What is our primary use case?
We use Schneider Electric-APC Smart-UPS VT to backup the energy in my data center. We use a Dell, an HP, and a Lenovo. My data center has four servers and one server. We have switches and NAS, and we need them to be operational at all times.
What is most valuable?
I like it because we don't have any problems. And we expect to increase our usage, in the coming year as we purchase more equipment. Because we're going to hire 150 new employees and need to expand our server capacity. As a result, we need to expand my backup energy solution.
What needs improvement?
Mexico's situation is too difficult. While there may be many complaints, many projects may be canceled because funds are not currently available. I want to improve a lot of things, but the main point is money.
The vendor could be better, but the point is that we don't have the right vendor in Guadalajara. Guadalajara is a small town in Mexico, and there are no expert engineers in that field here. We need to hire people from Monterey, and from Mexico, which is why the solution may be expensive.
We don't want to buy a cheaper solution because cheaper isn't always better. We have no desire to save money, we would like a solution.
Schneider's vendor, I believe, needs to be more involved with the customer. We have to constantly look for them because they don't come to me. I have to go there, and I don't want to. I don't want to waste time looking for a vendor. We require immediate attention.
It should be easier to contact technical support.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Schneider Electric-APC Smart-UPS VT for five years.
I was already working, but we want to change because the volume of equipment in my data center has increased.
We use a large UPS with a capacity of 10kVA. We have four servers, three network attached storage (NAS), and five switches.
Because the energy in Guadalajara is unstable, we require a comprehensive solution.
The energy in Guadalajara is unstable. We acquired or purchased a large energy solution because we need my entire data center established, we need communication all the time, and we need information all the time because my work is cloud-based. That is the point because we are concerned. Guadalajara's government is currently not investing in energy. We do not have high energy quality.
Many companies are investing money in large backup energy solutions in Mexico right now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Schneider Electric-APC Smart-UPS VT is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Schneider Electric-APC Smart-UPS VT is a scalable product.
We have approximately 40 people in our company who are using this solution.
How are customer service and support?
We like Schneider Electric-APC Smart-UPS VT because the service is good.
If we have a problem, they respond very quickly.
In Mexico, there are a lot of engineers. They are, in my opinion, good. When compared with Tripplite, they are good.
Tripplite is cheaper, but the service is not as good.
Technical support is helpful. They respond quickly, and they replace the equipment within 24 hours.
How was the initial setup?
It is very easy to set up.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's cheaper. It is not expensive.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Schneider is a good solution, but we have started to communicate with Toshiba and Aton. We will analyze the solution and what they provide. If they have a good solution and a reasonable price, we might change.
What other advice do I have?
We evaluated other options. I would recommend this solution to others who are interested in using it.
I would rate Schneider Electric-APC Smart-UPS VT an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.