The image on the left is a low hardware configuration PC (personal computer). It is capable of functioning in the capacity of a Server serving 2-5 simultaneous users. This is not a restriction on the number users on an application, rather it is a restriction on the number of web sessions such as more than 5 administrators accessing Freedom Fone to configure it. The box comes in two flavours: Windows and Linux.
We have tested it to serve as a FrontlineSMS, Ushahidi, and Freedom Fone host. A dongle or mobile phone can be connected to one of the USB ports to get FrontlineSMS activated. A mobigator modem or Freedom Fone recommended dongles can be connected to the USB to get the interactive voice solution activated. Ushahidi can be installed with a Static IP (e.g. 192.168.2.200/ushahidi) for anyone to access within a LAN by connecting through Mini-PCs WiFi. The box does have a RJ45 port to connect to a WAN or the Internet to function outside the local area.
We have tested it to serve as a FrontlineSMS, Ushahidi, and Freedom Fone host. A dongle or mobile phone can be connected to one of the USB ports to get FrontlineSMS activated. A mobigator modem or Freedom Fone recommended dongles can be connected to the USB to get the interactive voice solution activated. Ushahidi can be installed with a Static IP (e.g. 192.168.2.200/ushahidi) for anyone to access within a LAN by connecting through Mini-PCs WiFi. The box does have a RJ45 port to connect to a WAN or the Internet to function outside the local area.
- The beauty of it is that one can install FrontlineSMS for text-ing, Ushahidi for mapping, and Freedom Fone for interactive voice solutions, configure it, plug it in and let it run.
- It is small enough to squeeze inside a table drawer and lock it away; while it runs.
- The device has an area the same or less than the face area of a 10" tablet PC but about 5 times thicker than a tablet PC; nevertheless fits in the palm; like a think notebook.
- It is cheap; a high end configuration would cost less than US$ 130.00 and a low-end configuration would cost around US$ 80.00.
- Unlike a laptop or notebook it does carry an expensive LCD screen because the screen is unnecessary for a server.
- If the data storage needs to be expanded, the best option is attaching a 1-TB external hard drive(~US$80).
- Administrators or implementers can access the applications through the Wi-Fi (or a cross cable connected to the RJ45 socket) using tools such as "remote desktop", "team-viewer", SSH, so on and so forth; that is not hard.
- A laptop consumes approximate 35-40W of energy and a desktop PC about the same; while the Mini-PC consumes 15-20W; making it relatively greener.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeELZIhfibf08mZqbLldSeQL2e72v6T3vcCP19iuwS9IThLRMicnrgYOxT4XX2_Ei2Vmzk-bKqCpe4HixKNMecK8Hz8RA3y9uEicKd9Bin7vnnetKeyBCgijn481tohBHtbOcOc0LNSwE/s1600/minipc_in_palm_samll.png)
- We would have a couple of these units pre-installed and configured; possibly a windows box for FrontlineSMS and a Linux box for Freedom Fone; while Ushahidi could work on either one of them or both
- At the onset of the meeting with the community, in a remote location, we can quickly initiate an instance or the 3 applications, by simply powering it up; then connecting to is through our laptops.
- Then while interacting with the community determining their communication needs, implement those requirements to test it with them
- Finally, leave the unit with them for several weeks for them to test their implementation; i.e. play with it.