What is the main disadvantage of using a traditional uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?

The main disadvantage of using a traditional uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is the limited runtime during power outages. Traditional UPS systems are designed to provide backup power for a specified period, which typically lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the load they are supporting and the battery capacity. Once the battery is depleted, there is no continued power supply, which can lead to equipment shutdown and potential data loss, especially in critical server environments.

This limited runtime means that while a UPS can protect against brief outages or provide enough time to safely shut down equipment, it may not suffice for longer power interruptions. In contrast, other options such as redundancy, alternative power sources, or larger UPS systems can address this limitation, but at an additional cost or complexity. Understanding this aspect of traditional UPS systems is crucial for making informed decisions about power management in server environments.