The difficult technical issue with a distributed file system is locking, so that the buffer cache, and file system meta data ( i.e. inodes, and all related kernel data structures ) are consisent on all of the machines. This is essentially the same problem space which Oracle's parallel databases address.
In a typical workload, there may be a lot of small files open in a fast succession. Each time the file open's there are locking exchanges. It is interesting to see that they ( like XFS from SGI ) are positioning this for HPC applications where the files tend to be large and tend to stay open for a relatively long time. This indicates that they're not content with the performance of their locking mechanisms.
Actually, Veritas File system includes a point-in-time snapshot which isn't whole-volume. This functionality was included the first time I learned of the product - which was about 1998. I do not think this is a technical or a patent issue.
Increase everybody's rent $20 per month, and let them know that wireless broadband is included "at no extra charge". Build a list of compatible devices, charge a few bucks for installation assistance, and be done with it.
Hasn't the telco network (at least here in the states) been powered by DC power for years? Look for NEBS compliant gear, which will almost certainly provide 48Volt DC power inputs.
I think you can learn more regarding NEBS from http://www.telcordia.com/
I was an independent contractor, working corp-to-corp, for a couple of years. It cost around $600 to set up the corporation and about $1400 per year to keep it legal. These numbers don't include the hours of weekend time spend ballancing the books. It isn't cheap, but it pays for itself quickly.
This is a terrific idea, but you'd quickly
be litigated out of existance. The companies
which I've experienced which abuse former employees with non-competes would quickly tie
any such site up in libel court.
One such company that I know of fired a group of employees. On their termination they were handed a document which reminded them of their non-compete and a gag order which said they could only speak about their severance package with their spouse and their attorney.
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In a typical workload, there may be a lot of small files open in a fast succession. Each time the file open's there are locking exchanges. It is interesting to see that they ( like XFS from SGI ) are positioning this for HPC applications where the files tend to be large and tend to stay open for a relatively long time. This indicates that they're not content with the performance of their locking mechanisms.
Perhaps it is time to introduce the concept of local-number-portability to email. Email addresses for life.
Certainly you can buy a domain name and have this functionality for a few dollars per year.
Are there service providers who specialize in providing portable email addresses?
Actually, Veritas File system includes a point-in-time snapshot which isn't whole-volume. This functionality was included the first time I learned of the product - which was about 1998. I do not think this is a technical or a patent issue.
How about keeping it simple.
Increase everybody's rent $20 per month, and let them know that wireless broadband is included "at no extra charge". Build a list of compatible devices, charge a few bucks for installation assistance, and be done with it.
Hasn't the telco network (at least here in the states) been powered by DC power for years? Look for NEBS compliant gear, which will almost certainly provide 48Volt DC power inputs.
I think you can learn more regarding NEBS from http://www.telcordia.com/
For great information on this and other topics for contractors (contracts, finding work, etc) you owe it to yourself to check out Real Rates - The Computer Consultants Message Board
One such company that I know of fired a group of employees. On their termination they were handed a document which reminded them of their non-compete and a gag order which said they could only speak about their severance package with their spouse and their attorney.