ESXi 4.0 Update 1 with SmartUPS APC 1000 via USB

[FedeVMW]

Hello,

I am needing to configure a SmartUPS APC 1000 via USB port or serial port with an ESXi 4.0 server.

What we need in case of power interruption is:

1) Shut down Virtual Machines. (Windows 2003)

2) Finally when VM finished shut down the ESXi host

3) When Power comes again power on ESXi and then every VM.

I am not being able to find something clear about this.

Please point me to the right direction

Thanks in advance

Federico

[DSTAVERT]

At this point ESXi does not support USB attached devices. If your hardware supports VMdirectpath you might be able to pass through the USB connection to a VM which could start a shutdown script.

Here is a link to a shutdown script http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-11623

Have a look at http://vm-help.com/esx40i/VMDirectPath/USB_Setup.php for directions on setting up VMdirectpath for a USB device. ]

You might also be able to use a network enabled USB hub to pass the USB device to a VM. AnywhereUSB or Belkin or Silex

[J1mbo]

You could also hunt out an old AP9606 management card off eBay for next to nothing - info on card and a link to the UPS firmware here.

Please award points to any useful answer.