UPTRONIX, INC.
296 BELL PARK DRIVE
WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA 30188
770/928-0260 FAX: 770/924-9728

June 2005

Important News

UPS Manufacturers Limit Competition

The major UPS manufacturers are now designing equipment that utilizes proprietary firmware or software for control, diagnostics and troubleshooting. It’s a good idea as far as utilizing advanced design techniques and improving reliability but it’s a bad idea when the OEM’s design prevents the customer or their designated independent service company from servicing their own equipment.

Customers will ultimately wind up totally dependent on the OEM’s for service and support. History has shown that lack of competition results in poor service, inflated service charges and takes control away from the customer.

Customers can retain control of the equipment and their choice of service provider by taking a few basic steps prior to purchasing a new UPS. Advise your consulting engineers, electrical contractors, general contractors, A&E firms and designers that they must include the following conditions in their Bid or procurement specifications:

• Manufacturer must supply a site license copy of all software required to perform preventive maintenance, remedial maintenance, circuit board replacement and alignment, upgrades and enhancements.
  
• Manufacturer must provide detailed software and operation manuals.
  
• Manufacturer must provide software training and customer help desk.
  
• Manufacturer must provide all hardware interfacing equipment such as Dongle Keys, cables and converters.
  
• Manufacturer must provide copies of all schematics, diagnostic aids and maintenance procedures.
  
• Manufacturer must provide immediate notification of all hardware, firmware, software enhancements, engineering change notifications (ECN’s) and upgrades.

Consult you corporate legal staff or General Counsel for additional legal guidance.