Complete Turn Key Linux Server

[cpaul at telemetrybox.org]

> Before I answer you question let me define the problem I am trying to solve;
> There are lots of small businesses in Hawaii (and elsewhere) that need all
> of the services I mentioned in the earlier email.  They are all available
> but from 5 different vendors at costs that are prohibitive.
> 
> To answer you question, we would sell hardware, and the services to
> integrate and maintain the applications, not the apps themselves. - Not sure
> if that is a slippery slope in the GPL world.

That should be feasible - a system interface to GPL software can be proprietary, as long as you don't use GPL components in that interface.  Using GPLed components, however, would exponentially decrease the development time. 

> > As for the web-based system administration...  I think that the embedded
> industry will be moving away from that  towards distributed/spreadable,
> SSL-enabled applications written in high-level languages.  HTTP is the wrong
> solution to stateful applications like secure administration.
> 
> What would you suggest.  I have been reading latley that pop3, smtp, http
> etc. will soon be going the way of archie, veronica, gopher etc.

Well, for now HTTP is the standard for distributed applications (The Webmin software comes to mind).  There are alternatives however:

	Raw Unix RPC -- the worst option :)

	XML-RPC -- which is a bit heavy (all information is passed as XML data) and relies on a web server.
	
	SOAP -- Very similar to XML-RPC, co-developed by Microsoft - requires a webserver.

	Twisted Manhole -- A Python based "spreadable" application framework which is bleeding-edge and therefore not widely used (yet).  
 
	.NET -- Microsoft's framework which is cutting-edge but (currently) very proprietary.

I have experience with Twisted Manhole and XML-RPC.  XML-RPC is a fine framework for getting an application up and running QUICK, but it has serious pitfalls when it comes to preserving user sessions and security.

It should be noted, that these technologies require customized software to be run on the client-side; an advantage that raw HTTP still has. 


> I would want to sell the after install support with the model above.  The
> computer would probably be a clone of quality componenets sold at near cost.

Why not sell the preconfigured clone (a rackmount 1U or whatever) at a significant markup?  I would just spraypaint the case, disable BIOS access, hack a custom framebuffer startup screen, and mount some LEDs to scare the clueless into thinking that the machine has "Voodoo" inside. (This has the psychological bonus of discouraging IT-cowboys from tinkering with the machine)

In comparison a (decent) Cisco PIX will cost you $4,500.  Along with firewall functionality, your machine will act as a mail server, web server, file server, and a domain controller. All of that will increase the value to the point where you could charge $6,500 and still come out with the satisfying feeling of "Giving more than you have recieved." 
 
There are several experienced systems integrators on this list (aside from me) who could help you out with this venture.  Hoala Greevy, who makes his living selling a similar solution, comes first to mind.


Take care,
Charles Paul