Sponsored By
Efika 5200B Project
Reliable, Low Power Server for use in Harsh Climatic Conditionsin category Hardware
proposed by PurpleAlien on 30th January 2006 (accepted on 10th February 2006)
Project Summary
The goal of this project is to create a server with minimal configuration needs for use in locations where difficult climatic circumstances exist. Initially, the testinggrounds will be situated in Algeria, where the system will be put to the test at a company active in the energy sector http://www.etuhp.com/The minimal configuration needs are a necessity, due to the limited penetration of technology in corporate Algeria to this point. Automation and IT infrastructure are in its infancy, and therefor technically skilled people in this area are scarce.
The harsh conditions require low power/low temperature systems, as specific cooled server rooms are not available. Furthermore, EFIKA could provide for a mobile (solar powered) system providing services while on the road, or working at a more desolate location, where even cell phone coverage is non existant.
Our company http://www.nordicaurum.com/ has been active in Algeria, and knows the local market and mentality, which is an absolute requirement if a foreign company is to set up a project in Algeria.
Project Blog Entries
We're almost there.
We know for sure there is a market for this project in Algeria.
Efika was introduced in this kind of configuration over the past couple of weeks in several locations and Universities in Algeria.
More information will become available as soon as we had a meeting, somewhere next week.
Johan.
Well, some features we would have liked to see in out other project are not necessary here! Can't wait to get the real product ready and tested (in the desert and here in Finland with freezing temperatures).
Shipping can start soon after that.
Johan.
This is the most important thing people are looking for: reliability. Not speed, not MIPS, not Mhz... a reliable system. Something you turn on, and never need to look at again.
This is what this project focusses on: a reliable system for use in very harsh conditions like the desert.
When supplied with WLan, the EFIKA could allow for even the most remote and isolated places in Algeria to become part of the Digital Revolution happening there now. Maybe there is no connection to the internet, but this little system could allow for a company to store data in these places, while later automatically sink with the central database... which will hopefully run on Power as well.
Johan.
As with the Cybercafé solution, this project will be based on Gentoo. Initial preparations have been made, and now it is waiting for the POWER to arrive :-)
Johan.
Cool.
Just saw two of my projects being approved!
Anyway, this is how things will go from here on:
- Define exact specifications required for the server
- Build it
- Go to Algeria and see if it can stand the heat
- Report back with lots of pictures and a big contract
:-)
A more detailed plan will be submitted after we had a general company meeting. The initial steps are already done, and the trip to Algeria is being planned for the summer (when it is like really hot there :-).
Johan
P.S. I think there's a bug, all apostrophes are like this: '