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| 2003.07.01 |
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Sales of the Ultra compact Linux Server "L-Box" launched
The NTT COMWARE CORPORATION (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Yuji Matsuo) on July 7th will launch sale of the ultra compact Linux server, the "L-Box" which is broadband compliant and which makes control of information terminals possible.
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[Outline]
The L-Box is a Linux server that comes equipped with the Ethernet, the RS-232C (*1), a PCMCIA (*2)card, a wireless LAN card and various interface ports. It is ultra compact (height 119mm, width 68mm, length 98mm) and light weight (267g). It also comes equipped with a gateway function that is compatible to broadbands such as ADSL, a firewall function that protects the various information terminals connected to the L-Box from unauthorized access and is IPv4/IPv6 compatible. Efficient use has been made possible with the low power consumption design which moderates the heat release value. The open source Linux is used as the OS and it is possible to expand the OS and/or develop application software that suits the peripheral environment of the user.
Product Specifications
[Utility model]
The test model was completed in October 2001. In moving ahead with demonstration experiments, a range of usage models took shape. The main usage models are as follows:
- No.1: Mobile SOHO model (Figure 1)
- A model that is equipped with a data communications card and a wireless LAN card and which features a wireless LAN access point. It makes possible an instant network structure at temporary offices and event halls.
- No.2: Home security model (Figure 2)
- A model which as security gear collects the door gating log information, makes indoor monitoring of households from remote security centers and/or portable phones possible, and/or sends warning notifications with its interface with electric locks, door bells and monitor cameras. Demonstration experiments are being conducted for the office "in / out management" and apartment / condominium security systems.
- No.3: Amenity control model (Figure 3)
- A model that is interfaced with electric / gas meters and which conducts automatic or remote check of meters as well as conducting energy consumption optimization control and safety management of air-conditioners and boilers. Demonstration experiments are being conducted for remote automatic meter checkers of electric and gas usage.
- No.4: Internet home appliance model (Figure 4)
- A model which conducts remote control of home electronic appliances that uses ECHONET (*3) (electric light lines, wireless power savers, infrared radiation and Bluetooth). Demonstration experiments are being conducted for turning air-conditioner power ON /OFF using portable phones from outside the home and displays images of inside the home through monitor cameras that are set up within the rooms.
- No.5: Remote monitor management model (Figure 5)
- A model that is interfaced with industrial machines and which controls devices, conducts maintenance, and sends warning notifications from remote maintenance centers and/or portable telephones. Demonstration experiments are being conducted for temperature and relative humidity control of greenhouses and remote monitoring of biogas plants.
* When actually utilizing the various models it is necessary to conduct OS tuning and/or add application softwares.
In addition to the above, it is also being used as the core device for demonstration experiments of the "Mobile tele-medicine system" which will revolutionize interfaces between ambulances and hospitals by standardizing data such as the blood pressure, respiration, pulse, electrocardiograms and images from compact cameras of the patient being transported by ambulances.
[Sales strategy]
System integrators and wireless telecommunication carriers are the main sales targets and it will be used as structuring devices for system and wireless environment structuring. From such characteristics of the product such as low cost, small space and maintainability, we anticipate receiving replacement demands from companies utilizing computers as control devices. The sales method will include not only direct sales and sales by the NTT COMWARE GROUP, but a distributorship sales network will be established with mass retailers of home appliances and portable phones. The predetermined sales price is 49,800 yen and sales of 1,000 units by the end of the year 2003 is targeted.
["NETWORLD + INTEROP 2003 TOKYO" exhibition]
The "L-Box" will be introduced at the NTT COMWARE booth of the "NETWORLD + INTEROP 2003 TOKYO to be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba from July 2nd (Wednesday) to the 4th (Friday). An "L-Box" equipped with a network camera will be set up within the booth and the exhibition guests will be able to see live images of inside the booth with the "booth image distribution" by accessing through portable phone internets. Also, an "L-Box" equipped with a FOMA card and a wireless LAN card will be set up within the booth and guests will be able to experience the "instant hot spot".
[Glossary]
- *1: RS-232C
- A standard for serial communications that links computers to peripheral devices and which was standardized by the EIA. It is the most widely used serial communications system and is a standard equipment of most computers.
- *2: PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
- A unified standard for the PC card which is advocated by the American PC card standardization association, the PCMCIA.
- *3: ECHONET (Energy Conservation and Homecare Network)
- A network standard that utilizes domestic electric light lines and/or wireless transmissions and which is supported by the Echonet Consortium which was established by the major electronics manufacturers of Japan.
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