a unique opportunity and our team is up to the challenge.”


Once the Schneider Electric custom motorcycle is complete, Schneider Electric, along with Paul Teutul, Sr., will kick-off a road show that will give Schneider Electric electrical contractor partners a sneak preview of the theme bike before the scheduled American Chopper episode airs on TLC in 2010.Schneider Electric is committed to empowering electrical contracting firms so they better understand emerging trends like energy management and sustainability, and are best-equipped to strategically address them in their marketplace.


In addition, APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, will be giving away Orange County Choppers production bikes to eight electrical contracting firms in the United States and Canada.The promotion is designed to provide the electrical contractor firms with additional information regarding the integration of Schneider Electric and APC solutions to help develop and expand their businesses.Full details of the promotion will be revealed during the Schneider Electric theme bike roadshow later this year.

To Purchase APC Products Visit http://www.apcguard.com