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MAKING THE CHANGE

From Standalone to Internet Appliance
by Edward Steinfeld

Start ý Internet Appliance Options ý Web Technology ý Cost and Options ý Web Server Inside ý Use Common Components ý Sources and PDF

These days, it seems like everything from telephones to refrigerators to microwave ovens has been made into Internet appliances. What is an Internet appliance? It is an appliance or instrument that connects to a network to access and store data, and may allow the management and control of the appliance remotely. Aside from the hype, it is sometimes difficult to justify producing a networked appliance.

Many appliances and instruments do not have the built-in computing power necessary to support a network connection. The added computing power and network interface is a cost that could make the device noncompetitive. However, there are justifications for investing in this cost. Much of the cost can be offset by new functionality and new markets where the product can compete. With thoughtful design, a manufacturer can take a standalone product, add the network support, and make five or more products from the same basic design. In fact, the cost of the product can be cut nearly in half.

Most industrial controllers, test equipment, medical devices, and laboratory measurement instruments were upgraded with higher internal computing power long ago. Usually, more than that was needed. Turning such an instrument into an Internet appliance is almost free and, in some cases, will make the instrument less expensive to manufacture. If the device already has a network interface and TCP/IP software stack, there is little left to do to make it into one or more Internet appliance variations.

Why would you want to turn a successful product into an Internet appliance? The most obvious answer is to share the data it collects with other computers in the user's company. But, a better reason is to make the front panel remote, allowing the operator to be at his desk, or even in another building, and still control the instrument. The operator could use any computer or web appliance that has a web browser to communicate with the instrument. In effect, the user's PC and web browser becomes the front panel of the instrument. The user still can share data with other computers, and there are some Internet applications that make this easier and more versatile.

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