Eaton Enables Remote Firmware Updates

Today’s hybrid IT world has become a place of “anywhere operations.” The need for remote management of assets is now a critical capability–and power devices are no exception. Whether your customers are managing workloads in the cloud, on premise or at the edge, the need to oversee their IT environments from another location not only offers convenience, but also can generate significant cost savings. Eaton continues to embrace this important trend with innovative solutions that deliver value for customers and channel partners alike.

Do More–from a Distance

Consider our new 5PX G2 UPS, which boasts a remote firmware upgrade capability ideally suited for edge computing and large distributed IT environments. The feature–not yet available from most other power vendors–enables a network card or UPS firmware to be upgraded remotely without any power interruption. Improving total cost of ownership for enterprise clients and those with UPSs installed in remote or hard-to-reach sites, the capability helps customers avoid costly maintenance calls and the need to deploy a technician each time there is an issue with an asset in a distant location.

The 5PX G2 UPS offers mass UPS firmware upgrades without dropping the load and provides an easy startup configuration wizard simplifying your UPS setup process.

In addition, the remote firmware feature streamlines the management of distributed IT assets throughout their lifetime, solving the challenge of completing upgrades on many UPSs deployed across multiple locations–an issue that is magnified in edge computing environments where remote sites are typically unmanned. With the 5PX G2, customers can complete a bulk firmware update across multiple sites without dropping the load–or leaving their chair. The capability is also key when addressing potentially massive and expensive product recalls.

Expanded Options through ConnectWise Integration

The 5PX G2’s new remote firmware updates capability is significant not only for VARs and systems integrators engaging with edge computing and distributed IT customers, but also for managed service providers (MSPs) seeking to oversee the installed base of clients using a remote maintenance mode (RMM). The remote firmware option enables numerous maintenance tasks to be managed directly from an RMM system, providing flexibility and autonomy for MSPs. Coupled with the 5PX G2’s cybersecurity capabilities and flexible installation and battery runtime options, Eaton partners have another best-in-class product to power edge computing applications.

Eaton is also addressing channel partners’ demand for remote management capabilities with the new integration of ConnectWise with IPM 2 power management software. While Eaton products can easily be incorporated into most RMM systems using SNMP, the ConnectWise addition expands monitoring and management capabilities to include Eaton power infrastructure, as well as provides tools to automate disaster avoidance tasks. This added functionality not only reduces the risk of downtime for your customers, but also opens the door to recurring revenue opportunities for you, with the ability to expand your business service offering to include remote power infrastructure monitoring.

In addition to the ability to deploy an unlimited number of Eaton UPSs and rack PDUs with the security that the hardware can be effectively monitored, the ConnectWise integration allows users to track numerous power issues. With the ability to set alarm notifications to uncover key trends–including UPS capacity/runtime, battery health, temperature and other parameters–you can stay apprised of conditions indicating a potential failure and take proactive steps to correct it.

New Capabilities, Fresh Opportunities

Whether you are a VAR deploying edge computing solutions, a system integrator serving enterprise clients or an MSP desiring a way to facilitate remote management of power assets, the new capabilities of the 5PX G2 and the ConnectWise integration offer significant advantages for your customers. Even more, these solutions exemplify our commitment to continuously developing the optimal products and features to enhance your sales opportunities, productivity and bottom line.

Which of These New Capabilities Are You Most Interested in?

Your feedback is valuable! Please answer our quick one-question poll to let us know which update is more appealing to you – ConnectWise integration or mass firmware updates with the 5PX G2.

This guest blog is part of a Channel Futures sponsorship.