AoyW Pocket Servers

Web 2.5 services should run from almost any mobile device, but the ideal host is a wireless pocket server—something the size of a flash drive or credit card. Unfortunately, wi-fi doesn't allow for a battery-powered access point, which is what the pocket server should be in a wi-fi context. Bluetooth hasn't caught on as a replacement for USB, and a high-rate WPAN, based on some form of "ultra-wideband", has yet to escape the demo theater. That's why we haven't seen more of these guys.

There are two candidates, however, one a research project at Intel, the other a new offering from startup Realm Systems...

The Intel Personal Server is a Bluetooth gadget which has not yet escaped the laboratory. Its software is web-based, with some extensions, like UPnP and Windows file service. Its designer, Roy Want, is a disciple of the late Mark Weiser, visionary of ubiquitous computing. (I also count myself as adherent of guru Weiser.)

The (steel yourself for the heavy-metal website) BlackDog is a USB-connected pocket server. You plug it in and the host PC instantly fires up, um...well...um, X Windows. (I am frankly embarrased to have mentioned the term in public.) I guess these guys just haven't gotten out on the web much lately. The OS on board is Linux, so X was an easy path to desktop apps. The connectivity between the X apps running on the unit and the X terminal running on the PC can should be used to link a web server with a browser on the PC.

Since wireless pocket servers are still rare, we're building airWRX to run directly from an ordinary flash drive, or on a wi-fi handheld, or (if you're the type who totes a laptop everywhere in standby) in the background on a laptop.