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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

USE COMMON COMPONENTS

Starting with a standalone instrument, you can add the processing power, extra memory, network hardware, software interface, and any one of the various Internet applications used to create an Internet appliance. Using this as the base appliance, there are at least five different products that can be created (see Figure 1).

Figure 1ýThis original instrument is the basis for a new Internet appliance.

You can keep the original product or upgrade it with a higher speed processor, network interface, and additional memory. Then you can include the Internet software, but not activate it. This product becomes the basis for the four follow-up products that are Internet appliances. One option is to sell this as the original product was sold, but with the networking turned off.

The original unmodified instrument can be used as an Internet appliance if it is equipped with a serial port that has the setup functions and output data accessible through it. The serial port can be connected to an external web server that makes the instrument accessible anywhere on the network, using a web browser. This option is usually used with older instruments, or you may connect existing devices to the network using this approach (see Figure 2).

Figure 2ýA simple way to convert existing devices into Internet appliances is with the use of an external web server. The instrument must have a port available with setup and data collection functions.

Now, add an embedded web client as an option. With the embedded web client, the appliance can easily communicate with information servers to download setup commands and upload data. The XML parser/framer software can be used to make the information easier to search and use. The XML software can be used in any of the Internet appliance configurations (see Figure 3).

Figure 3ýSome instruments need communications with information servers. Using the embedded web client will provide easy-to-use, two-way communication.

Instead of adding the client software, add the embedded web server software to allow the use of remote web browsers to display and control data to and from the appliance. Users can use their desktop PC, laptop, or any web appliance with a full-featured browser to access the Internet-appliance instrument. The front panel functions can be replicated using HTML pages with dynamic data capability provided by the embedded web server. From the remote web browser, the Internet appliance can be managed, set-up, and have its data displayed. Graphical data display imitating CRTs, meters, or chart paper can be created using Java applets, which are usually provided by the embedded web server vendor (see Figure 4).

Figure 4ýThe most popular configuration of an Internet appliance is to add an embedded web server so the front panel can be replicated on a remote PC using a web browser.

To produce a less-expensive version of the Internet appliance, remove the front panel and only use the remote browser to replicate the expensive front panel. The panel contains electromechanical components, CRT or LCD display, and many rotary and toggle switches that can be replicated in software and distributed as HTML pages. Replacing the front panel with a user-supplied PC, the web browser can cut the manufacturing cost in half (see Figure 5).

Figure 5ýRemoving the front panel from an Internet appliance is an excellent cost reducer. The front panel now becomes a user-supplied laptop and web browser. All the panel functions are replicated with HTML pages and Java or ActiveX graphics.

Finally, a more expensive option is to use an embedded web browser in the Internet appliance and use the same HTML pages to display on the front panel as well as on the remote browsers. The existing electromechanical panel is replaced with something similar to a laptop computer that can run a full-featured web browser. The look and feel of the front panel will be identical on the local appliance as well as on any remote browser accessing the Internet appliance across the network (see Figure 6).

Figure 6ýItýs often a desire to have identical user interfaces both on the Internet appliance as well as on the remote web browser. An embedded web browser and laptop-like front panel can achieve this at a high cost.

The use of common components can reduce the cost of the Internet appliance permitting easier manufacturing, having to stock fewer parts, and less service. The products would look similar and have the same user interface.

FIVE PRODUCTS FROM ONE

Using web technology in your instrument, you might have five unique products with nearly identical electronics and software (see Figure 7). The basic unit can be designed with the appropriate memory and software support while lacking the external network connection. This product will look identical to the original instrument. Adding the external network connection and turning on the web server software, you now have an Internet device with lots of additional functionality. Finally, you can remove the expensive components on the front panel, install a new front panel, and have a cost-reduced product with the same functionality as the previous product.

Figure 7ýFrom a basic design, five unique products can be created to form a family of Internet appliances.

Adding such options as Allegro SoftPages and e-mail can be done through the web server software and provide you with a follow-up revenue stream. SoftPages permits your customers to modify the look and feel of the system and enhance it for their unique installation. You can even provide a service where you add their logo and new functions for additional revenue.

Turning your product into an Internet device should increase your market and definitely boost your sales and margins. All this, and at almost no cost to you. Not only does the use of web technology make sense financially, it is quickly becoming the default user interface. All of your software now resides in the device with no distribution issues or the possibility of illegal copying.

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