Free Energy Computer Solutions
Where Are We?
Hmmm...good question. Did you read the White Paper over at www.diyngo.org (click on 'resources')? We basically have a set-up consisting of the solar computer (which is the Asus Eee PC, 12 volt battery and solar panel) then the separate PDA set-up using the HYMini (mini wind turbine and three solar arrays).
The solar computer can be used for literally anything we normally use a PC for but remember it uses Linux rather than Windows so we have software like Open Office instead of Microsoft Office, etc. With the addition of a cheap enough dongle (like the kind of thing available in Kenya, for instance) connection to the Internet is relatively straightforward.
The PDA can also be used to surf the Internet, collect email etc. Remember though that we have also written some software to help with diagnosis of problems using the Expert System Shell. Currently it recommends ICT solutions based upon local conditions but could be used to help acheive our goal of delivering healthcare, for instance, i.e. through diagnosis of a disease. Meanwhile the Internet functionality could be used to connect to government and e-learning websites.
Both the solar computer and the PDA can also be used to host educational games, for example the Eee PC comes with software to help with Maths and even some to explore the Universe!
So, we now have the technology which we need to help fulfill our mission statement. But, how do we get it to those who need it? It has been suggested that we now need to start exporting this equipment to those who need it. This causes a bit of a dilemma since we simply wanted to make the ideas available in an Open Source format. The issue is though a. we don't want to be ripped off by a 'commercial' outfit and b. we don't really want to scale up to a fully-fledged company (just yet, at least).
Perhaps there is a middle way where we can build prototypes for people, source suppliers, etc. but mostly 'sell' plans but for this to happen we will need to look into Intellectual Property rights. Open Source licenses just do not cover this type of activity unfortunately.
It seems like the ultimate 'business model' for ICTs for Development just hasn't been realised yet. We heard that the One Laptop Per Child project is struggling due to commercial competition and we have personally been invited to submit a paper to a conference on the matter in Geneva soon. Although I'm not sure we have the answer either yet!
On Tuesday I will meet with a Business Adviser to see if we can iron out the way forward. Let's see...
The solar computer can be used for literally anything we normally use a PC for but remember it uses Linux rather than Windows so we have software like Open Office instead of Microsoft Office, etc. With the addition of a cheap enough dongle (like the kind of thing available in Kenya, for instance) connection to the Internet is relatively straightforward.
The PDA can also be used to surf the Internet, collect email etc. Remember though that we have also written some software to help with diagnosis of problems using the Expert System Shell. Currently it recommends ICT solutions based upon local conditions but could be used to help acheive our goal of delivering healthcare, for instance, i.e. through diagnosis of a disease. Meanwhile the Internet functionality could be used to connect to government and e-learning websites.
Both the solar computer and the PDA can also be used to host educational games, for example the Eee PC comes with software to help with Maths and even some to explore the Universe!
So, we now have the technology which we need to help fulfill our mission statement. But, how do we get it to those who need it? It has been suggested that we now need to start exporting this equipment to those who need it. This causes a bit of a dilemma since we simply wanted to make the ideas available in an Open Source format. The issue is though a. we don't want to be ripped off by a 'commercial' outfit and b. we don't really want to scale up to a fully-fledged company (just yet, at least).
Perhaps there is a middle way where we can build prototypes for people, source suppliers, etc. but mostly 'sell' plans but for this to happen we will need to look into Intellectual Property rights. Open Source licenses just do not cover this type of activity unfortunately.
It seems like the ultimate 'business model' for ICTs for Development just hasn't been realised yet. We heard that the One Laptop Per Child project is struggling due to commercial competition and we have personally been invited to submit a paper to a conference on the matter in Geneva soon. Although I'm not sure we have the answer either yet!
On Tuesday I will meet with a Business Adviser to see if we can iron out the way forward. Let's see...
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