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Virtual PLC Platform - Technical Implementation Guide

Detailed technical architecture for applying ZLH platform model to industrial automation

Executive Summary

This document outlines the technical implementation strategy for building a multi-tenant virtual PLC/SCADA hosting platform using proven LXC container architecture (from ZeroLagHub) applied to industrial automation.

Core Concept: Take ZLH's architecture (LXC containers, multi-tenant hosting, automated pipelines) and apply it to virtual PLC/SCADA hosting for manufacturers.

Platform Architecture Overview

Business Model Tiers

ZLH Gaming Model (Reference):

Dev Container → Test Container → Production Container
($10/mo)       ($20/mo)         ($50/mo game server)

Industrial Platform Model:

Dev/Simulation → Test/Commissioning → Production PLC
($500/mo)       ($1,500/mo)          ($2,500/mo + monitoring)

Revenue Model Comparison

ZLH (Gaming):

  • Avg customer: $50-150/month
  • Customers needed for $10k MRR: 70-200 customers
  • Customer acquisition: Hard (gaming is saturated)
  • Churn risk: High (indie devs quit projects)

Industrial Platform:

  • Avg customer: $2,000-5,000/month
  • Customers needed for $10k MRR: 2-5 customers
  • Customer acquisition: Moderate (smaller target market, hungry for solutions)
  • Churn risk: Low (manufacturers don't switch easily)

Infrastructure Architecture

Hosting Platform: GTHost Dedicated Servers

Available Specs:

  • Pricing: $59-500/month depending on configuration
  • RAM: 8GB to 1TB+
  • CPU: Intel Xeon, AMD EPYC (4-32+ cores)
  • GPU: Available for specialized workloads
  • Network: Unmetered bandwidth, 1Gbps+
  • Locations: 21+ datacenters (USA, Canada, Europe)
  • Setup: 5-15 minutes instant activation
  • Contracts: Month-to-month (no long-term lock-in)
  • Trial: $5/day for up to 10 days

Multi-Tenant Server Configuration

Example: Single GTHost Server Setup

Total Server: 32 cores, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD
├── ZLH Platform: 8 cores, 16GB RAM (gaming customers)
│   ├── Customer A: Minecraft server (2 cores, 4GB)
│   ├── Customer B: Rust server (4 cores, 8GB)
│   └── Customer C: 7DTD server (2 cores, 4GB)
│
├── Industrial Platform: 8 cores, 16GB RAM (virtual PLCs)
│   ├── Client A: Virtual PLC + monitoring (4 cores, 8GB)
│   └── Development/Testing: Internal dev work (4 cores, 8GB)
│
└── Shared Services: 4 cores, 8GB RAM
    ├── API layer (handles both gaming + industrial)
    ├── Monitoring (Grafana/Prometheus)
    ├── Databases (PostgreSQL for both)
    └── Reverse proxy (Caddy/Nginx)

Cost: $200-300/month for single server serving both businesses

Container Platform: LXC

Why LXC Over Docker

Advantages:

  • ✅ Lower overhead (runs closer to bare metal)
  • ✅ Better for long-running services (MQTT, databases, PLCs)
  • ✅ Simpler networking (bridge vs overlay)
  • ✅ Proven from ZeroLagHub experience
  • ✅ Less complexity than Kubernetes
  • ✅ Real-time capable (lower latency)

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Less popular than Docker (smaller community)
  • ❌ Fewer pre-built images
  • ❌ Manual setup required

Decision: Use LXC for multi-tenant platform, Docker for customer edge deployments (easier for customers to maintain)

LXC Container Template (Per Customer)

Customer Container (LXC):
├── Ubuntu 24.04 minimal
├── Mosquitto MQTT broker (isolated)
├── InfluxDB (isolated database)
├── Grafana (customer-specific dashboards)
├── Node-RED (optional, for advanced workflows)
├── Virtual PLC runtime (CODESYS or OpenPLC)
├── Backup agent (automated daily)
└── Resource limits (CPU, RAM, disk)

Resource Allocation per Customer:

  • CPU: 1-2 cores (burstable)
  • RAM: 2-4GB
  • Disk: 50-100GB
  • Network: Shared 1Gbps

Capacity Planning:

  • 8-10 basic customers per server
  • 5-8 customers if heavy data volume
  • Monitor: CPU, RAM, disk I/O, network

Virtual PLC Software Options

Option 1: CODESYS Virtual Control (Commercial)

Overview:

  • Industry standard (30 years, millions of installs)
  • IEC 61131-3 certified
  • Hardware-independent, container-based
  • ISO 61508 SIL3 certified (June 2024)

Pricing:

  • $99-499/month per runtime instance
  • One-time licenses: $5k-15k + support

Pros:

  • ✅ Industry standard - customers trust it
  • ✅ Proven reliability
  • ✅ Comprehensive documentation
  • ✅ Large ecosystem
  • ✅ Safety certifications

Cons:

  • ❌ Licensing costs per customer
  • ❌ Vendor dependency
  • ❌ Annual fees

Best For:

  • Premium tier customers
  • Regulated industries
  • Customers requiring certifications
  • Enterprise clients

Option 2: OpenPLC (Open Source)

Overview:

  • Open-source soft PLC
  • IEC 61131-3 compliant
  • Runs on Linux, Windows, Raspberry Pi
  • Web-based programming interface
  • No licensing costs

Pricing:

  • $0 (GPL license)
  • Free forever

Pros:

  • ✅ Zero licensing costs (100% margin)
  • ✅ Full control over code
  • ✅ Active community
  • ✅ Can customize for customers
  • ✅ Web-based interface

Cons:

  • ❌ Not safety-certified (use for non-critical only)
  • ❌ Smaller ecosystem than CODESYS
  • ❌ Less mature
  • ❌ You provide all support

Best For:

  • Budget-conscious customers
  • Non-safety-critical applications
  • Development/testing environments
  • Monitoring-only deployments

Installation:

git clone https://github.com/thiagoralves/OpenPLC_v3.git
cd OpenPLC_v3
./install.sh

Option 3: Hybrid Approach (Recommended)

Strategy:

  • Tier 1 (Dev/Simulation): Use OpenPLC ($0 cost)
  • Tier 2 (Virtual Commissioning): OpenPLC or CODESYS based on needs
  • Tier 3 (Production): CODESYS for critical, OpenPLC for monitoring

Benefits:

  • Maximize margins on lower tiers
  • Offer upgrade path to certified solution
  • Customer choice based on requirements
  • Flexibility for different industries

SCADA/HMI Software Stack

Option 1: Node-RED (Recommended for Most)

Overview:

  • Visual programming / flow-based development
  • Low-code platform
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem
  • Built-in web dashboard

Pricing: $0 (Apache 2.0 license)

Pros:

  • ✅ Zero cost
  • ✅ Very fast development
  • ✅ Customer can see/modify flows
  • ✅ Modern web interface
  • ✅ Integrates with everything (MQTT, Modbus, OPC-UA)
  • ✅ Built-in dashboard creator

Cons:

  • ❌ Not "industrial" looking (can be styled)
  • ❌ Limited real-time capabilities
  • ❌ No built-in alarming (add custom)

Best For:

  • 80% of customers
  • Quick deployments
  • Budget-conscious clients
  • Monitoring applications

Key Plugins:

node-red-contrib-modbus      # Modbus TCP/RTU
node-red-contrib-opcua        # OPC UA client
node-red-contrib-s7           # Siemens S7
node-red-dashboard            # UI widgets
node-red-contrib-influxdb     # Database

Installation:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nodejs npm
sudo npm install -g node-red
sudo npm install -g pm2
pm2 start node-red
pm2 save
pm2 startup

Option 2: RapidSCADA (Professional)

Overview:

  • Full-featured open-source SCADA
  • Modular architecture
  • Industrial-grade alarming
  • Built-in historian

Pricing: $0 (Apache 2.0 license)

Pros:

  • ✅ Professional appearance
  • ✅ Industrial features (alarming, trending, reporting)
  • ✅ Multi-user access control
  • ✅ Scalable architecture
  • ✅ Looks like "real" SCADA

Cons:

  • ❌ Steeper learning curve
  • ❌ More complex to deploy
  • ❌ Slower development vs Node-RED

Best For:

  • Enterprise customers
  • Complex processes
  • Need professional appearance
  • Regulated industries

Installation:

wget rapidscada.org/download/rapidscada-installer.run
chmod +x rapidscada-installer.run
sudo ./rapidscada-installer.run

Option 3: Grafana (Visualization Layer)

Overview:

  • Modern dashboarding platform
  • Time-series visualization
  • Alerting capabilities
  • Multi-datasource support

Pricing: $0 (AGPL license)

Pros:

  • ✅ Beautiful, modern UI
  • ✅ Customers often familiar with it
  • ✅ Excellent time-series visualization
  • ✅ Built-in alerting
  • ✅ Mobile-friendly

Cons:

  • ❌ Not a control interface (monitoring only)
  • ❌ Limited HMI-style features
  • ❌ Requires separate data source

Best For:

  • Dashboard/visualization layer
  • Monitoring applications
  • Analytics and trending
  • Management reporting

Stack: Grafana + InfluxDB + MQTT

Complete Software Stack Options

Stack A: "The Lightweight Solution" ($0 software cost)

Target: 80% of customers, quick deployments

Components:

OS: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Container: LXC
PLC: OpenPLC (if needed)
HMI: Node-RED Dashboard
Visualization: Grafana
Database: InfluxDB
MQTT Broker: Mosquitto
Protocols: Modbus, OPC-UA (via Node-RED)

Development Time: 1-2 days to build custom HMI

Best For:

  • Quick deployments
  • Simple monitoring
  • Budget-conscious customers
  • Non-safety-critical applications

Gross Margin: 98%+ (only server costs)

Stack B: "The Professional Solution" ($380/year per customer)

Target: Premium customers, regulated industries

Components:

OS: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS + RT-PREEMPT kernel
Container: LXC
PLC: CODESYS Virtual Control
HMI: RapidSCADA
Visualization: Grafana
Database: PostgreSQL + InfluxDB
MQTT Broker: Mosquitto
Protocols: All major industrial protocols

Development Time: 3-5 days initial setup, then reusable templates

Best For:

  • Professional installations
  • Complex processes
  • Need enterprise features
  • Regulated industries

Gross Margin: ~90% (server + CODESYS licensing)

Stack C: "The All-in-One Solution" ($0 software cost)

Target: Machine builders, OEMs, motion control

Components:

OS: Debian 11
All-in-One: Beremiz (PLC + HMI combined)
Database: Built-in
Visualization: Built-in SVG editor
Protocols: Modbus, CANopen, EtherCAT

Development Time: 2-3 days learning curve, then fast

Best For:

  • Machine builders
  • Need tight PLC/HMI integration
  • Motion control applications
  • All-in-one simplicity

Gross Margin: 98%+ (only server costs)

Edge Hardware Options (Customer Site)

Option 1: Raspberry Pi (Not Recommended)

Price: $35-75

Pros:

  • Very cheap
  • Large community
  • Easy to get started

Cons:

  • ❌ Unreliable (SD card failures)
  • ❌ Not industrial-grade
  • ❌ Power supply issues
  • ❌ Limited I/O without expansion
  • ❌ Support nightmare

Verdict: Too unreliable for production deployments

Option 2: Industrial Mini PC (RECOMMENDED)

Examples:

  • Protectli Vault
  • Qotom Mini PC
  • Topton industrial PC

Price: $110-250

Specs:

  • Intel Celeron/Core i3/i5
  • 4-8GB RAM
  • 128-256GB SSD (not SD card!)
  • Multiple Ethernet ports
  • Fanless (no moving parts)
  • Wide temperature range
  • DIN rail mountable

Pros:

  • ✅ Reliable (SSD, no SD card)
  • ✅ Affordable
  • ✅ Industrial-grade
  • ✅ Fanless (no fan failures)
  • ✅ Professional appearance
  • ✅ x86 compatible (run anything)

Cons:

  • More expensive than Raspberry Pi
  • Requires power brick

Verdict: Sweet spot for edge deployments

Option 3: Certified Industrial PC

Examples:

  • Advantech
  • Siemens SIMATIC IPC
  • Beckhoff

Price: $400-1,500+

Pros:

  • ✅ Fully certified
  • ✅ Long product lifecycle
  • ✅ Industrial certifications
  • ✅ Warranty and support

Cons:

  • ❌ Expensive
  • ❌ Overkill for many applications

Best For:

  • Enterprise tier customers
  • Regulated industries
  • Safety-critical applications

HMI Display Options

Option 1: No Display (Web-Based)

Cost: $0

Approach:

  • Operators use tablets/phones/PCs
  • Access via web browser (HTTPS)
  • Responsive design

Pros:

  • ✅ Zero hardware cost
  • ✅ BYOD (bring your own device)
  • ✅ Flexible (any device works)
  • ✅ Modern approach

Best For:

  • Remote monitoring
  • Mobile workforce
  • Cost-sensitive deployments

Option 2: 7" Budget Touchscreen

Examples:

  • Raspberry Pi Official 7" Touch
  • Generic 7" HDMI touch displays

Price: $50-80

Pros:

  • ✅ Affordable
  • ✅ Compact
  • ✅ Touch interface
  • ✅ Good for simple HMI

Cons:

  • ❌ Not industrial-grade
  • ❌ Limited viewing angles
  • ❌ Not bright enough for direct sunlight

Best For:

  • Indoor use
  • Simple interfaces
  • Budget deployments

Option 3: 10" Industrial Touchscreen

Examples:

  • Industrial panel PCs with touch
  • Industrial-grade displays

Price: $200-400

Pros:

  • ✅ Professional appearance
  • ✅ Industrial certifications
  • ✅ Bright display
  • ✅ Wide viewing angles
  • ✅ Rugged construction

Best For:

  • Professional installations
  • Factory floor use
  • Enterprise customers

Option 4: Wireless Display (Bluetooth/WiFi)

Cost: $0 (use existing displays)

Approach:

  • Connect edge device to existing monitors/TVs via HDMI
  • Or use wireless screen sharing
  • Operators can mirror to phones/tablets

Best For:

  • Facilities with existing displays
  • Flexible deployment
  • Cost optimization

Data Flow Architecture

Edge to Cloud Data Pipeline

Customer Site (Edge):
    PLC → Node-RED → MQTT (local edge device)
                        ↓
                  (Over VPN or direct connection)
                        ↓
GTHost Server (Cloud):
    MQTT Broker → InfluxDB → Grafana
                        ↓
                  Alert Engine → Email/SMS

Multi-Tenant Network Architecture

Internet
    ↓
Caddy Reverse Proxy (TLS termination)
    ↓
LXC Bridge (internal network)
    ├── Customer 1 Container (192.168.100.10)
    ├── Customer 2 Container (192.168.100.11)
    ├── Customer 3 Container (192.168.100.12)
    └── ...

Subdomain Structure

  • customer1.yourdomain.com → Grafana dashboard
  • customer2.yourdomain.com → Grafana dashboard
  • mqtt.yourdomain.com → MQTT broker (port per customer)

Protocol Support

OT Protocols (Industrial)

Native Support:

  • Modbus TCP/RTU
  • OPC UA
  • Siemens S7 (via Snap7)
  • EtherNet/IP (Allen-Bradley)
  • BACnet (building automation)
  • Profinet (via OPC UA gateway)

Via Node-RED Plugins:

node-red-contrib-modbus      # Modbus
node-red-contrib-opcua        # OPC UA
node-red-contrib-s7           # Siemens
node-red-contrib-bacnet       # BACnet

IT Protocols (Integration)

  • MQTT (primary message bus)
  • HTTP/REST APIs
  • HTTPS for dashboards
  • SMTP for email alerts
  • Webhooks for integrations

Security Architecture

Server Hardening

Required:

  • Disable root login (SSH key only)
  • Fail2ban configured
  • UFW firewall (only necessary ports)
  • Automated security updates
  • Regular security audits (quarterly)

Application Security

Required:

  • TLS/SSL everywhere (Let's Encrypt)
  • Strong passwords (generated, stored in 1Password)
  • API keys rotated (quarterly)
  • Container isolation verified
  • Database encryption at rest

Network Security

Edge to Cloud:

  • VPN access for edge devices (WireGuard)
  • Optional: Direct connection over TLS/MQTT
  • Firewall rules (only necessary ports)
  • Certificate-based authentication

Backup & Disaster Recovery

Backup Strategy

Automated Daily Backups (3am UTC):

  • Retention: 7 daily, 4 weekly, 12 monthly
  • Storage: GTHost server + offsite (Wasabi/Backblaze B2)
  • Encrypted with GPG
  • Automated restore testing (monthly)

What's Backed Up:

  • All customer containers (LXC snapshots)
  • Databases (InfluxDB, PostgreSQL)
  • Configuration files
  • Dashboard definitions
  • SSL certificates

Disaster Recovery

Targets:

  • RTO (Recovery Time Objective): 4 hours
  • RPO (Recovery Point Objective): 24 hours
  • Documented restoration procedure
  • Annual DR test

Monitoring & Alerting

Server Monitoring

Internal Stack:

  • Prometheus + Grafana (internal monitoring)
  • Alerts: CPU >80%, RAM >80%, Disk >85%
  • UptimeRobot (external monitoring)
  • Optional: PagerDuty for critical alerts

Metrics:

  • Per-container resource usage
  • MQTT connection status
  • InfluxDB query performance
  • Grafana dashboard access logs

Customer Monitoring

Per-Customer Dashboards:

  • Edge device connectivity status
  • Data collection rates
  • Alert history
  • System health metrics

Deployment Process

Customer Onboarding Flow

Phase 1: Planning (Week 1)

  1. Discovery call (understand needs)
  2. Site assessment (protocols, I/O requirements)
  3. Quote and proposal
  4. Contract signing

Phase 2: Setup (Week 2)

  1. Provision LXC container
  2. Configure subdomain and SSL
  3. Build custom dashboards
  4. Integration testing

Phase 3: Edge Deployment (Week 3)

  1. Ship pre-configured edge device
  2. Customer installs (plug & play)
  3. VPN connection establishes
  4. Data begins flowing

Phase 4: Training & Go-Live (Week 4)

  1. Remote training session
  2. Documentation handoff
  3. Go live
  4. 30-day monitoring period

Total Time: ~1 month per customer

Development Workflow

Local Development

Workstation Setup:

  • Ubuntu 22.04 or macOS
  • Docker Desktop (for testing containers)
  • VS Code with extensions:
    • Python
    • Docker
    • YAML
    • Grafana dashboards

Testing Environment:

  • Local LXC or Docker setup
  • Simulated PLC data (Node-RED)
  • Small InfluxDB + Grafana instance

CI/CD Pipeline (Future)

Source Control:

  • Git (self-hosted Gitea or GitHub)
  • Branches: main, development, customer-specific

Automation:

  • Gitea Actions or GitHub Actions
  • Automated testing on push
  • Deployment scripts (Ansible)

Deployment Process (Manual Initially):

  1. Test in local environment
  2. Deploy to staging container
  3. Validate with test data
  4. Deploy to production
  5. Monitor for issues

Architecture Comparison: ZLH vs Industrial

Code Reuse: 70%

What's SHARED between platforms:

✅ LXC container orchestration
✅ User authentication/authorization
✅ API infrastructure
✅ Billing/payment processing (Stripe)
✅ Resource monitoring/logging
✅ Database layer
✅ Web UI framework

What's DIFFERENT:

Gaming-Specific:
- Game server templates (Minecraft, Rust, etc.)
- Steam integration
- Gaming-specific metrics

Industrial-Specific:
- CODESYS/OpenPLC runtime
- Industrial protocols (Modbus, OPC-UA)
- SCADA visualization (Grafana dashboards)
- Alarm management

Development Strategy

  1. ZLH is 85% done → Finish core platform
  2. Industrial platform: Fork ZLH codebase
  3. Swap gaming logic for industrial modules
  4. Reuse: API, auth, billing, monitoring, container orchestration
  5. Add: PLC runtime, protocol handlers, SCADA dashboards

Estimated Development Time: 2-3 months to MVP (leveraging ZLH foundation)

Cost Analysis

Per-Customer Economics

Lightweight Stack (OpenPLC + Node-RED):

Customer Pays: $2,000/month

Your Costs:

  • Server allocation: $20-30/month (1/10th of server)
  • Software licenses: $0
  • Support time: ~5 hours/month @ $50/hour = $250
  • Total Cost: ~$280/month

Gross Profit: $1,720/month per customer (86% margin)

Premium Stack (CODESYS + RapidSCADA):

Customer Pays: $4,000/month

Your Costs:

  • Server allocation: $30-40/month
  • CODESYS license: $32/month (€350/year)
  • Support time: ~8 hours/month @ $50/hour = $400
  • Total Cost: ~$470/month

Gross Profit: $3,530/month per customer (88% margin)

Scaling Economics

At 5 Customers (Breakeven/Early Stage):

  • Revenue: $10,000-20,000/month
  • Server Costs: $300/month (1 server)
  • Software: $0-160/month
  • Support: 25-40 hours/month
  • Net Profit: $8,000-15,000/month

At 10 Customers (Sustainable):

  • Revenue: $20,000-40,000/month
  • Server Costs: $600/month (2 servers)
  • Software: $0-320/month
  • Support: 50-80 hours/month
  • Net Profit: $15,000-30,000/month

Technology Decision Matrix

When to Use What

OpenPLC:

  • ✅ Development/testing environments
  • ✅ Non-safety-critical monitoring
  • ✅ Budget-conscious customers
  • ✅ Custom applications

CODESYS:

  • ✅ Production control systems
  • ✅ Regulated industries
  • ✅ Customer requires certifications
  • ✅ Premium tier customers

Node-RED:

  • ✅ 80% of HMI needs
  • ✅ Quick deployments
  • ✅ Modern customers
  • ✅ Rapid prototyping

RapidSCADA:

  • ✅ Traditional industrial customers
  • ✅ Complex alarming requirements
  • ✅ Need "professional" appearance
  • ✅ Multi-user access control

Grafana:

  • ✅ Always include for visualization
  • ✅ Management reporting
  • ✅ Time-series analytics
  • ✅ Mobile access

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1-2)

Objective: Get first pilot customer live

  1. Week 1-2: Infrastructure setup

    • Provision GTHost server
    • Install Ubuntu + LXC
    • Configure networking and security
    • Set up monitoring

  2. Week 3-4: Software stack deployment

    • Deploy OpenPLC + Node-RED stack
    • Build first customer container template
    • Create reusable dashboards
    • Integration testing

  3. Week 5-6: Pilot customer

    • Onboard first customer
    • Deploy edge hardware
    • Configure data collection
    • Training and go-live

  4. Week 7-8: Refinement

    • Document learnings
    • Refine templates
    • Improve automation
    • Prepare for scale

Phase 2: Scaling (Month 3-6)

Objective: Reach 5 customers, validate business model

  1. Add customers 2-5
  2. Optimize deployment process
  3. Build library of templates
  4. Improve monitoring and alerting
  5. Add CODESYS option for premium tier

Phase 3: Growth (Month 7-12)

Objective: Scale to 10+ customers, achieve $25k+ MRR

  1. Hire first contractor (part-time technical support)
  2. Add second server (geographic redundancy)
  3. Implement CI/CD pipeline
  4. Build customer self-service portal
  5. Expand protocol support

Key Technical Decisions

Decision 1: LXC vs Docker

Chosen: LXC for platform, Docker for customer edge

Rationale:

  • LXC: Lower overhead, proven from ZLH, better for long-running services
  • Docker: Easier for customers to maintain on edge devices

Decision 2: OpenPLC vs CODESYS

Chosen: Hybrid approach (both)

Rationale:

  • OpenPLC: $0 cost, maximum margins, sufficient for 70% of use cases
  • CODESYS: Premium option for customers needing certifications
  • Flexibility to match customer requirements and budget

Decision 3: GTHost vs AWS/Azure

Chosen: GTHost dedicated servers

Rationale:

  • No AWS conflict with employer
  • Bare metal performance (real-time capable)
  • Predictable costs
  • Month-to-month flexibility
  • Can add GPU for future AI features

Decision 4: Edge Hardware

Chosen: Industrial Mini PCs ($110-250)

Rationale:

  • Reliable (SSD, no SD card failures like Pi)
  • Affordable (vs $400+ industrial PCs)
  • Professional appearance
  • x86 compatible (maximum flexibility)

Risk Mitigation

Technical Risks

Risk: Container escape/isolation breach Mitigation:

  • Regular security updates
  • Container resource limits enforced
  • Monitoring for unusual activity
  • Separate network namespaces

Risk: Data loss Mitigation:

  • Automated daily backups
  • Offsite backup storage
  • Monthly restore testing
  • 7-day retention minimum

Risk: Real-time performance issues Mitigation:

  • Bare metal servers (no nested virtualization)
  • LXC vs Docker (lower overhead)
  • RT-PREEMPT kernel option
  • Edge processing (time-critical at edge, not cloud)

Business Risks

Risk: Customer churn Mitigation:

  • High-touch onboarding
  • Excellent support
  • Sticky data (historical trends)
  • Annual contracts for discount

Risk: Support burden Mitigation:

  • Excellent documentation
  • Self-service portal
  • Automated monitoring
  • Hire contractors for overflow

Success Metrics

Technical KPIs

  • Container provisioning time: <15 minutes
  • Data collection uptime: >99.5%
  • Dashboard load time: <2 seconds
  • Backup success rate: 100%
  • Security incidents: 0

Business KPIs

  • Customer acquisition cost: <$500
  • Gross margin: >85%
  • Monthly recurring revenue: $25k by month 12
  • Customer churn: <10% annually
  • Net Promoter Score: >50

Next Steps

Immediate Actions (Week 1)

  1. Provision GTHost trial server ($5/day)
  2. Install Ubuntu + LXC
  3. Deploy OpenPLC + Node-RED stack
  4. Build first dashboard template
  5. Test with simulated PLC data

Short-Term (Month 1)

  1. Purchase industrial mini PC for testing
  2. Build complete customer container template
  3. Create customer onboarding checklist
  4. Identify 3-5 potential pilot customers
  5. Prepare pricing and proposal templates

Medium-Term (Month 2-3)

  1. Onboard first pilot customer
  2. Document complete deployment process
  3. Refine templates based on pilot feedback
  4. Build customer self-service portal
  5. Begin marketing to reach next 4 customers

Last Updated: December 2025