American Power Conversion Chosen by HP to Enhance Availability of HP Business Communications Server Integrated Voice and Data Solution - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Dec 20, 1999

American Power Conversion Tuesday announced it is the first power protection vendor to participate in Hewlett-Packard Company's Business Communications Server (BCS) Solution Partner Program. HP BCS customers wishing to protect against power outages will want to utilize APC's award-winning power protection solutions, specifically APC's Smart-UPS uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The HP BCS, which targets small- to medium-size businesses and remote/branch offices of larger corporations, integrates communications applications, including such telephone-system functionality as voice mail, call center, Internet Protocol (IP) telephony, Microsoft Small Business Server, and remote-management tools.

"Integrated business communications, particularly Internet-based solutions, offer businesses tremendous flexibility and significant cost efficiencies. However, the availability of these business-critical solutions depends on the quality of their power source," said Peter Rumsey, vice president APC's Enterprise Systems Group. "We are pleased that HP is emphasizing the role that reliable power protection plays in matching the level of reliability demanded in the traditional phone network space."

HP BCS is recommending APC's Smart-UPS 700, 1000, 1400, and 2200 UPSs. Standard models are available for each VA point for runtime needs ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. Extended run models and battery packs are also available at each VA point to address runtime needs ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the system load.

"Given that communications systems are the lifeline of any business, small or large, downtime is unacceptable," said Dan Abouav, general manager of HP's Business Communications Solutions Operation. "We have teamed with leaders in various industries, including APC, to offer our customers a highly reliable, cost-effective voice and data solution to solve their real business problems."

Tuesday's announcement further broadens the long-term relationship between the two companies. In addition to partnering in the HP Business Communications Server Solution Partner Program, APC is specified in HP- designed network solutions via HP's Network Design Center. APC is also the worldwide recommended UPS vendor of choice for all HP NetServer systems and APC's Redundant Switch is recommended for highly available, mission-critical applications. Additionally, APC's UPS management software can easily be integrated with HP NetServer Assistant, HP OpenView and HP TopTools to ensure complete enterprise power management.

Founded in 1981, American Power Conversion is a leading provider of global, end-to-end power protection products and services, which include surge suppressors, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power conditioning equipment, related software, and professional and consulting services for Nonstop Networking.

APC's comprehensive solutions, which are designed for both home and corporate environments, improve the manageability, availability and performance of sensitive electronic, network, communications and industrial equipment of all sizes. APC, which is headquartered in West Kingston, Rhode Island, reported sales of $1.126 billion for the year ended December 31, 1998.fwww.apcc.com or by calling 800-877-4080.