Zonbu
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology, Computer hardware, Software |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Alain Rossmann, Gregoire Gentil |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Zonbu Mini (compact PC), Subscription computing service, Linux-based OS |
Zonbu was a technology firm that provided a computing solution integrating a web-focused service, a compact PC, and an open source software framework. Established in 2006 by entrepreneurs Alain Rossmann (previously founder and CEO of Openwave) and Gregoire Gentil (co-founder of Twingo Systems), Zonbu aimed to serve users looking for streamlined computing experiences.
Hardware
The initial Zonbu hardware, known as the Zonbu Mini, utilized the eBox-4854 platform from DMP Electronics in Taiwan. This nettop computer featured a compact design, operated silently due to its fanless, flash-based construction, and included:
- VIA Eden C7 CPU running at 1.2 GHz
- 512 MB of RAM
- Ethernet connectivity at 10/100 Mbit/s
- PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse, VGA output, and six USB 2.0 connectors
- 4 GB of CompactFlash storage
- Graphics capabilities supporting resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 with hardware acceleration
Internally, the device offered expansion possibilities such as a Mini PCI slot for wireless networking cards, an IDE interface compatible with a 2.5-inch hard drive, plus serial and parallel ports—features that increased its adaptability across different user needs.
Service
Zonbu’s business approach centered on a subscription model that combined online storage powered by Amazon S3, automatic updates for software, remote access to files, and online customer support. This service was designed to alleviate maintenance tasks like hardware repairs, software patching, and security oversight, making Zonbu an appealing choice for individuals and small enterprises seeking effortless computing management.
Software architecture
The operating system employed by Zonbu was a tailored Linux variant based on Gentoo, featuring the Xfce desktop environment. It was crafted for users without technical expertise by offering a straightforward interface focused on usability rather than complex functionalities.
Its filesystem architecture merged a transparent overlay system with an online backup mechanism. User data was cached locally on CompactFlash media, protected by 128-bit encryption, and securely synchronized with remote servers hosted through Amazon S3.
Applications
Out of the box, Zonbu included essential applications such as the Firefox web browser, OpenOffice suite for productivity tasks, Skype for internet telephony, along with 30 casual games. To maintain simplicity for its primary audience—non-technical users or secondary home PC owners—the default system restricted installation of additional third-party software. Nevertheless, technically proficient users could unlock the device to add more programs by accessing GRUB and root privileges, following standard Linux customization procedures.
See also
- Everex, supplier of certain Zonbu hardware models
- Linutop Linux-based PC
- Linpus Linux
- OLPC laptop
- gOS
References
External links
- Official Zonbu website
- EPATec, Zonbu hardware distributor in Germany and Spain
- First Look at Zonbu Video
- Climate Trust
- Norhtec MicroClient Jr.
Media
- Review of the Zonbu Notebook by LinuxDevices
- Zonbu Introduces Subscription-Based Laptops
- A Holiday Gift for Tech Enthusiasts
- Effortless PC Experience
- Energy-Efficient PC with Monthly Subscription
- Engadget: Zonbu's Subscription PC and Service Offerings
- Review of the Zonbu Desktop Mini
- Everex Zonbu Notebook Evaluation
- Early Look at the Zonbu PC
- Articles with short description
- 2006 establishments in California
- American companies established in 2006
- Cloud clients
- Computer companies established in 2006
- Defunct computer companies of the United States
- Defunct computer hardware companies
- Defunct computer systems companies
- Linux-based devices
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- Companies of the United States by year of establishment