The power edge server is going to draw way more power just because it has a "powerful" cpu(s) and other power running components. The Qnap will be much quieter and consume maybe a few watts less power than your existing setup, potentially. I wouldn't use it though because your existing setup is way more flexible on what you can do with it.
I use ConnectionManager as a cute part of my "work flow". Sadly this hasn't been maintained very well by the original maintainer, but others have picked up the project and are keeping it patched to keep running. https://github.com/sciancio/connectionmanager2
If your competition cost more then you can raise your prices too!
I wish I could help you but I didn't get the impression that the OS is the one with the problems.
I stopped by to say the same thing. I use Zabbix to monitor everything
It really depends on what kind of project it is. Not everything will have a big appeal but if it doesn't how big is your target audience going to be for the product really.
Open source the research! I know people don't think this is the best way for a company to do R&D, but it will get tons of people that are interested in whatever you're doing to help for free and as a bonus you can find some great talent. Also, I'm not saying you need to give away the keys to your company. You could only open source select parts of the R&D to not give away your secrets.
You could implement a ssh tunnel every time it is online. Then you just use a reverse tunnel through that connection.
I have been using Open EVSE for years and love them, They have a nicely documented API so i can control them with just about anything.
Now you get a 10 minute ad for a 2 minute video
Windows 98 second edition By then i was bored with windows and a friend told me about Linux and i haven't looked back.
It is not just EVs, this can be done on almost every new car in some form or another.