There is a problem that these images are usually OS and chipset specific, but the netboot (http://www.han.de/~gero/netboot/) package by Gero Kuhlmann may provide a route forward if a way can be found to blow a netboot image into the flash.
The advantage would be 'cloned' hardware with no extra parts at all. You could have a rack full of these things booting from a central bootserver.
Interestingly the netboot package contains instructions for building a FlashCard that could be used in any PC.
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Lots of embedded 'biscuit tin' boards now have a net boot option that you can blow into the main flash bios, e.g. http://www.aaeon.com/html/pcm5890.htm also http://www.advantech-usa.com /epc/products/pcm5862E.htm
There is a problem that these images are usually OS and chipset specific, but the netboot (http://www.han.de/~gero/netboot/) package by Gero Kuhlmann may provide a route forward if a way can be found to blow a netboot image into the flash.
The advantage would be 'cloned' hardware with no extra parts at all. You could have a rack full of these things booting from a central bootserver.
Interestingly the netboot package contains instructions for building a FlashCard that could be used in any PC.