Schneider Electric is leasing APC uninterruptible power systems (UPS) through a partner network.
Resellers and distributors can take APC Smart-UPS systems and combine them with monitoring and dispatch services to offer customers “UPS as a service.” This may result in a more stable cash flow for the partner and a reduction in capital costs for the customer by shifting capex to opex.
IT vendors such as HPE and Lenovo have been offering hardware as a service for some time – the term “leasing” dates all the way back to the 1970s. Although Vertiv proposed the idea, the mechanical and electrical equipment in the data centre has proven to be more resistant to that approach. The Smart-UPS range, which is intended for smaller installations, may be vulnerable to the model, with this announcement encompassing models ranging from 0.75kVA to 3kVA.
The agreement is between the customer and the channel partner, and it enables them to reach an agreement on terms.
The agreement includes uninterruptible power supplies with preinstalled network management cards for remote monitoring, as well as Schneider’s EcoStruxure IT monitoring software and dispatch services that provide 24×7 support. The duration of the contract is negotiable between three and five years.
“By combining software and services to benefit customers, our partners can better meet changing business needs while also creating new opportunities and revenue models to help them grow their businesses during this difficult time,” said Shannon Sbar, vice president of channels for Schneider Electric in North America. “By empowering our IT distribution partners to develop a UPS as a Service solution, we’re enabling them to add new value to IT solution providers by providing them with new recurring revenue streams and additional touch points throughout the UPS life cycle to help them develop stronger relationships with their customers.”
