[Ardour-Dev] Funding: Build and Sell Hardware

[Patrick Shirkey]

Hans Baier wrote:
>> Lean mean ardour machine:
>>
>>   * Powerful small form factor motherboard in a silent custom case
>>     running stripped down audio only Linux distro
>>   * Flash based drives for high reliability under touring conditions
>>   * High end ADAT card inside
>>   * Optional bundled with high end ADAT able input interface, worthy
>>     of studio owners attention
>>   * Optional bundled with USB control surface, tested extensively in
>>     the hardware environment.
>>   * Streamlined work flow, enabling the user to fluently make a
>>     recording, mix, master and burn Red Book master without the need
>>     of another system
>>
>>     
>
> I really like the idea of selling 100%
> linux-lowlatency-ardour-optimized machines:
> We just put together the parts, take one of the Linux Audio distros,
> customize them fully for the machine.
> Offer several machine profiles (low cost, mid range, high end, laptop
> / portable).
> Use stock hardware to put everything together.
> For the user:
> * no fiddling with hardware and software
> * plug & go
> Support the machines.
>
>   

And sell them via the Ardour online store?

We are talking about a major commitment to put this all together but it 
definitely has some merit.

Running an online store is a full time job. Developing and maintaining 
an online store is a full time job. Building and shipping pre configured 
machines is a full time job. Maintaining a distro is a full time job for 
2 people.

Developing Ardour is a full time job (or 5).

We need at least 5 committed parties to make this happen or else someone 
is going to have to be drinking a lot of red bull. I can get a good 
supply of the most powerful stuff here in Thailand but I don't drink it 
myself.






-- 
Patrick Shirkey
Boost Hardware Ltd.