Universal power management surfaces
updated 04:50 pm EDT, Wed August 16, 2006
Universal power management
MGE UPS Systems today released Network Shutdown Module 2.5, the first Universal power management software for Mac OS X, offering native support to both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. The software observes an entire system including battery level and the UPS connection via USB, and activates an orderly shutdown sequence when UPS levels are low. The software complements the built-in power management driver in Mac OS X, adding capabilities as well as user control, according to the company. A "Personal Solution Pac" consisting of a power control module and a simple system preference panel is designed to achieve local power management. The software is available for free, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.
The control module enables communication with the UPS through the Mac's USB port, displays user alerts, and triggers an orderly shutdown sequence when the battery capacity reaches a user-specified level during a power outage. Once installed, the preference panel appears in Mac OS X's system preferences window allowing users to verify the UPS connection, view a power event log, and set the battery level threshold that will trigger a safe shutdown.
