A Linux Server that Fits in Your Palm Date:   Tuesday , November 17, 2009 Now, a gizmo freak will drool around a Linux server. The Japanese Linux vendor Plat’Home, is flaunting a Web server that weighs eight ounces and is small enough to fit into your palm. Powered by a 600MHz powerPC CPU the micro-server, christened OpenBlockS 600, has 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM and a CompactFlash slot and three USB 2.0 ports for internal and external storage. If you are power conscious, then it’s meant for you, as the mini-server draws only 8-watts of power, about a tenth of even the most-efficient rack servers. The companies looking for a small-footprint Web server as a more-secure alternative to sending their data outside to a cloud or Web service, like banks, telecom firms, and universities, will be the best bet for the device. It comes installed with Plat'Home's own embedded SSD/Linux distribution by default. Customers can also request others such as Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, and Java SE for embedded and NetBSD. The price tag of $600 comes as a disadvantage compared to the existing mini servers like Bubba Two, which is available at sub-$500 in the market. Yet the energy efficient Linux device is worth a try as the company claims that the device runs without a fan. The server is encased in a tight aluminum-alloy shell to protect it against cold temperatures and fluctuating humidity. Emphasizing its green strategy, Plat'Home is also donating money to a wind energy project in India to offset 1,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.