Talking of small white boxes, Axentra showed us the first prototype of their Net-Box One this year at CES 2005.
The Net-Box One is described as a "Multifunction Server Appliance", acting as a network and internet-based email and file server, with combined router, access point and firewall functionalities. At the heart of this versatile little device is of course a Mini-ITX board running Linux, and a rather nice web-based interface - the "OEone platform".
The OEone platform has gained further in functionality since we first saw it, but it is still very easy to use - keeping the thornier parts of Linux administration well under the bonnet. Using the wizard driven setup, it doesn't take long to create a wireless home network and internet web server with a centralised file store accessible from anywhere and across multiple platforms.
The 210 x 210 x 100mm Net-Box One marks a return to the Mini-ITX form factor for Axentra - their Rumba appliance was Mini-ITX based, whereas the Net-Box that followed is a slightly larger machine. G4TechTV certainly liked it - it was the winner in the Smart Home category of their Best of CES Awards.
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