Examples – Local Deployment

The following two images are examples of how to deploy end-user systems in emerging communities. These were prepared for an emerging community project with the following assumptions:

Broadband wireless would be available for network based device management
Local power would be very erratic and undependable, so alternate power management is required. This includes the ability to seamlessly integrate power from the local grid, and from human powered, solar, wind and water generation.
An integrated approach to power and network management can be provided within very tight cost constraints

Local end-user devices can be configured to seamlessly manage alternate power sources. The extensive experience of the Power Architecture community in delivering embedded products for harsh climates means that very low cost and high reliability power management can be provided as part of the deployed end-user environment. End-user devices can be provided as low as $150 USD including broadband wireless connectivity, keyboard, mouse and flat panel monitor.

Examples – Local Power Management

Power Management can be included as part of the local deployed environment if local grid power is not dependable and alternative power is supplied from multiple sources.

The use of Power Architecture means that sophisticated yet low cost power management and power distribution can be included in the deployment of end-user devices.

Other low-cost approaches may be appropriate for different communities. Examples would be for sites with reliable power but limited networking over modems. In this case, alternative power is not an issue, while the ability to manage images using CD's or flash memory is critical.

Many of the image management tools that support network management can also be delivered by portable hard drives, CD’s or flash memory that has been adapted to work in harsh local environments. This continues to minimize local technical skill requirements while delivering stable and up-to-date systems.

Each community has to be addressed based on its unique requirements. One of the major benefits of the globally managed image distribution system and the use of Power Architecture is the high flexibility of the deployed environment. This includes the ability to share competencies across disparate environments. Thus an academic supercomputing image deployment process may yield valuable skills for deploying medical and health care systems in an emerging economy.