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+* Project Title
+
+Multipurpose Embedded Operating System Distribution
+
+
+* Project Description (500 Words Max)
+
+This project is to build a free/libre/open-source embedded operating system
+distribution with BusyBox as its main userspace environment, Linux-libre as its
+kernel, and the lightweight package manager opkg to manage and deploy software.
+The small and flexible operating system should be configurable for a wide
+variety of uses and hardware (televisions, automobiles, mobile phones, etc.).
+
+To demonstrate the system's capabilities, a Web interface to manage software
+packages and an example application will also be developed.
+
+
+* Project Checkout Deliverables (i.e.: What is your specific criteria to
+consider this project complete -This is regardless of what phase is this project
+in. We cannot accept any project before answering this question clearly. This
+criteria cannot be changed during the semester without instructor and team
+approval)
+
+The project should produce a working BusyBox/Linux-libre operating system with
+all installed software managed by the opkg package manager. There should be a
+Web interface for managing (installing, upgrading, etc.) software packages. The
+operating system should run on a single-board computer. Packaged and running on
+the system should be software to demonstrate some example application (to be
+selected with the team): probably either a remotely-controllable stereo system
+running Music Player Daemon (MPD) or a federated microblogging instance powered
+by StatusNet.
+
+Time permitting and not required for project completion, the team might also
+deploy software to manage the package archive (the server-side pool of packages
+to be downloaded and installed onto embedded systems) and develop a program to
+install the operating system onto storage media.
+
+
+* Expected Skillset / Background (What kind of students are you looking for to
+work on your project)
+
+Students should have or be willing to gain some subset of the following:
+ * Experience with UNIX-like operating systems, including the GNU tools and the
+ Linux kernel;
+ * Knowledge of the UNIX shell language;
+ * Experience with Git; and
+ * Familiarity with software packaging and/or build systems.
+
+
+State the reasons why your product will be unique and competetive in the market
+place?
+
+There are many Linux-based embedded operating systems available. However, many
+of them are simply frameworks to build system images for target devices and
+offer no way to upgrade software on deployed devices. Many are designed for
+only a small set of applications such as routers or consumer electronics. Many
+only work with one kernel and one set of system libraries. Many are only built
+for one family of hardware architectures. This operating system is designed to
+be able to support live software upgrades, a wide range of applications, a
+choice of kernel and system libraries, and building for any target architecture
+supported by the software.
+
+
+What make you feel confident that you can translate your vision into reality?
+
+A procedure to build a bootstrap system is nearly complete, and a draft
+specification for the source package format is written. By my estimates, the
+tasks necessary to complete the project appear to be practicable within the
+semester.
+
+My current work and notes on the project are available in a Git repository and
+accessible over the Web: <http://odin1.pehjota.net/git/free-embedded-os/tree/>.
+
+
+* Would you be interested in sharing equity and/or profit with participating
+students in your potential E-team?
+
+Yes
+
+
+What is your initial business model that would generate return on your
+investment
+
+A company can be incorporated to support the operating system distribution.
+Hardware vendors could purchase support contracts to have the system ported to
+their products and configured for their use cases. The company could also offer
+hosting services for vendors' software packages (including software
+configuration and vendor branding). The company should also provide consulting
+to help hardware vendors comply with all legal requirements through all stages
+of product development, deployment, and support.
+
+Additionally, the company could someday design, build, and sell some of its own
+hardware products (running this operating system distribution of course),
+including possibly a portable media player and a video game console.
+
+
+Would you require additional resources and funds from the capstone program and
+its industry and community network? Please explain.
+
+We will need funds (probably under $100) to purchase at least one single board
+computer on which to develop and run the operating system.