venture/virtual-plc-implementation.md

# 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:**
```bash
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:**
```bash
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:**
```bash
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*