Micro-sized computing on an enterprise-level isn’t something new to us at FRRO. In fact, we have all read about how our fellow geeky engineers placed the Mac Mini through its paces by deploying it for use as a server. There are tutorials that give you a step-by-step guide on getting started, a quick comparison with other viable solutions, and excellent engineering innovations that are sure to inspire the nerd in you. If you are feeling a little cash-rich, you could opt for a readily-available solution instead.
However, that is just the Mac Mini. You could, of course, spend your lovely weekends (and the week after) building your very own fan-less Mini-ITX sized server in the shape of a toy car.
These days, we are seeing a slew of servers that are probably no larger than our Dell 90W power adapter. Earlier this week, Plathome had made available their OpenMicro product which will arrive pre-flashed with SSD/Linux and prepped with NetBSD functionality within it. It also sports a pair of Gigabit Ethernet, and a Fast Ethernet interface; a pair of RJ-45 serial and USB 2.0 ports are available as well. More importantly, however, is the power consumption rating which is pegged at 8.1W during normal operations. With dimensions squared at 230 mm x 102 mm x 33 mm, you can easily fit a dozen of these little critters onto a 1U shelf.
Another shoebox-sized product that we would like to bring attention to is the SlimLine 100 from Gigafin (formerly known as Mistletoe Technologies). It possesses similar dimensions, and features as the OpenMicro does - a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports, a single RJ-45 serial port, low power consumption, shoebox-size and a cutting-edge platform. In comparision to larger and chunkier devices, you could fit a dozen of these network devices alongside with your other shoebox-sized equipment in a quest for maximizing output with minimal rack shelving uptake.
With the scary phenomenon known as the “Data Center Space Crunch” catching on, it is little wonder that solution vendors and service providers-alike are looking out for ways to maximize profits from what little resources that they have left. Expansion is, of course, always a viable option but like with the previous expansions - key ROI-related results will always have to wait. It is little wonder that ideas like the Project Blackbox by Sun Microsystems are giving these people a much needed peek of what is to come in the near future. There are other solutions available - if you aren’t a big fan of Sun Microsystems - like the Ice Cube Modular Data Center from Rackable Systems, or the Scalable Modular Data Center by IBM. And of course, there’s always trusty Google to dispute all of the above with their patented claim on the idea.
In addition, a short report published by Bruce Baike and Steve Gaede on the related phenomena with the inclusion of a minimal rundown on the basic concepts of virtualization.
At FRRO, we are looking towards to achieving an eco-friendly setup. We will probably drum up a couple of Mini-ITX servers powered by a cage full of hamsters and place them in a self-sustainable environment encased within a rack cabinet.
