Plug computer
A plug computer is a small form factor server for use in the home or office. Compared to their PC-based counterparts, plug computers are lower cost, consume less power, often do not have a video card, and are intended to be powered up at all times. Although plug computers are often enclosed in an AC power plug or AC adapter, the term "plug" also refers to "plug and play" appliance-like devices which may be in any form factor.
Suitable for running a media server, back-up services, file sharing and remote access functions such devices can be used as a bridge between in home protocols such as Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) & Server Message Block (SMB) and cloud based services.
History
The NSLU2 (Network Storage Link for USB 2.0 Disk Drives) was a small Network-attached storage (NAS) device manufactured by Linksys between 2004 and 2008.
A number of other devices in this form factor began to appear at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show.
- On January 7, 2009, Cloud Engines unveiled Pogoplug network access server.[4][5][6][7]
- On January 8, 2009, Axentra announced availability of their HipServ platform.[8]
- On February 23, 2009, Marvell Technology Group announced its plans to build a mini-industry around plug computers.[9][10]
- On August 19, 2009, CodeLathe announced availability of their TonidoPlug network access server.[11]
- On November 13, 2009 QuadAxis launched its plug computing device product line and development platform, featuring the QuadPlug and QuadPC and running QuadMix, a modified Linux.[12]
- On 5 January, 2010 Iomega announced their iConnect network access server.[13]
- On January 7, 2010 Pbxnsip launched its plug computing device the sipJack running pbxnsip: an IP Communications platform.[14]
See also
References
- ^ "CTERA Networks Launches, Introduces Cloud Attached Storage" (Press release). Ctera networks. 6 January 2009. http://www.ctera.com/home/ctera-networks-launches-introduces-cloud-attached-storage.html. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ Nelson title=CTERA at CES: USB as NAS and Cloud Backup, Fritz (January 11, 2009). TechWebTV. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GGOnPORmAo. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
- ^ Lawson, Stephen (January 6, 2009). "Startup Ctera will offer cloud storage through carriers". Network World. http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/010609-startup-ctera-will-offer-cloud.html. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ Clark, Don; Christopher Lawton (January 8, 2009). "Gadgets for Leaner Times". The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123138754279863721.html. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
- ^ Needleman, Rafe (January 7, 2009). "Pogoplug puts any hard drive on the Internet". The New York Times. http://cnet.nytimes.com/8301-19167_1-10135097-100.html?scp=1&sq=pogoplug&st=cse. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ Lester, Dave (January 12, 2009). "Consumer electronics: Take a peek at geek chic". The Denver Post. http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_11430781. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ Pogoplug brings easy file sharing to your home network. Fast Company. January 7, 2009. http://www.fastcompany.tv/video/exclusive-first-look-pogoplug-brings-easy-file-sharing-your-home-network. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ "Axentra Announces HipServ 2.0 for PlugTop Computing" (PDF) (Press release). Axentra. January 8, 2009. http://www.axentra.com/en/pdf/2009-AXTA-PR-PlugTopComputing.pdf. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ Clark, Don (February 23, 2009). "Marvell Bets on Plug Computers". The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123535737573645547.html. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ "Marvell Introduces Plug Computing ─ High-Performance, Low-Power, Exceptionally Small Computer for Managing and Storing Digital Media Assets" (Press release). Marvell Technology Group. February 24, 2009. http://www.marvell.com/products/embedded_processors/plug_computing_small_computer_digital_media/release/1256/. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
- ^ "CodeLathe introduces TonidoPlug". CodeLathe. 12 August 2009. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/08/prweb2567804.htm.
- ^ "QuadAxis Launches Plug Computers". QuadAxis. 13 November 2009. http://www.briefingwire.com/pr/quadaxis-launches-plug-computers.
- ^ "Iomega's New iConnect Wireless Data Station: Share Files, Manage Torrents, Access Your Data Remotely, Backup Your PC and Mac And Much More for Only $99". Iomege. 5 January 2010. http://www.iomega.com/about/prreleases/2010/010510_iconnect.html.
- ^ "pbxnsip Demonstrate Sheeva Plug compatibility". pbxnsip. 7 January 7 2010. http://www.blogpbxnsip.com/2010/01/pbxnsip-ip-pbx-demonstrate-sheeva-plug.html.