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diff --git a/project-proposal.txt b/project-proposal.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..106dd64 --- /dev/null +++ b/project-proposal.txt @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@ +* 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. |