"All file servers and attached hard drives should be connected to a Novell- approved UPS"

Source: Installation Guide for Novell NetWare.

The file server directory for most network systems is held in RAM for ease of access. A split-second power loss can erase it completely.

The UNIX operating system requires all system files to be permanently opened in RAM. If power is lost, even momentarily, the entire operating system may have to be re-installed along with application software. Server protection is only the first line of defense. Workstations need UPS protection against power losses, too.

Without protection:

Work that has not been copied to the server hard drive may be lost.
Files being saved may be " lost in transit ".
Other users may be denied access to a file that is being worked on.
It may be difficult, if not impossible, to correct accounting transactions that were corrupted or lost when the power loss occurred.