ESXi and UPS - Eaton?

[LePivert]

As a new user of ESXi (and for the moment, test user), I'm wondering how you setup ESXi to work with a UPS unit?

How do you get the UPS unit to send a signal to ESXi to shut down (and shutdown the guests) gracefully before the battery runs out?

I've seen links to a script that can do this but it seems like it does not work with ESXi 4 anyway.

I've heard that Eaton (Powerware) makes units (5130 and 9130 I believe) that can interact with ESXi via their Netwatch software.

Does anyone use this? Does it involve a lot of scripting? Or do you just put the CD in and install the software (assuming the unit comes with a software install CD)?

Thank you in advance!

[William Lam]

You've probably seen this script: which can be used in conjunction with any IP-base UPS utility, the real question is if you're using free version of ESXi or not. If you're, then you will not be able to use the script nor any RCLI/vCLI commands issued to a ESX(i) host to shutdown VM(s) and the host. You do have the option of unlocking the unsupported busybox console and using vimsh to shutdown the VMs and then the host.

Note: The script works on ESX(i) 3.5u2/u3 due to the bug in VMware API code and the reason it doesn't work on ESXi 3.5u4 or 4.0 is the API has been fixed, many user's don't read the entire documentation.

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William Lam

VMware vExpert 2009

VMware ESX/ESXi scripts and resources at:

VMware Code Central - Scripts/Sample code for Developers and Administrators

VMware Developer Comuunity

Twitter: @lamw

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[LePivert]

I'm using the free ESXi so I don't believe the script will work then.

Otherwise, would anyone have any feedback on the Eaton / Netwatch option?

This project was on the backburner for a while but I'll have to get back on it.

I suppose I could consult the manufacturer once again and ask more questions.

It would be great though, if I could get feedback from real users.

[DSTAVERT]

There is an Eaton Virtual Appliance that is supposed to work with ESXi

http://www.vmware.com/appliances/directory/259533

[fest1]

Please update the link

[StephenMoll]

Intelligent Power Manager Software | Resources | Eaton