Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) FAQs
Eaton’s Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) is an innovative software solution that ensures system uptime and data integrity by allowing you to remotely monitor, manage and control UPSs and other devices on your network. This page includes questions and answers relevant to both IPM versions 1 and 2.
IPM version 2 FAQ
NEW! Launched in June 2021.
IPM version 1 FAQ
Includes all versions before June 2021 and on-going support through to 2023.
IPM VERSION 2 GENERAL QUESTIONS:
What is new with IPM 2?
The new version of IPM has the same IT server and cluster shutdowns as the old version but with a new and greatly improved user interface, LDAP/Active Directory compatibility. With the new platform, users can now monitor and manage more nodes.
Even though the function is the same as IPM 1, IPM 2 interface has changed and its functionality of setting new automation policies. In addition, IPM 2 is on an entirely new platform. IPM 2 cannot be upgraded from IPM 1. It requires a new separate installation because of the new platform.
How do I download IPM 2?
How do I upgrade to the new version of IPM?
The new version of IPM is on a new platform that requires a separate installation by a software specialist. Please visit our IPM upgrade programme page if you would like to take advantage of our current discount pricing for an upgrade.
What were the key drivers for launching IPM 2?
The IPM 1 platform is outdated and Eaton received multiple requests to improve the automation setup and user interface. In addition, users wanted to add LDAP/Microsoft Active Directory.
Can I request a demo for IPM?
Yes, please fill out this form to request a demo.
Does IPM still have licence levels for IPM Monitor, IPM Basic and IPM Gold?
IPM category naming has changed. IPM Monitor will continue to be called IPM Monitor. IPM Basic is now called IPM Manage, and IPM Gold is named IPM Optimise. The functions for these three product categories remain the same. Learn more about each licence level here.
How much does IPM version 2 cost?
Please refer to this IPM pricing document for details.
What is the IPM Graphite connector?
The IPM Graphite connector enables you to easily stream IPM metric and alarm data to a Graphite database (https://graphiteapp.org/) in order to create custom dashboards in your own instance of the open source Grafana observability platform (https://grafana.com/).
What is "IPM Editions" and is it different than IPM 2?
If you happen to run across a reference to "IPM Editions," please note that it is synonymous with IPM version 2. The USA and Canada did not adopt this naming, but other regions and countries did. Because this is a global software launch for Eaton, you may see "IPM Editions" for that reason.
Are there changes in node definition?
Eaton has changed the node definition. The IPM 1 node counts only power devices such as UPS(s) and rack PDU(s). In the new version of IPM 2 node counts both power and IT devices such as UPS(s), PDU (s), servers and storage devices. The price per node has dropped to compensate for the node definition change.
Has the IPM node tier structure changed?
The new IPM node structure continues to apply discounts to higher node counts. However, there are not part numbers associated with each node tier. The IPM part numbers cover three licence types to choose from: a perpetual licence, a subscription licence or a maintenance licence.
Is IPM 2 available with free nodes?
IPM Manage licence type has up to ten free nodes available. IPM Manage has the same capabilities as IPM Monitor. Click here to download free version of IPM 2.
When will IPM 1 version be end-of-life?
IPM version 1 will continue to be supported until 31 December 2023.
Can I get a discount on IPM 2?
All customers who previously purchased IPM can participate in the upgrade programme. Customers who purchased an IPM licence on or after 1 January 2020 are eligible to receive an equivalent licence free of charge. Customers who purchased an IPM licence before 1 January 2020 qualify for a special 50% upgrade discount.
Is a maintenance licence required with a perpetual licence?
Yes, it is necessary for customers ordering a perpetual licence to purchase a maintenance licence. The maintenance licence gives IPM users full access to Eaton’s support team for any questions or assistance with installation issues and troubleshooting. Customers also receive a free software upgrade when new software releases are available. Maintenance licences are available as one- and five-year packages.
Is IPM now called "IPM 2?"
No, unless distinguishing between the different versions (such as on this webpage), Eaton will continue using the generic product name, Intelligent Power Manager (IPM).
What is the maximum number of devices/racks IPM 2 can support?
600
What is the OVA’s Operating System?
Debian Linux
What counts as a node? Are VMs also counted as a node?
Power quality and power distribution devices such as UPSs, PDUs and ATSs, as well as rack-mounted IT servers, hypervisors and storage devices.
If the software needs to be deployed again, can the licence be transferred to a new instance?
Yes, you will need to contact technical support to return the original licence, but it may be redeployed on another instance.
Can we create a virtual power source to trigger an automation?
IPM 2 doesn’t have a specific object like a virtual power source. It relies on introspection of the power chain to identify composite power sources. These can be used in automations.
Can we stop at any step of the automation if there are no reasons to proceed further with the shutdown (to check initial trigger)?
Yes, at every step in the automation, you may check the initial trigger status and decide to proceed, exit or start a new automation, which could be to rollback the current automation.
Do you plan to provide a node map like in IPM 1?
A geographic/map view is a longer-term road map item. The current release is not scheduled.
Can the software be upgraded without losing the configurations?
You can upgrade the OVA from one version to the next with the save and restore function. Downgrades are not yet supported.
How does IPM version 2 work with third-party UPSs?
Any NUT (Network UPS Tools) supported UPS will communicate with IPM 2. IPM 2 treats them the same as a premium Eaton UPS and the user gets whatever functions are available in the IPM edition they are using:
- IPM Monitor can monitor UPSs that are NUT compatible
- IPM Manage use the NUT compatible UPSs as a power source to trigger host power actions
- IPM Optimise will use NUT compatible UPSs as a power source to trigger VM power actions and cluster actions.
Does Eaton offer software professional services?
Yes. Please visit this page to learn more and reach out.
IPM VERSION 2 TECHNICAL QUESTIONS:
What is the SHA256 file contained in the IPM 2 downloaded zip folder?
It is a checksum hash that enables you to check to see if a file has been corrupted during download. You can run a command from your OS to check to see that you get the same checksum as the one generated prior to download. This will ensure you know it hasn’t been corrupted.
How can I access the system console?
- On the IPM 2 OVA, you can access the vCenter remote console or connect via SSH using the OVA’s IP address.
- If you can access the network, you can start an SSH connection. Try to connect on the port 22 (standard SSH port).
- You can log into the system using your credentials.
Will a factory reset of IPM fix unresolved issues?
- When you can’t identify the root cause of an issue, a factory reset may fix most problems, but the customer will lose all of their data (including all the commissioned data such as the data centre topology, devices, etc.).
- Before performing a factory reset, try to run the diagnostic tools. If it works, you should be able to save the CSV file containing the asset configuration.
- You can run the diagnostic tool with:
- sudo diagnostic-information -m -t [your mail address] to send the data to your mailbox.
- In order to reset the OVA, launch the remote console via vCenter then log in with the customer credentials. Once in the system, launch the “exit” command and you should access the blue console menu screen. Select “Factory Reset and Reboot”.
If a customer forgets their ADMIN passwords, how can they recover?
In the case where a customer has forgotten all user passwords associated with users that have ADMIN rights, the only possible resolution is to perform a factory reset due to cyber security requirements. This will reset the password to the default setting.
What do I do if my IP address is not set properly?
- When you configure the network using DHCP, the software may not display the IP address obtained even though it is correctly configured. If the DNS settings appear correctly, the IP address has also been configured.
- After the initial wizard network configuration, you need to restart the software in order for the new settings to be applied.
- When configuring the proxy settings through the initial wizard, please note that it must follow the syntax “http://myProxy@myDomain.com:portNumber”. If DHCP is not available, you may configure the network settings from the vCenter console.
How can I configure IPM if the date shown is incorrect using NTP?
- If the system’s date seems to not be correctly updated despite a seemingly correct NTP configuration, check to see if the NTP server in question is a Windows server. We have observed some incompatibility issues with some versions of Windows NTP servers. Try changing to another NTP server.
- Local time is synchronised to the physical host it is running on.
What is the best practice to save my configurations?
When you have finished the commissioning, it is highly recommended to export the configuration so you may re-import it in case of a data loss due to a factory reset.
What is the best practice to edit assets in IPM?
- All the assets are editable in the asset management page.
- Alternatively, you may also use the CSV export/import feature.
- Export the CSV file using the Export button in the asset management page. Open the file, find your asset line, apply your change(s), delete all unnecessary lines and re-import the file.
Should I create or update the CSV file for asset set up?
- When exporting a CSV file, it is created with an ‘ID’ column. This column is used for enabling assets to be edited. If you import a line with an ID, the system will look for the corresponding asset and update it with all the column values.
- If you want to import a CSV file in order to create new assets (for instance, when you recover from a factory reset), you need to simply remove the ‘ID’ column prior to the import.
- Keep in mind that this CSV file only contains asset configuration data. Other settings, e.g. credentials, need to be configured manually.
Why do I receive errors when I import a CSV file?
- There are two main reasons you may receive error messages when importing a CSV file:
- You’re trying to create an asset that already exists.
- You’re trying to modify an asset which is not commissioned yet.
- Keep in mind that the CSV import is a step by step process. The system will read the file line by line and if in the line ‘n’ you use an asset defined in the line ‘n + x’, the import will fail.
- If a line produces an error during import, it is skipped and the CSV import continues.
- If you encounter an unexpected error during the CSV import, try to create or update the asset using the Create Asset feature from the Asset Management page.
How can I fix IPM if it is not acquiring data from the power devices?
If you don’t have the calculated data centre power metric on your dashboard, you may have a power device (UPS or ePDU) which is not acquiring data. Check your alarms and correct the issue with the device or devices that are not acquiring data correctly.
How can I resolve an issue where I get no data from an rack PDU?
If you are not seeing any data from an rack PDU, please check:
- That SNMP is enabled on the ePDU.
- The community name is correct with respect to the SNMP configuration selected in the security wallet.
Can I have IPM display information in any language besides English?
The application currently only supports English. Additional languages will be enabled in a future release.
How can I configure an SMS notification?
The standard alarm notification method is email. SMS support requires that your provider supports a specific format for the email to SMS gateway, e.g. 0XXXXXXXXX@sms.provider.com. You may configure this in the Notifications tab.
Can I reset to Data Centre Layout to the Device Centric mode?
During the initial setup, you can choose to skip the data centre layout configuration in order to use the device centric mode. If you have chosen to configure the data centre centric mode, you will not be able to return to device centric mode without a factory reset.
How do I activate IPM?
By default, you have a 7 day embedded trial for IPM. You should enter your activation ID during this time to unlock your licence or subscription. If your OVA does not have access to the internet, you may also follow the offline activation procedure.
How does IPM store credentials for connected devices?
- All credentials (monitoring, mass management & user scripts) are stored in an encrypted repository. You associate credentials with a device from the asset management page by selecting one or more devices, clicking on Configure and then selecting the appropriate credentials from Security Wallet.
- Basic credentials are used for mass management while SNMP credentials are used for monitoring.
How can I get a secure email configuration?
Secure email configurations are possible using STARTTLS and TLS. Refer to the release note for any known limitations in the current release.
What functions do I get with IPM Automation?
- The Max Duration Timeout enables you to set a timeout which applies to the entire automation sequence. It can be adjusted from its default setting.
- Automations are executed in a sequential manner. It is recommended you test your automation and verify its execution history in order to ensure that it is functioning as expected.
- Custom user defined scripts may be used as an action in an automation. Python, BASH and PERL scripts are supported.
- By default, new automations are inactive, don’t forget to activate the automation after creation.
How do I make the VM migration action work?
When creating a VM migration action, you must define the target host before selecting the VMs to migrate. You can do this on the Individual Action Selection found to the right of the Migrate tick box.
Can I use IPM to provide Mass Management of Network cards?
The new version of IPM will have the same IT server and cluster shutdowns as the current version but with a new and greatly improved user interface, LDAP/Active Directory compatibility. With the new platform, users can now monitor and manage more nodes.
What is new with IPM 2?
IPM 2 allows you to bulk apply the settings from one network card to others. However, you cannot edit them directly from IPM 2.
IPM VERSION 1 FAQ
How do I download IPM 1?
How much does IPM 1 cost?
IPM has three licence options: Monitor, Basic and Gold. IPM Monitor and Basic are FREE for up to 10 UPS or rack PDU nodes. List prices range for each level of licence according to number of nodes; please see price comparison document. List prices are not a reflection of the actual product price paid; please consult your Eaton reseller or partner to obtain a quote.
Is IPM 1 a separate tool from vSphere?
Yes, IPM is a separate tool from VMware vSphere. If utilising IPM in conjunction with VMware vSphere, Eaton offers a specific IPM virtual appliance application that you can download.
How does a UPS interact with IPM 1 virtualisation?
IPM is a plug-in for vCenter and Citrix. Eaton’s IPM software also has an infrastructure connector for Microsoft Hyper-V.
Is IPM 1 a DCIM tool? How does it compare to DCIM?
While IPM is not a DCIM tool, it is a monitoring and management platform for power equipment, helping IT facility managers oversee their connected equipment when necessary.
Is IPM 1 a perpetual licence?
Yes, IPM is a perpetual licence and requires a one-time purchase.
Does IPM 1 work with large (20 kW and higher), three-phase UPSs?
Yes, IPM works with the entire portfolio of Eaton UPSs, including three-phase units. As long as a UPS is network-connected, IPM has the capability to auto-discover and pull in all the required information. A gold licence is required to view competitor UPSs.
Are there white papers or customer references available that discuss IPM 1 and its capabilities?
Yes, Eaton provides a full list of references and case studies for its IPM software. All of these are available in the resources list of the IPM product page.
What is a node?
A licensed node is defined as one UPS, rack PDU or IPM instance.
How is IPM 1 agentless?
IPM uses the internal Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) of VMware, Citrix and Microsoft SCVMM to institute actions. IPM only needs to be loaded on vCenter, and, as a result, will control the virtual machines (VMs) and hosts through internal APIs.
How do I install IPM 1?
The basic version of IPM is available for easy download here.
How and where can I get help setting up IPM 1 if I need it?
For questions about IPM, please contact Eaton customer service at (800)-356-5794 (option 2, option 1).
If I don’t want to install IPM 1 myself, can someone else do it for me?
Yes, Eaton offers a full range of installation services. For IPM, we offer both one-day and two-day installation service based on the size of the user’s environment.
For specific part numbers on these IPM installation services, see the table below:
On-site service offerings |
Part number |
| IPM installation on-site: one day service | SW06NXXX-001X |
| IPM installation on-site: two-day service | SW05Nxxx-002X |
Does IPM 1 have a MIB Compiler that I can utilise?
No, IPM does not currently have a MIB Compiler.
How can I manage my SAN device through IPM 1?
IPM is compatible with NetApp and Buffalo SANs. NetApp can be both monitored and managed, while Buffalo can be monitored.
Does IPM 1 utilise LDAP?
LDAP is not currently available with IPM but will be available in future versions.
What is power capping on demand? What servers can I use power capping with?
Power capping is offered with the IPM Gold licence and allows users to limit the power consumption of a host during a power outage. By limiting consumption, a user can extend the runtime of a UPS, allowing critical equipment to run longer. Power capping is currently available for Cisco UCS servers.
What is load shedding?
Load shedding is a feature offered with the IPM Gold licence that allows users to suspend non-critical virtual machines and shut down unneeded hosts. This results in extended battery runtime and minimised generator load during a power event.
What type of reporting capabilities does IPM 1 offer?
IPM offers reporting in the form of alarms and events.
Is it possible for me to write a script to automatically export data from IPM 1?
Customers can utilise IPM’s Export Data feature for exporting power monitoring and management data. There is no script required to do this.
If my web card does not require a shutdown agent on my server, how does IPM 1 work?
Web cards require a shutdown agent on stand-alone servers only. In these circumstances, use Eaton’s Intelligent Power Protector (IPP) software as the shutdown agent.
Does IPM 1 monitor and control third-party devices?
Purchasing an IPM Gold licence will allow you to monitor and control competitor devices on the network.
When using vMotion, does IPM 1 execute the policies?
IPM can trigger vMotion with the policies built in to its and gold licences. This is not an option with the IPM licence.
What does Eaton’s Infrastructure Management Pack do and how much does it cost?
The Infrastructure Management Pack is available as a free download and connects IPM with VMware’s vRealize Operations Manager to give you the capability to monitor and manage the health, risk and efficiency of your power infrastructure.
Trying to connect to VMware’s vRealize Operations Manager?
Download the IPM management pack here.
Can I use IPM 1 to monitor UPSs at my clients’ sites?
Yes, it is possible to use IPM to monitor UPSs at clients’ sites with a VPN connection.
Does IPM 1 have multi-tenant capabilities?
Yes. As long as all networks are interconnected, MTDC facility managers can set up an IPM subview for each individual customer, allowing them to monitor and manage their equipment within the multi-tenant environment.
