MULTIPLE HOST POWER CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

A system and method is provided for multiple hosts to control one or more power systems redundantly, by constructing a power supply system having a plurality of physically separate and redundant communication interfaces, one coupled to each host, wherein a software algorithm determines whether the power supply system should be on or off at a given point in time, based on signals received from the hosts. In an exemplary embodiment, a power control system consistent with the invention comprises at least two hosts, each host comprising a host communications interface; and a power supply system comprising a power supply, control software, and a plurality of power supply system communications interfaces. Each power supply system communications interface corresponds to, and is in communication with, one host communications interface on each host; and the control software is adapted to turn on the power supply when at least one power supply system communications interface receives a “turn on” signal from the corresponding host communications interface. In method form, a method for controlling power in a power control system having at least two hosts and a power supply system comprising a power supply comprises: determining whether at least one host requires the power supply system to be on; and turning on the power supply based on that determination.