What do you get when you combine a gateway, SOHO server, and Linux? It's the Aries Server Appliance, a device that is making SOHO servers more functional and extensible. The server contains all the standard features of a SOHO server, puts in some core gateway functions, and flavors it all with Linux so that IT administrators or developers can tailor services for their applications. Celestix understands that once the server is operational, customers typically need to enhance it to meet their needs. Thus, choosing Linux as the OS allows any customer or OEM to use the free GNU tools to further develop the core services that the Aries provides.

The Aries is more than a stripped down PC dressed up to look like a server appliance. Celestix chose National's Geode GX1 System-on-Chip (SoC) processor for its mixture of multimedia, low power consumption, and x86 functionality. Geode, with its companion chipset, provides interfaces for standard VGA monitors, keyboards, USB peripherals, printers, PCMICA cards, IrDA devices, and audio. The server comes in a small, lightweight package that doesn't take up too much space and can be easily transported.

The server appliance includes gateway features to provide Internet connectivity and network management. Internet access is achieved by using the Aries in conjunction with:

• Serial connection to external analog modem or using a analog modem PC card analog Modem
• Serial connection to external ISDN modem
• DSL modem through secondary Ethernet port
• cable modem through secondary Ethernet port
• T1/E1 router through secondary Ethernet port

It utilizes network services such as DHCP, DNS, and NAT to setup and maintain a network for client devices. Aries also contains built-in wireless access point software to setup 802.11b wireless networks. An optional 802.11b pc card must be installed for wireless functionality. Security is provided through NAT and a packet filtering firewall.

Aries also includes services for Web, email, printer, and file sharing. The appliance runs the open source Apache Web server for administrative and custom Websites. Web caching improves Internet traffic throughput. An email server sets up email accounts and stores mail for client users. File and printer servers allow users to share files and printers.

The system is configured through Web pages or the LCD and keypad located on the front. Web pages present an intuitive mechanism to setup and maintain the Aries. The LCD and keypad provide a quick way to change system settings.

The server can be easily modified into a development station by attaching a VGA monitor and PS2 keyboard. Along with open source development tools, applications can be created to enhance the services or include new services such as database storage with MySQL. Aries provides the starting point for small/home office Web services. The rest is up to end users and their imaginations.

Pricing and Availability

Two versions of the Aries Appliance Server are available. The Aries Server Appliance 310 starts at $999, and the Aries Server Appliance 320, which is identical to the 310 with more memory and hard drive space, goes for $1,299.

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