IndieGoGo: Keepod UNITE

[usernamenumber]

Short version: I keep meaning to signal boost these guys and keep forgetting. They're doing something that looks... interesting enough that IMO it's worth throwing something their way if you agree. They're currently about 2/3 of the way to their IndieGoGo goal, but have only six days left to raise about 10k in their all-or-nothing campaign, so it's really getting down to the wire.

Longer version: Basically, Keepod develops a Linux-on-a-USB-stick distro and hardware. They started out marketing this as a product for security nerds, so the distro has a heavy crypto/sec emphasis, but they recently "pivoted" (woo buzzword!) on the premise that their product could make a big difference in the developing world. The idea is that many people have access to a variety of mostly low-end PCs in computer labs and net cafes, but don't own a "home base" PC.

Part of me is a bit cynical because the altruistic change in strategy and reliance on public support seems to have followed what I assume was less than stellar success as a commercial enterprise. But then another part of me doesn't really care. The advantages of a consistent, portable, virus-resistant computing platform being more easily available in that area seem obvious, so I'm intrigued. Plus, I like that they're partnering with locals to get it done, and the guys from Tunapanda, a Nairobi-based nonprofit with which I've done some work, met with the Keepod guys and they seem cautiously optimistic.

So, signal: boosted. Take a look and see what you think.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/keepod-unite

Comments

[laurion]

Ok, I've seen dozens (at least!) of OS-on-a-stick setups over the years. In that regard this one isn't really any different, but the shift towards also scrounging up as many usable systems and giving people tools to aim at real world problems is pretty cool. I don't view supporting this project as supporting the OS-on-a-stick, but as actually supporting all the other parts.