Sevastopol on the lake and other natural wonders
Thanks to the exceptional courtesy of "T-platforms" and JSC "NPO "Rosbiotech", we managed to test a sample workstation based on the processor Baikal-T1 and the distribution OS Astra Linux Special Edition release of "Sebastopol" for her.
Working in a Russian firm, engaged in information technologies for the public sector and read online journalistic publications about the latest development of "T-platform" workstation "Tavolga Terminal TP-T22BT" based on domestic processor Baikal-T1, we wanted to see what exactly is this product from a practical point of view, to be ready at the right time to ensure import substitution in their products. To this end, we appealed to the JSC "T-platforms" to provide products to us for testing. Despite the fact that the demand of "Meadowsweet" in the domestic market is very large, and the supply is scheduled for the months ahead, our reputation and courtesy of the representatives of "T-platforms" will allow us to quickly get to test the prototype workstation, the results of which believe it is possible to share.
This is what constitutes a "Tavolga Terminal TP-T22BT" according to the manufacturer:
Provided us for testing the sample in some points differed from the specifications, but the General idea is clear.
Computer "Tavolga Terminal" and the processor Baikal-T1 developed in Russia and manufactured in China.
As we know from the press, the company "T-platforms", which is an independent developer of computer technology, under intense hostile attention of the US government, so it works only with the civil sector and supplies "Meadowsweet" preloaded redistributable 8 OS Debian (mipsel). However, we can hardly imagine the scenario of domestic computer with a foreign OS, therefore we did not conduct any experiments with Debian, and appealed to the JSC "NPO "Rosbiotech", which have a long experience of joint work, and got them to test a working version of native OS Astra Linux Special Edition, release "Sevastopol", intended for the MIPS platform. In the future, "Sevastopol" should be the commercial release secure operating system for MIPS, similar to the "Smolensk" for Intel, and yet (in January 2017), its development is not finished, and it exists in the form of working assemblies, at the moment, based on kernel 3.19.
So, what happens after power up?
The download process is "Meadowsweet" is arranged by a hardwired motherboard loader U-Boot, whose interface and other boot information is available through the special non-standard service connector. End-user available only the GUI of the OS, appearing after its automatic download. Black screen after power is replaced by a graphical login Linux.
"Meadowsweet-Terminal" can be used in a corporate environment and does not involve installation of the operating system forces the end user. To reinstall the operating system currently has the cable non-standard desoldering through which the text console is displayed on the other MIPS, service computer, as well as skills system administrator level commands the U-Boot bootloader. Poshamanit with the loader, we were able to run the installer Astra Linux. The installation process runs automatically and is not fundamentally different from releases "Smolensk" and "eagle" for Intel platforms.
Astra booting into Linux, we find ourselves in exactly the same user interface as in release "Smolensk" and "eagle". However, since the processor Baikal-T1 architecture has 32 MIPS (el), which is incompatible with the Intel, binary application for Intel Linux to run on it can't. Needed to recompile.
We without any problems recompile your programs designed for the Intel versions of the Astra Linux, and was able to run them at Sevastopol. Everything works exactly the same way as in the "Smolensk" or "eagle" (including, of course, that in the current Assembly of Sevastopol transferred the packages). No problems with either encodings or fonts or layout of screen forms – in short, anything that usually lies in wait for the programmer in the transition from one distribution to another. Compatibility between releases of the Astra Linux secured perfectly. It is also important that this platform uses little endian byte order (mipsel) corresponding to the accepted Intel.
The only thing that immediately draws the attention is the performance. "Tavolga Terminal" is positioned as a platform for thin clients and in no way can not replace a full workstation. According to the results of synthetic tests and performing practical tasks, we can say that the performance of "Meadowsweet Terminal" is different from modern workstations to Intel order, and on some types of loads, and more. Therefore, a really thick application to perform at the "Baikal-T1" is unrealistic.
On the other hand, a small performance of the system leading to low heat dissipation. The system unit is passively ventilated and not contain any moving parts, when operating relatively cold and completely silent.
We tested "Meadowsweet" in different modes of operation of thin client: with the recompilation of client applications in native MIPS code, with the remote start from another machine means the X window system, with access via a web browser. In all cases, performance is enough for simple interface, but to turn some sort of powerful load with fast intense redraw or complex calculations will not work.
So, "Meadowsweet Terminal TP-T22BT" has its distinct pros and cons.
Pros:
– a product of domestic development, can be used for import substitution;
– nice design;
– the lack of moving and hot parts, suggesting long-lasting reliable operation;
– immunity to common viruses, focusing on the Intel platform;
– immunity to extraneous software bring corporate users, including attempts to update the OS from the user;
– alleged absence of foreign “spies” in architecture;
– full compatibility at the source level with Linux for Intel platforms.
Cons:
– low productivity, making it impossible to run fat applications;
– small volume embedded flash drive (perhaps this issue will be resolved in the supply SSD);
– compulsory qualified system administrator to accompany the fleet;
– the inability of supply to be used in the military field in connection with the restrictions of the U.S. government;
Overall, in our view, "Tavolga Terminal TP-T22BT" when used with OS Astra Linux is quite a decent product for the workplace linear employee of a large Corporation, working with the resources of the server: the seller, the representative or employee of the state institutions, as well as for the workplace management of technological equipment if it does not require significant computing resources. At this workplace is difficult to do something extra that will surely please the corporate system administrators.
On the other hand, replacing a home computer or a powerful workstation "Tavolga Terminal" in any case, is not.
As corporate businesses generally little inclined to innovate on their own initiative, the future prevalence of processor-based systems Baykal-T1, in our view, will largely depend on two factors: the ability of the manufacturer to increase the volume of serial production and activity of the Russian state in limiting the budget for the procurement of domestic products. At least you can definitely say that Linux is a programmer's nothing complicated in the transition to this platform is definitely not.
Article based on information from habrahabr.ru
Working in a Russian firm, engaged in information technologies for the public sector and read online journalistic publications about the latest development of "T-platform" workstation "Tavolga Terminal TP-T22BT" based on domestic processor Baikal-T1, we wanted to see what exactly is this product from a practical point of view, to be ready at the right time to ensure import substitution in their products. To this end, we appealed to the JSC "T-platforms" to provide products to us for testing. Despite the fact that the demand of "Meadowsweet" in the domestic market is very large, and the supply is scheduled for the months ahead, our reputation and courtesy of the representatives of "T-platforms" will allow us to quickly get to test the prototype workstation, the results of which believe it is possible to share.
This is what constitutes a "Tavolga Terminal TP-T22BT" according to the manufacturer:
form factor: monoblock
Display: 21.5” (54.6 cm), IPS, 16:9, Full HD 1920×1080, led backlight
CPU: Baikal-T1 (MIPS P5600, 2 cores)
Memory: 2 to 8 GB of DDR3
Local storage: 8GB NAND Flash (option) / 8 GB Disk-on-Chip SSD (optional) / 2.5” SATA SSD (option)
Graphics adapter: SM 750, 16 MB of video memory
Sound: Codec PCM2912A / Built-in stereo speakers 2 × 2.5 W
External connectors: 4 × USB 2.0 / 1 x PS/2 / Device for smart cards / Device to work with memory cards SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MS / SSO 3.5 mm stereo headset (TRRS CTIA/AHJ) / Connector for Kensington lock
Networking opportunities: 2 × 100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet (8P8C) or
1 × 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet RJ-45 (8P8C) / 1 × port for SFP module (100/1000 Mbit/s)
OS support: Linux Distributions based on Debian
Power supply: 110-230 V, 50/60 Hz AC
Accessories: Keyboard (wired, USB) Mouse (wired, USB)
Operating conditions: Admissible temperature: 0 to 40 °C / relative humidity: 20 to 80% non-condensing
Warranty: 3 years
Provided us for testing the sample in some points differed from the specifications, but the General idea is clear.
Computer "Tavolga Terminal" and the processor Baikal-T1 developed in Russia and manufactured in China.
As we know from the press, the company "T-platforms", which is an independent developer of computer technology, under intense hostile attention of the US government, so it works only with the civil sector and supplies "Meadowsweet" preloaded redistributable 8 OS Debian (mipsel). However, we can hardly imagine the scenario of domestic computer with a foreign OS, therefore we did not conduct any experiments with Debian, and appealed to the JSC "NPO "Rosbiotech", which have a long experience of joint work, and got them to test a working version of native OS Astra Linux Special Edition, release "Sevastopol", intended for the MIPS platform. In the future, "Sevastopol" should be the commercial release secure operating system for MIPS, similar to the "Smolensk" for Intel, and yet (in January 2017), its development is not finished, and it exists in the form of working assemblies, at the moment, based on kernel 3.19.
So, what happens after power up?
The download process is "Meadowsweet" is arranged by a hardwired motherboard loader U-Boot, whose interface and other boot information is available through the special non-standard service connector. End-user available only the GUI of the OS, appearing after its automatic download. Black screen after power is replaced by a graphical login Linux.
"Meadowsweet-Terminal" can be used in a corporate environment and does not involve installation of the operating system forces the end user. To reinstall the operating system currently has the cable non-standard desoldering through which the text console is displayed on the other MIPS, service computer, as well as skills system administrator level commands the U-Boot bootloader. Poshamanit with the loader, we were able to run the installer Astra Linux. The installation process runs automatically and is not fundamentally different from releases "Smolensk" and "eagle" for Intel platforms.
Astra booting into Linux, we find ourselves in exactly the same user interface as in release "Smolensk" and "eagle". However, since the processor Baikal-T1 architecture has 32 MIPS (el), which is incompatible with the Intel, binary application for Intel Linux to run on it can't. Needed to recompile.
We without any problems recompile your programs designed for the Intel versions of the Astra Linux, and was able to run them at Sevastopol. Everything works exactly the same way as in the "Smolensk" or "eagle" (including, of course, that in the current Assembly of Sevastopol transferred the packages). No problems with either encodings or fonts or layout of screen forms – in short, anything that usually lies in wait for the programmer in the transition from one distribution to another. Compatibility between releases of the Astra Linux secured perfectly. It is also important that this platform uses little endian byte order (mipsel) corresponding to the accepted Intel.
The only thing that immediately draws the attention is the performance. "Tavolga Terminal" is positioned as a platform for thin clients and in no way can not replace a full workstation. According to the results of synthetic tests and performing practical tasks, we can say that the performance of "Meadowsweet Terminal" is different from modern workstations to Intel order, and on some types of loads, and more. Therefore, a really thick application to perform at the "Baikal-T1" is unrealistic.
On the other hand, a small performance of the system leading to low heat dissipation. The system unit is passively ventilated and not contain any moving parts, when operating relatively cold and completely silent.
We tested "Meadowsweet" in different modes of operation of thin client: with the recompilation of client applications in native MIPS code, with the remote start from another machine means the X window system, with access via a web browser. In all cases, performance is enough for simple interface, but to turn some sort of powerful load with fast intense redraw or complex calculations will not work.
So, "Meadowsweet Terminal TP-T22BT" has its distinct pros and cons.
Pros:
– a product of domestic development, can be used for import substitution;
– nice design;
– the lack of moving and hot parts, suggesting long-lasting reliable operation;
– immunity to common viruses, focusing on the Intel platform;
– immunity to extraneous software bring corporate users, including attempts to update the OS from the user;
– alleged absence of foreign “spies” in architecture;
– full compatibility at the source level with Linux for Intel platforms.
Cons:
– low productivity, making it impossible to run fat applications;
– small volume embedded flash drive (perhaps this issue will be resolved in the supply SSD);
– compulsory qualified system administrator to accompany the fleet;
– the inability of supply to be used in the military field in connection with the restrictions of the U.S. government;
Overall, in our view, "Tavolga Terminal TP-T22BT" when used with OS Astra Linux is quite a decent product for the workplace linear employee of a large Corporation, working with the resources of the server: the seller, the representative or employee of the state institutions, as well as for the workplace management of technological equipment if it does not require significant computing resources. At this workplace is difficult to do something extra that will surely please the corporate system administrators.
On the other hand, replacing a home computer or a powerful workstation "Tavolga Terminal" in any case, is not.
As corporate businesses generally little inclined to innovate on their own initiative, the future prevalence of processor-based systems Baykal-T1, in our view, will largely depend on two factors: the ability of the manufacturer to increase the volume of serial production and activity of the Russian state in limiting the budget for the procurement of domestic products. At least you can definitely say that Linux is a programmer's nothing complicated in the transition to this platform is definitely not.
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