Did you know amBX is compatible with Linux?
As many of you will know Linux is an operating system similar to Windows or Mac, the main difference being that Linux is open source meaning it offers a greater deal of flexibility.
The open software architecture makes Linux ideal for building operating systems, it allows for easy and secure access to building data and connected devices via browser over the internet.
Hosting amBX SmartCore on Linux means that it is 'closer' to the machine level, giving performance gains, reduction in resources and reducing deployment costs. Particularly where SmartCore is a component in a wider IP deployment a Linux based solution will fit better into the managed architecture and removes the need for support and interfacing of the high-level Windows OS. However, some people will still prefer to deploy on the more 'user friendly' Windows OS, so they have the high-level features of a graphical operating system.
Linux is far more suitable for large heavily integrated and virtualised infrastructure projects e.g. A PoE installation in a large building deployment. Looking forward it is also far more appropriate for highly distributed, 'Edge' and 'Fog' computing models where SmartCore is spread out into the whole building infrastructure and hosted on sub nodes of the IT architecture, rather than the big central servers.
Facility control within a building includes several separate systems: Mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), lighting control, security and surveillance, alarms and lifts. Traditionally, these have been timely and costly to maintain, however with the installation of a building automation system (BAS) or building management systems (BMS) all data can be aggregated into one platform that can be accessed both on and off site, dramatically reducing costs and saving time. SmartCore can easily integrate with systems such as BAS and BMS acting as a gateway solution that links together both proprietary and open standard solutions which can be an issue for some systems and therefore can be a barrier when it comes to making a building truly smart.
The SmartCore solution performs the same on Linux as it does on Windows, however it offers installers and IT managers the flexibility and choice.
David Eves, Chief Technology Officer, amBX, comments “for many people in IT, Windows is a dirty word! The IT team are essential stakeholders when creating a smart building therefore it is important to meet their needs and ensure the project runs smoothly. Linux is a preferred option for many clients, or at least their infrastructure suppliers”.
Main advantages of Linux
Linux is faster, less resource hungry and more easily deployed in dynamic IT infrastructure, particularly containerised and virtualised server systems. Windows OS is expensive and in a large deployment using Linux will remove considerable cost. It also offers significant advantages to those with a lower-level, more technical, integration skill set.
Open-source operating system
Linux is more secure in comparison to other operating systems such as Windows
In Linux you encounter a larger number of software updates. These software updates are much faster than updates in any other operating system