Next-gen home networks

Okay, I'll share with you my million dollar idea about one of the next great personal computer products. This is an idea that has been in my head for a couple of years. Here is it, in a nutshell: a pre-configured home network that comes in a ready-made case or "tower" that can be expanded and used for all the members of a family.

Here is the basis for this idea: As families become more connected, each person in the family may want or require their own computer. It is generally a pain for one person to manager the home network. Windows has tried to work through some of these issues to streamline the process and maintenance of a home network, but it is no where near where it would have to be for mass adoption. What is needed is a system that is plug and play, without the fuss and complication of current networks.

The basic premise is that each home will have one central computer rack. This will function as the hub for the home. When only the first computer is there, it will look and feel just like a regular home PC does now. The computer will have a modem, hard drive, processor and any other necessary components (video card, etc.). As the family expands (spouse, children, etc.), so too could the number of needed computers in the home. Here is where the magic comes in. Instead of buying a new computer for the new family member, the first rack can just be expanded to accomodate a new computer "module" in it. This module will include its own hard drive, processor, etc. but it will automatically be connected to any other existing computers in the rack. And, it should cost less than buying a completely new computer. If this is followed for several new computers, the main rack should look like this:


Instead of the more traditional way that many networks are put together:


Why is this any better than the current way of building a home's computing power? Because this is intended specifically for families. With all of the family's computers together, it is easier to have an administrator (read "parent") control what happens with the other computers. The administrator can make sure that all the computers have updated anti-spam software and the latest patches. S/he can also make sure that anti-virus software is running and that data backups occur regularly.

All of the data storage and processing takes place at the central location. If there is a wireless network set up, all that the users need are wireless cards that connect to a monitor and some I/O hardware.

This is a family network, sold to growing (or grown) families that need tech computing power. All of the maintenance can be taken care of through the main, initial computer. The network can grow as needed and individual devices can be updated as needed. A key to this
whole product is the marketing of it to potential customers. The initial computer must have a terrific administrator control dashboard to allow everyday moms and dads the ability to manage the maintenance of each of the computers in the networks. It should allow:

• easy to understand network and computer status
• one click data backup of any computer
• automation of important tasks (defrag, backup, anti-virus check, etc.)
• easy adding and removing new computers & peripherals

The seamless integration from start to finish of the entire experience is what customers demand now and what will set this product apart from other possible competitors.