The Glaucus multipurpose appliance from Digital Glu combines home automation features, multimedia storage, Internet firewall/router, content filtering, and other tasks within a single compact, lightweight device. It's based on a 1 GHz Via Eden processor and the Linux Appliance Software of Point Clark Networks as well as PCN's Device Manager and Device Web Services network infrastructure products, which provide edge-device services including entertainment distribution, content filter updates, system monitoring, dynamic DNS, and more.

(Click for larger image of the Glaucus)

On the home automation front, the Glaucus can control climate, lighting, security systems, surveillance cameras, blinds and drapes and consumer appliances, providing a browser-based man-machine interface for configuration, monitoring, and control. On the entertainment front, it can store a music collection and stream it to a computer, speakers, or other devices. On the Internet front, Glaucus can be configured as a gateway providing any or all of the following services: firewall, family Web server and/or accelerator, intrusion detection/prevention, content filtering/parental controls, and Virtual Private Network.

This multifaceted appliance can also be used as a backup device for all the PCs on a home network. Optional services include family domain name, DNS service ,and mail server with anti-spam and virus checking. Point Clark Networks's Linux platform “fits perfectly with our mission to provide affordable, secure connectivity among home automation and entertainment distribution products across the Web,” said Gord Wilkes, VP of Systems at Digital Glu.

On the hardware front, Glaucus includes 256 MB of main memory, a 200 GB hard drive, two 100 Mbit/s Ethernet ports, six USB ports, and two serial ports. It is wall mountable and dissipates just 60 watts.

 
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