diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 73bd1e5..2d77925 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -1,2 +1,5 @@
+log/*
 html/*
 *.pyc
+pid/*
+
diff --git a/.pylintrc b/.pylintrc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d2d51a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.pylintrc
@@ -0,0 +1,283 @@
+[MASTER]
+
+# Specify a configuration file.
+#rcfile=
+
+# Python code to execute, usually for sys.path manipulation such as
+# pygtk.require().
+#init-hook=
+
+# Profiled execution.
+profile=no
+
+# Add files or directories to the blacklist. They should be base names, not
+# paths.
+ignore=CVS,doc,html,pid,log,etc
+
+# Pickle collected data for later comparisons.
+persistent=yes
+
+# List of plugins (as comma separated values of python modules names) to load,
+# usually to register additional checkers.
+load-plugins=
+
+
+[MESSAGES CONTROL]
+
+# Enable the message, report, category or checker with the given id(s). You can
+# either give multiple identifier separated by comma (,) or put this option
+# multiple time. See also the "--disable" option for examples.
+#enable=
+
+# Disable the message, report, category or checker with the given id(s). You
+# can either give multiple identifiers separated by comma (,) or put this
+# option multiple times (only on the command line, not in the configuration
+# file where it should appear only once).You can also use "--disable=all" to
+# disable everything first and then reenable specific checks. For example, if
+# you want to run only the similarities checker, you can use "--disable=all
+# --enable=similarities". If you want to run only the classes checker, but have
+# no Warning level messages displayed, use"--disable=all --enable=classes
+# --disable=W"
+disable=C0301,C0103,W0614,W0403,W0142,R0903,W0212,W0401,R0904,R0913,E1103
+
+
+[REPORTS]
+
+# Set the output format. Available formats are text, parseable, colorized, msvs
+# (visual studio) and html. You can also give a reporter class, eg
+# mypackage.mymodule.MyReporterClass.
+output-format=colorized
+
+# Include message's id in output
+include-ids=yes
+
+# Put messages in a separate file for each module / package specified on the
+# command line instead of printing them on stdout. Reports (if any) will be
+# written in a file name "pylint_global.[txt|html]".
+files-output=no
+
+# Tells whether to display a full report or only the messages
+reports=no
+
+# Python expression which should return a note less than 10 (10 is the highest
+# note). You have access to the variables errors warning, statement which
+# respectively contain the number of errors / warnings messages and the total
+# number of statements analyzed. This is used by the global evaluation report
+# (RP0004).
+evaluation=10.0 - ((float(5 * error + warning + refactor + convention) / statement) * 10)
+
+# Add a comment according to your evaluation note. This is used by the global
+# evaluation report (RP0004).
+comment=no
+
+# Template used to display messages. This is a python new-style format string
+# used to format the message information. See doc for all details
+#msg-template=
+
+
+[TYPECHECK]
+
+# Tells whether missing members accessed in mixin class should be ignored. A
+# mixin class is detected if its name ends with "mixin" (case insensitive).
+ignore-mixin-members=yes
+
+# List of classes names for which member attributes should not be checked
+# (useful for classes with attributes dynamically set).
+ignored-classes=SQLObject
+
+# When zope mode is activated, add a predefined set of Zope acquired attributes
+# to generated-members.
+zope=no
+
+# List of members which are set dynamically and missed by pylint inference
+# system, and so shouldn't trigger E0201 when accessed. Python regular
+# expressions are accepted.
+generated-members=REQUEST,acl_users,aq_parent
+
+
+[BASIC]
+
+# Required attributes for module, separated by a comma
+required-attributes=
+
+# List of builtins function names that should not be used, separated by a comma
+bad-functions=map,filter,apply,input
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct module names
+module-rgx=(([a-z_][a-z0-9_]*)|([A-Z][a-zA-Z0-9]+))$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct module level names
+const-rgx=(([A-Z_][A-Z0-9_]*)|(__.*__))$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct class names
+class-rgx=[A-Z_][a-zA-Z0-9]+$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct function names
+function-rgx=[a-z_][a-z0-9_]{2,30}$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct method names
+method-rgx=[a-z_][a-z0-9_]{2,30}$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct instance attribute names
+attr-rgx=[a-z_][a-z0-9_]{2,30}$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct argument names
+argument-rgx=[a-z_][a-z0-9_]{2,30}$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct variable names
+variable-rgx=[a-z_][a-z0-9_]{2,30}$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct attribute names in class
+# bodies
+class-attribute-rgx=([A-Za-z_][A-Za-z0-9_]{2,30}|(__.*__))$
+
+# Regular expression which should only match correct list comprehension /
+# generator expression variable names
+inlinevar-rgx=[A-Za-z_][A-Za-z0-9_]*$
+
+# Good variable names which should always be accepted, separated by a comma
+good-names=i,j,k,ex,Run,_
+
+# Bad variable names which should always be refused, separated by a comma
+bad-names=foo,bar,baz,toto,tutu,tata
+
+# Regular expression which should only match function or class names that do
+# not require a docstring.
+no-docstring-rgx=__.*__
+
+# Minimum line length for functions/classes that require docstrings, shorter
+# ones are exempt.
+docstring-min-length=3
+
+
+[MISCELLANEOUS]
+
+# List of note tags to take in consideration, separated by a comma.
+notes=FIXME,XXX,TODO,HACK
+
+
+[FORMAT]
+
+# Maximum number of characters on a single line.
+max-line-length=80
+
+# Regexp for a line that is allowed to be longer than the limit.
+ignore-long-lines=^\s*(# )?<?https?://\S+>?$
+
+# Allow the body of an if to be on the same line as the test if there is no
+# else.
+single-line-if-stmt=no
+
+# List of optional constructs for which whitespace checking is disabled
+no-space-check=trailing-comma,dict-separator
+
+# Maximum number of lines in a module
+max-module-lines=1000
+
+# String used as indentation unit. This is usually " " (4 spaces) or "\t" (1
+# tab).
+indent-string='    '
+
+
+[SIMILARITIES]
+
+# Minimum lines number of a similarity.
+min-similarity-lines=4
+
+# Ignore comments when computing similarities.
+ignore-comments=yes
+
+# Ignore docstrings when computing similarities.
+ignore-docstrings=yes
+
+# Ignore imports when computing similarities.
+ignore-imports=no
+
+
+[VARIABLES]
+
+# Tells whether we should check for unused import in __init__ files.
+init-import=no
+
+# A regular expression matching the beginning of the name of dummy variables
+# (i.e. not used).
+dummy-variables-rgx=_.*|dummy
+
+# List of additional names supposed to be defined in builtins. Remember that
+# you should avoid to define new builtins when possible.
+additional-builtins=
+
+
+[DESIGN]
+
+# Maximum number of arguments for function / method
+max-args=5
+
+# Argument names that match this expression will be ignored. Default to name
+# with leading underscore
+ignored-argument-names=_.*
+
+# Maximum number of locals for function / method body
+max-locals=15
+
+# Maximum number of return / yield for function / method body
+max-returns=6
+
+# Maximum number of branch for function / method body
+max-branches=12
+
+# Maximum number of statements in function / method body
+max-statements=50
+
+# Maximum number of parents for a class (see R0901).
+max-parents=7
+
+# Maximum number of attributes for a class (see R0902).
+max-attributes=7
+
+# Minimum number of public methods for a class (see R0903).
+min-public-methods=2
+
+# Maximum number of public methods for a class (see R0904).
+max-public-methods=20
+
+
+[IMPORTS]
+
+# Deprecated modules which should not be used, separated by a comma
+deprecated-modules=regsub,TERMIOS,Bastion,rexec
+
+# Create a graph of every (i.e. internal and external) dependencies in the
+# given file (report RP0402 must not be disabled)
+import-graph=
+
+# Create a graph of external dependencies in the given file (report RP0402 must
+# not be disabled)
+ext-import-graph=
+
+# Create a graph of internal dependencies in the given file (report RP0402 must
+# not be disabled)
+int-import-graph=
+
+
+[CLASSES]
+
+# List of interface methods to ignore, separated by a comma. This is used for
+# instance to not check methods defines in Zope's Interface base class.
+ignore-iface-methods=isImplementedBy,deferred,extends,names,namesAndDescriptions,queryDescriptionFor,getBases,getDescriptionFor,getDoc,getName,getTaggedValue,getTaggedValueTags,isEqualOrExtendedBy,setTaggedValue,isImplementedByInstancesOf,adaptWith,is_implemented_by
+
+# List of method names used to declare (i.e. assign) instance attributes.
+defining-attr-methods=__init__,__new__,setUp
+
+# List of valid names for the first argument in a class method.
+valid-classmethod-first-arg=cls
+
+# List of valid names for the first argument in a metaclass class method.
+valid-metaclass-classmethod-first-arg=mcs
+
+
+[EXCEPTIONS]
+
+# Exceptions that will emit a warning when being caught. Defaults to
+# "Exception"
+overgeneral-exceptions=Exception
diff --git a/bin/server.py b/bin/server.py
index cb3da99..996acc8 100755
--- a/bin/server.py
+++ b/bin/server.py
@@ -25,8 +25,83 @@ import os
 import sys
 from os import path
 
-sys.path[0]=path.abspath(path.join(sys.path[0],'../src'))
+# Pathes magic to make python find out stuff.
+# also remember our basepath (for etc, pid lookup, etc)
+basepath = path.abspath(path.join(sys.path[0], '..'))
+etc_path = path.join(basepath, 'etc')
+pid_path = path.join(basepath, 'pid')
+log_path = path.join(basepath, 'log')
+sys.path[0] = path.join(basepath, 'src')
 
-import transport
 
-transport.startup_server()
+import argparse
+from lib import check_pidfile, start_server, kill_server
+
+parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description = "Manage a SECoP server")
+loggroup = parser.add_mutually_exclusive_group()
+loggroup.add_argument("-v", "--verbose", help="Output lots of diagnostic information", 
+                    action='store_true', default=False)
+loggroup.add_argument("-q", "--quiet", help="suppress non-error messages", action='store_true',
+                    default=False)
+parser.add_argument("action", help="What to do with the server: (re)start, status or stop",
+                    choices=['start', 'status', 'stop', 'restart'], default="status")
+parser.add_argument("name", help="Name of the instance. Uses etc/name.cfg for configuration\n"
+                    "may be omitted to mean ALL (which are configured)",
+                    nargs='?', default='')
+args = parser.parse_args()
+
+
+import logging
+loglevel =  logging.DEBUG if args.verbose else (logging.ERROR if args.quiet else logging.INFO)
+logging.basicConfig(level=loglevel, format='%(asctime)s %(levelname)s %(message)s')
+logger = logging.getLogger('server')
+logger.setLevel(loglevel)
+fh = logging.FileHandler(path.join(log_path, 'server.log'), 'w')
+fh.setLevel(loglevel)
+logger.addHandler(fh)
+
+logger.debug("action specified %r" % args.action)
+
+def handle_servername(name, action):
+    pidfile = path.join(pid_path, name + '.pid')
+    cfgfile = path.join(etc_path, name + '.cfg')
+    if action == "restart":
+        handle_servername(name, 'stop')
+        handle_servername(name, 'start')
+        return
+    elif action == "start":
+        logger.info("Starting server %s" % name)
+        # XXX also do it !
+        start_server(name, basepath, loglevel)
+    elif action == "stop":
+        pid = check_pidfile(pidfile)
+        if pid:
+            logger.info("Stopping server %s" % name)
+            # XXX also do it!
+            stop_server(pidfile)
+        else:
+            logger.info("Server %s already dead" % name)
+    elif action == "status":
+        if check_pidfile(pidfile):
+            logger.info("Server %s is running." % name)
+        else:
+            logger.info("Server %s is DEAD!" % name)
+    else:
+        logger.error("invalid action specified: How can this ever happen???")
+
+print "================================"
+if not args.name:
+    logger.debug("No name given, iterating over all specified servers")
+    for dirpath, dirs, files in os.walk(etc_path):
+        for fn in files:
+            if fn.endswith('.cfg'):
+                handle_servername(fn[:-4], args.action)
+            else:
+                logger.debug('configfile with strange extension found: %r' 
+                             % path.basename(fn))
+        # ignore subdirs!
+        while(dirs):
+            dirs.pop()
+else:
+    handle_servername(args.name, args.action)
+print "================================"
diff --git a/doc/index.md b/doc/index.md
index fe5ac1b..aeed6f6 100644
--- a/doc/index.md
+++ b/doc/index.md
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 Markdown docu to be generated
 =============================
 
+[Notes](notes.html)
+
 
 TODO's
 ======
diff --git a/doc/notes.md b/doc/notes.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..384de7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/doc/notes.md
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+------
+No installation required or recommended.
+-----
+
+everything runs directly from the checkout.
+
+you need:
+ - python2.7.*
+ - pip
+ - linux OS (Mac may work as well)
+
+install requirements with pip:
+$ sudo pip install -r requirements.txt
+
+to execute a program, prefix its name with bin/, e.g.:
+$ bin/make_doc.py
+$ bin/server.py start test
+
+a testsuite is planned but nothing is there yet.
+
+## structure ##
+ 
+ * bin contains the executables (make_doc.py, server.py)
+ * doc is the root node of the docu (see index.md)
+ * etc contains the configurations for the server(s) and devices
+ * html contains the docu after make_doc.py was run
+ * log contains some (hopefully) log output from the servers
+ * pid contains pidfiles if a server is running
+ * src contains the python source
+   * src/client: client specific stuff (proxy)
+   * src/devices: devices to be used by the server (and exported via SECoP)
+   * src/lib: helper stuff (startup, pidfiles, etc)
+   * src/protocol: protocol specific stuff
+   * src/errors.py: internal errors
+   * src/server.py: device-managing part of the server (transport is in src/protocol/transport)
+   * src/validators.py: validators used by the devices. may be moved to src/protocol
+
+# THERE IS STILL MUCH WORK TO DO! #
+
diff --git a/doc/todo.md b/doc/todo.md
index 6e2ab5e..e1d06ee 100644
--- a/doc/todo.md
+++ b/doc/todo.md
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
    * src/server for everything server related
    * src/client for everything client related (ProxyDevice!)
    * src/protocol for protocol specific things
+     * need subtree for different implementations to play with
    * src/lib for helpers and other stuff
  * possibly a parallel src tree for cpp version
 
@@ -20,16 +21,31 @@
 
 ## A Server ##
 
- * evaluate config.ini
- * handle cmdline args (specify different server.ini)
+ * get daemonizing working
+ * handle -d (nodaemon) and -D (default, daemonize) cmd line args
  * support Async data units
  * support feature publishing and selection
- * rewrite MessageHadler to be agnostic of server
+ * rewrite MessageHandler to be agnostic of server
+
+
+## Device framework ##
+
+ * unify PARAMS and CONFIG (if no default value is given, 
+it needs to be specified in cfgfile, otherwise its optional)
+ * supply properties for PARAMS to auto-generate async data units
 
 
 ## Testsuite ##
 
  * embedded tests inside the actual files grow difficult to maintain
- * needed ?
+=> need a testsuite (nose+pylint?)
+
+
+## docu ##
+
+ * mabe use sphinx to generate docu: a pdf can then be auto-generated....
+ * transfer build docu into wiki via automated jobfile
+Problem: wiki does not understand .md or .html
+
 
  
diff --git a/etc/config.ini b/etc/test.cfg
similarity index 67%
rename from etc/config.ini
rename to etc/test.cfg
index 921213b..b3f307b 100644
--- a/etc/config.ini
+++ b/etc/test.cfg
@@ -3,14 +3,14 @@ bindto=localhost
 bindport=10767
 protocol=pickle
 
-[device "LN2"]
+[device LN2]
 class=devices.test.LN2
 
-[device "heater"]
+[device heater]
 class=devices.test.Heater
 maxheaterpower=10
 
-[device "T1"]
-class=devices.test.temp
+[device T1]
+class=devices.test.Temp
 sensor="X34598T7"
 
diff --git a/requirements.txt b/requirements.txt
index 2f3f949..ad46ddb 100644
--- a/requirements.txt
+++ b/requirements.txt
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 # for generating docu
 markdown>=2.6
+# general stuff
+psutil
+# daemonizing not yet functional (logging problems)
+#daemonize
 # for zmq
 #pyzmq>=13.1.0
 
diff --git a/src/__init__.py b/src/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/src/client/__init__.py b/src/client/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/src/devices/__init__.py b/src/devices/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/src/devices/core.py b/src/devices/core.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e081e87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/devices/core.py
@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+#
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+#
+# *****************************************************************************
+
+"""Define Baseclasses for real devices implemented in the server"""
+
+import types
+import inspect
+
+from errors import ConfigError, ProgrammingError
+from protocol import status
+
+# storage for CONFIGurable settings (from configfile)
+class CONFIG(object):
+    def __init__(self, description, validator=None, default=None, unit=None):
+        self.description = description
+        self.validator = validator
+        self.default = default
+        self.unit = unit
+
+
+# storage for PARAMeter settings (changeable during runtime)
+class PARAM(object):
+    def __init__(self, description, validator=None, default=None, unit=None, readonly=False):
+        self.description = description
+        self.validator = validator
+        self.default = default
+        self.unit = unit
+        self.readonly = readonly
+        # internal caching...
+        self.currentvalue = default
+
+
+# storage for CMDs settings (names + call signature...)
+class CMD(object):
+    def __init__(self, description, *args):
+        self.description = description
+        self.arguments = args
+
+# Meta class
+# warning: MAGIC!
+class DeviceMeta(type):
+    def __new__(mcs, name, bases, attrs):
+        newtype = type.__new__(mcs, name, bases, attrs)
+        if '__constructed__' in attrs:
+            return newtype
+        # merge CONFIG, PARAM, CMDS from all sub-classes
+        for entry in ['CONFIG', 'PARAMS', 'CMDS']:
+            newentry = {}
+            for base in reversed(bases):
+                if hasattr(base, entry):
+                    newentry.update(getattr(base, entry))
+            newentry.update(attrs.get(entry, {}))
+            setattr(newtype, entry, newentry)
+        # check validity of entries
+        for cname, info in newtype.CONFIG.items():
+            if not isinstance(info, CONFIG):
+                raise ProgrammingError("%r: device CONFIG %r should be a CONFIG object!" %
+                                       (name, cname))
+            #XXX: greate getters for the config value
+        for pname, info in newtype.PARAMS.items():
+            if not isinstance(info, PARAM):
+                raise ProgrammingError("%r: device PARAM %r should be a PARAM object!" %
+                                       (name, pname))
+            #XXX: greate getters and setters, setters should send async updates
+        # also collect/update information about CMD's
+        setattr(newtype, 'CMDS', getattr(newtype, 'CMDS', {}))
+        for name in attrs:
+            if name.startswith('do'):
+                value = getattr(newtype, name)
+                if isinstance(value, types.MethodType):
+                    argspec = inspect.getargspec(value)
+                    if argspec[0] and argspec[0][0] == 'self':
+                        del argspec[0][0]
+                        newtype.CMDS[name] = CMD(value.get('__doc__', name), *argspec)
+        attrs['__constructed__'] = True
+        return newtype
+
+# Basic device class
+class Device(object):
+    """Basic Device, doesn't do much"""
+    __metaclass__ = DeviceMeta
+    # CONFIG, PARAMS and CMDS are auto-merged upon subclassing
+    CONFIG = {}
+    PARAMS = {}
+    CMDS = {}
+    SERVER = None
+    def __init__(self, devname, serverobj, logger, cfgdict):
+        # remember the server object (for the async callbacks)
+        self.SERVER = serverobj
+        self.log = logger
+        self.name = devname
+        # check config for problems
+        # only accept config items specified in CONFIG
+        for k, v in cfgdict.items():
+            if k not in self.CONFIG:
+                raise ConfigError('Device %s:config Parameter %r not unterstood!' % (self.name, k))
+        # complain if a CONFIG entry has no default value and is not specified in cfgdict
+        for k, v in self.CONFIG.items():
+            if k not in cfgdict:
+                if 'default' not in v:
+                    raise ConfigError('Config Parameter %r was not given and not default value exists!' % k)
+                cfgdict[k] = v['default'] # assume default value was given.
+        # now 'apply' config, passing values through the validators and store as attributes
+        for k, v in cfgdict.items():
+            # apply validator, complain if type does not fit
+            validator = self.CONFIG[k].validator
+            if validator is not None:
+                # only check if validator given
+                try:
+                    v = validator(v)
+                except ValueError as e:
+                    raise ConfigError("Device %s: config paramter %r:\n%r" % (self.name, k, e))
+            # XXX: with or without prefix?
+            setattr(self, 'config_' + k, v)
+        # set default parameter values as inital values
+        for k, v in self.PARAMS.items():
+            # apply validator, complain if type does not fit
+            validator = v.validator
+            value = v.default
+            if validator is not None:
+                # only check if validator given
+                value = validator(value)
+            setattr(self, k, v)
+
+    def init(self):
+        # may be overriden in other classes
+        pass
+
+
+class Readable(Device):
+    """Basic readable device, providing the RO parameter 'value' and 'status'"""
+    PARAMS = {
+        'value' : PARAM('current value of the device', readonly=True),
+        'status' : PARAM('current status of the device',
+                         readonly=True),
+    }
+    def read_value(self, maxage=0):
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def read_status(self):
+        return status.OK
+
+
+class Driveable(Readable):
+    """Basic Driveable device, providing a RW target parameter to those of a Readable"""
+    PARAMS = {
+        'target' : PARAM('target value of the device'),
+    }
+    def write_target(self, value):
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
diff --git a/src/devices/cryo.py b/src/devices/cryo.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9bd96d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/devices/cryo.py
@@ -0,0 +1,323 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+# *****************************************************************************
+
+"""playing implementation of a (simple) simulated cryostat"""
+
+from math import atan
+import time
+import random
+import threading
+
+from devices.core import Driveable, CONFIG, PARAM
+from protocol import status
+from validators import floatrange, positive, mapping
+from lib import clamp
+
+
+hack = []
+
+class Cryostat(Driveable):
+    """simulated cryostat with heat capacity on the sample, cooling power and thermal transfer functions"""
+    CONFIG = dict(
+        jitter=CONFIG("amount of random noise on readout values",
+                      validator=floatrange(0, 1), default=1,
+                     ),
+        T_start=CONFIG("starting temperature for simulation",
+                       validator=positive, default=2,
+                      ),
+        looptime=CONFIG("timestep for simulation",
+                        validator=positive, default=1, unit="s",
+                       ),
+    )
+    PARAMS = dict(
+        ramp=PARAM("ramping speed in K/min",
+                   validator=floatrange(0, 1e3), default=1,
+                  ),
+        setpoint=PARAM("ramping speed in K/min",
+                       validator=float, default=1, readonly=True,
+                      ),
+        maxpower=PARAM("Maximum heater power in W",
+                       validator=float, default=0, readonly=True, unit="W",
+                      ),
+        heater=PARAM("current heater setting in %",
+                     validator=float, default=0, readonly=True, unit="%",
+                    ),
+        heaterpower=PARAM("current heater power in W",
+                          validator=float, default=0, readonly=True, unit="W",
+                         ),
+        target=PARAM("target temperature in K",
+                     validator=float, default=0, unit="K",
+                    ),
+        p=PARAM("regulation coefficient 'p' in %/K",
+                validator=positive, default=40, unit="%/K",
+               ),
+        i=PARAM("regulation coefficient 'i'",
+                validator=floatrange(0, 100), default=10,
+               ),
+        d=PARAM("regulation coefficient 'd'",
+                validator=floatrange(0, 100), default=2,
+               ),
+        mode=PARAM("mode of regulation",
+                   validator=mapping('ramp', 'pid', 'openloop'), default='pid',
+                  ),
+
+        tolerance=PARAM("temperature range for stability checking",
+                     validator=floatrange(0, 100), default=0.1, unit='K',
+                    ),
+        window=PARAM("time window for stability checking",
+                     validator=floatrange(1, 900), default=30, unit='s',
+                    ),
+        timeout=PARAM("max waiting time for stabilisation check",
+                     validator=floatrange(1, 36000), default=900, unit='s',
+                    ),
+    )
+
+    def init(self):
+        self._stopflag = False
+        self._thread = threading.Thread(target=self.thread)
+        self._thread.daemon = True
+        self._thread.start()
+        #XXX: hack!!! use a singleton as registry for the other devices to access this one...
+        hack.append(self)
+
+    def read_status(self):
+        # instead of asking a 'Hardware' take the value from the simulation thread
+        return self.status
+
+    def read_value(self, maxage=0):
+        # return regulation value (averaged regulation temp)
+        return self.regulationtemp + self.config_jitter * (0.5 - random.random())
+
+    def read_target(self, maxage=0):
+        return self.target
+
+    def write_target(self, value):
+        self.target = value
+        # next request will see this status, until the loop updates it
+        self.status = (status.BUSY, 'new target set')
+
+    def read_maxpower(self, maxage=0):
+        return self.maxpower
+
+    def write_maxpower(self, newpower):
+        # rescale heater setting in % to keep the power
+        self.heater = max(0, min(100, self.heater * self.maxpower / float(newpower)))
+        self.maxpower = newpower
+
+    def doStop(self):
+        # stop the ramp by setting current value as target
+        # XXX: there may be use case where setting the current temp may be better
+        self.write_target(self.setpoint)
+
+    #
+    # calculation helpers
+    #
+    def __coolerPower(self, temp):
+        """returns cooling power in W at given temperature"""
+        # quadratic up to 42K, is linear from 40W@42K to 100W@600K
+        # return clamp((temp-2)**2 / 32., 0., 40.) + temp * 0.1
+        return clamp(15 * atan(temp * 0.01) ** 3, 0., 40.) + temp * 0.1 - 0.2
+
+    def __coolerCP(self, temp):
+        """heat capacity of cooler at given temp"""
+        return 75 * atan(temp / 50)**2 + 1
+
+    def __heatLink(self, coolertemp, sampletemp):
+        """heatflow from sample to cooler. may be negative..."""
+        flow = (sampletemp - coolertemp) * \
+               ((coolertemp + sampletemp) ** 2)/400.
+        cp = clamp(self.__coolerCP(coolertemp) * self.__sampleCP(sampletemp),
+                   1, 10)
+        return clamp(flow, -cp, cp)
+
+    def __sampleCP(self, temp):
+        return 3 * atan(temp / 30) + \
+            12 * temp / ((temp - 12.)**2 + 10) + 0.5
+
+    def __sampleLeak(self, temp):
+        return 0.02/temp
+
+    def thread(self):
+        self.sampletemp = self.config_T_start
+        self.regulationtemp = self.config_T_start
+        self.status = status.OK
+        while not self._stopflag:
+            try:
+                self.__sim()
+            except Exception as e:
+                self.log.exception(e)
+                self.status = status.ERROR, str(e)
+
+    def __sim(self):
+        # complex thread handling:
+        # a) simulation of cryo (heat flow, thermal masses,....)
+        # b) optional PID temperature controller with windup control
+        # c) generating status+updated value+ramp
+        # this thread is not supposed to exit!
+
+        # local state keeping:
+        regulation = self.regulationtemp
+        sample = self.sampletemp
+        window = [] # keep history values for stability check
+        timestamp = time.time()
+        heater = 0
+        lastflow = 0
+        last_heaters = (0, 0)
+        delta = 0
+        I = D = 0
+        lastD = 0
+        damper = 1
+        lastmode = self.mode
+        while not self._stopflag:
+            t = time.time()
+            h = t - timestamp
+            if h < self.looptime / damper:
+                time.sleep(clamp(self.looptime / damper - h, 0.1, 60))
+                continue
+            # a)
+            sample = self.sampletemp
+            regulation = self.regulationtemp
+            heater = self.heater
+
+            heatflow = self.__heatLink(regulation, sample)
+            self.log.debug('sample = %.5f, regulation = %.5f, heatflow = %.5g'
+                           % (sample, regulation, heatflow))
+            newsample = max(0,
+                            sample + (self.__sampleLeak(sample) - heatflow) /
+                            self.__sampleCP(sample) * h)
+            # avoid instabilities due to too small CP
+            newsample = clamp(newsample, sample, regulation)
+            regdelta = (heater * 0.01 * self.maxpower + heatflow -
+                        self.__coolerPower(regulation))
+            newregulation = max(0, regulation +
+                                regdelta / self.__coolerCP(regulation) * h)
+            # b) see
+            # http://brettbeauregard.com/blog/2011/04/improving-the-beginners-pid-introduction/
+            if self.mode != 'openloop':
+                # fix artefacts due to too big timesteps
+                # actually i would prefer reducing looptime, but i have no
+                # good idea on when to increase it back again
+                if heatflow * lastflow != -100:
+                    if (newregulation - newsample) * (regulation - sample) < 0:
+                        # newregulation = (newregulation + regulation) / 2
+                        # newsample = (newsample + sample) / 2
+                        damper += 1
+                lastflow = heatflow
+
+                error = self.setpoint - newregulation
+                # use a simple filter to smooth delta a little
+                delta = (delta + regulation - newregulation) / 2.
+
+                kp = self.p / 10.             # LakeShore P = 10*k_p
+                ki = kp * abs(self.i) / 500.  # LakeShore I = 500/T_i
+                kd = kp * abs(self.d) / 2.    # LakeShore D = 2*T_d
+                P = kp * error
+                I += ki * error * h
+                D = kd * delta / h
+
+                # avoid reset windup
+                I = clamp(I, 0., 100.)  # I is in %
+
+                # avoid jumping heaterpower if switching back to pid mode
+                if lastmode != self.mode:
+                    # adjust some values upon switching back on
+                    I = self.heater - P - D
+
+                v = P + I + D
+                # in damping mode, use a weighted sum of old + new heaterpower
+                if damper > 1:
+                    v = ((damper ** 2 - 1) * self.heater + v) / damper ** 2
+
+                # damp oscillations due to D switching signs
+                if D * lastD < -0.2:
+                    v = (v + heater) / 2.
+                # clamp new heater power to 0..100%
+                heater = clamp(v, 0., 100.)
+                lastD = D
+
+                self.log.debug('PID: P = %.2f, I = %.2f, D = %.2f, '
+                               'heater = %.2f' % (P, I, D, heater))
+
+                # check for turn-around points to detect oscillations ->
+                # increase damper
+                x, y = last_heaters
+                if (x + 0.1 < y and y > heater + 0.1) or \
+                   (x > y + 0.1 and y + 0.1 < heater):
+                    damper += 1
+                last_heaters = (y, heater)
+
+            else:
+                # self.heaterpower is set manually, not by pid
+                heater = self.heater
+                last_heaters = (0, 0)
+
+            heater = round(heater, 3)
+            sample = newsample
+            regulation = newregulation
+            lastmode = self.mode
+            # c)
+            if self.setpoint != self.target:
+                if self.ramp == 0:
+                    maxdelta = 10000
+                else:
+                    maxdelta = self.ramp / 60. * h
+                try:
+                    self.setpoint = round(self.setpoint +
+                                          clamp(self.target - self.setpoint,
+                                                -maxdelta, maxdelta), 3)
+                    self.log.debug('setpoint changes to %r (target %r)' %
+                                   (self.setpoint, self.target))
+                except (TypeError, ValueError):
+                    # self.target might be None
+                    pass
+
+            # temperature is stable when all recorded values in the window
+            # differ from setpoint by less than tolerance
+            currenttime = time.time()
+            window.append((currenttime, sample))
+            while window[0][0] < currenttime - self.window:
+                # remove old/stale entries
+                window.pop(0)
+            # obtain min/max
+            deviation = 0
+            for _, T in window:
+                if abs(T-self.target) > deviation:
+                    deviation = abs(T-self.target)
+            if (len(window) < 3) or deviation > self.tolerance:
+                self.status = status.BUSY, 'unstable'
+            elif self.setpoint == self.target:
+                self.status = status.OK, 'at target'
+                damper -= (damper - 1) / 10.  # max value for damper is 11
+            else:
+                self.status = status.BUSY, 'ramping setpoint'
+            damper -= (damper - 1) / 20.
+            self.regulationtemp = round(regulation, 3)
+            self.sampletemp = round(sample, 3)
+            self.heaterpower = round(heater * self.maxpower * 0.01, 3)
+            self.heater = heater
+            timestamp = t
+
+    def shutdown(self):
+        # should be called from server when the server is stopped
+        self._stopflag = True
+        if self._thread and self._thread.isAlive():
+            self._thread.join()
+
diff --git a/src/devices/test.py b/src/devices/test.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4339af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/devices/test.py
@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+# *****************************************************************************
+
+"""testing devices"""
+
+import random
+
+from devices.core import Readable, Driveable, CONFIG, PARAM
+from validators import floatrange
+
+class LN2(Readable):
+    """Just a readable.
+
+    class name indicates it to be a sensor for LN2, but the implementation may do anything"""
+    def read_value(self, maxage=0):
+        return round(100*random.random(), 1)
+
+class Heater(Driveable):
+    """Just a driveable.
+
+    class name indicates it to be some heating element, but the implementation may do anything"""
+    CONFIG = {
+        'maxheaterpower' : CONFIG('maximum allowed heater power',
+                                  validator=floatrange(0, 100), unit='W'),
+    }
+    def read_value(self, maxage=0):
+        return round(100*random.random(), 1)
+
+    def write_target(self, target):
+        pass
+
+class Temp(Driveable):
+    """Just a driveable.
+
+    class name indicates it to be some temperature controller, but the implementation may do anything"""
+    CONFIG = {
+        'sensor' : CONFIG("Sensor number or calibration id",
+                          validator=str),
+    }
+    def read_value(self, maxage=0):
+        return round(100*random.random(), 1)
+
+    def write_target(self, target):
+        pass
+
+
diff --git a/src/lib.py b/src/errors.py
similarity index 74%
rename from src/lib.py
rename to src/errors.py
index 3c3ecf3..5360681 100644
--- a/src/lib.py
+++ b/src/errors.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python
 #  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
 # *****************************************************************************
 #
@@ -19,20 +20,13 @@
 #   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
 #
 # *****************************************************************************
+"""error class for our little framework"""
 
-"""Define helpers"""
+class SECoPServerError(Exception):
+    pass
 
-class attrdict(dict):
-    def __getattr__(self, key):
-        return self[key]
-    def __setattr__(self, key, value):
-        self[key] = value
-
-if __name__ == '__main__':
-    print "minimal testing: lib"
-    d = attrdict(a=1, b=2)
-    _ = d.a + d['b']
-    d.c = 9
-    d['d'] = 'c'
-    assert d[d.d] == 9
+class ConfigError(SECoPServerError):
+    pass
 
+class ProgrammingError(SECoPServerError):
+    pass
diff --git a/src/lib/__init__.py b/src/lib/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..07bc3a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+#
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+#
+# *****************************************************************************
+
+"""Define helpers"""
+
+import logging
+from os import path
+
+class attrdict(dict):
+    """a normal dict, providing access also via attributes"""
+    def __getattr__(self, key):
+        return self[key]
+    def __setattr__(self, key, value):
+        self[key] = value
+
+def clamp(_min, value, _max):
+    """return the median of 3 values,
+
+    i.e. value if min <= value <= max, else min or max depending on which side
+    value lies outside the [min..max] interval
+    """
+    # return median, i.e. clamp the the value between min and max
+    return sorted([_min, value, _max])[1]
+
+def get_class(spec):
+    """loads a class given by string in dotted notaion (as python would do)"""
+    modname, classname = spec.rsplit('.', 1)
+    import importlib
+#    module = importlib.import_module(modname)
+    module = __import__(spec)
+    return getattr(module, classname)
+
+def make_logger(inst='server', name='', base_path='', loglevel=logging.INFO):
+    # XXX: rework this! (outsource to a logging module...)
+    if name:
+        inst = '%s %s' % (inst, name)
+    logging.basicConfig(level=loglevel, format='%(asctime)s %(levelname)s %(message)s')
+    logger = logging.getLogger(inst)
+    logger.setLevel(loglevel)
+    fh = logging.FileHandler(path.join(base_path, 'log', (name or inst) + '.log'))
+    fh.setLevel(loglevel)
+    logger.addHandler(fh)
+    return logger
+
+
+# moved below definitions to break import cycle
+from pidfile import *
+from startup import *
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    print "minimal testing: lib"
+    d = attrdict(a=1, b=2)
+    _ = d.a + d['b']
+    d.c = 9
+    d['d'] = 'c'
+    assert d[d.d] == 9
+
diff --git a/src/lib/pidfile.py b/src/lib/pidfile.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4aac509
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/pidfile.py
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+#
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+#
+# *****************************************************************************
+
+"""Define pidfile helpers"""
+import os
+import atexit
+import psutil
+
+
+def read_pidfile(pidfile):
+    """read the given pidfile, return the pid as an int
+
+    or None upon errors (file not existing)"""
+    try:
+        with open(pidfile, 'r') as f:
+            return int(f.read())
+    except OSError:
+        return None
+
+def remove_pidfile(pidfile):
+    """remove the given pidfile, typically at end of the process"""
+    os.remove(pidfile)
+
+def write_pidfile(pidfile, pid):
+    """write the given pid to the given pidfile"""
+    with open(pidfile, 'w') as f:
+        f.write('%d\n' % pid)
+    atexit.register(remove_pidfile, pidfile)
+
+def check_pidfile(pidfile):
+    """check if the process from a given pidfile is still running"""
+    pid = read_pidfile(pidfile)
+    return False if pid is None else psutil.pid_exists(pid)
+
diff --git a/src/lib/startup.py b/src/lib/startup.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4708919
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/startup.py
@@ -0,0 +1,133 @@
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+#
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+#
+# *****************************************************************************
+
+"""Define helpers"""
+import os
+import psutil
+import daemonize
+import ConfigParser
+
+from lib import read_pidfile, write_pidfile, get_class, make_logger
+from server import DeviceServer as Server
+from errors import ConfigError
+
+__ALL__ = ['kill_server', 'start_server']
+
+def kill_server(pidfile):
+    """kill a server specified by a pidfile"""
+    pid = read_pidfile(pidfile)
+    if pid is None:
+        # already dead/not started yet
+        return
+    # get process for this pid
+    for proc in psutil.process_iter():
+        if proc.pid == pid:
+            break
+    proc.terminate()
+    proc.wait(3)
+    proc.kill()
+
+def start_server(srvname, base_path, loglevel, daemon=False):
+    """start a server, part1
+
+    handle the daemonizing and logging stuff and call the second step
+    """
+    pidfile = os.path.join(base_path, 'pid', srvname + '.pid')
+    if daemon:
+# dysfunctional :(
+        daemonproc = daemonize.Daemonize("server %s" % srvname,
+                                         pid=pidfile,
+                                         action=lambda: startup(srvname, base_path, loglevel),
+                                         )
+        daemonproc.start()
+
+
+    else:
+        write_pidfile(pidfile, os.getpid())
+        startup(srvname, base_path, loglevel) # blocks!
+
+# unexported stuff here
+def startup(srvname, base_path, loglevel):
+    """really start a server (part2)
+
+    loads the config, initiate all objects, link them together
+    and finally start the interface server.
+    Never returns. (may raise)
+    """
+    cfgfile = os.path.join(base_path, 'etc', srvname + '.cfg')
+
+    logger = make_logger('server', srvname, base_path=base_path, loglevel=loglevel)
+    logger.debug("parsing %r" % cfgfile)
+
+    parser = ConfigParser.SafeConfigParser()
+    if not parser.read([cfgfile]):
+        logger.error("Couldn't read cfg file !")
+        raise ConfigError("Couldn't read cfg file %r" % cfgfile)
+
+    # evaluate Server specific stuff
+    if not parser.has_section('server'):
+        logger.error("cfg file needs a 'server' section!")
+        raise ConfigError("cfg file %r needs a 'server' section!" % cfgfile)
+    serveropts = dict(item for item in parser.items('server'))
+
+    # check serveropts (init server)
+    # this raises if something wouldn't work
+    logger.debug("Creating device server")
+    server = Server(logger, serveropts)
+
+    # iterate over all sections, checking for devices
+    deviceopts = []
+    for section in parser.sections():
+        if section == "server":
+            continue # already handled, see above
+        if section.lower().startswith("device"):
+            # device section
+            devname = section[len('device '):] # omit leading 'device ' string
+            devopts = dict(item for item in parser.items(section))
+            if 'class' not in devopts:
+                logger.error("Device %s needs a class option!")
+                raise ConfigError("cfgfile %r: Device %s needs a class option!" % (cfgfile, devname))
+            # try to import the class, raise if this fails
+            devopts['class'] = get_class(devopts['class'])
+            # all went well so far
+            deviceopts.append([devname, devopts])
+
+    # check devices by creating them
+    devs = {}
+    for devname, devopts in deviceopts:
+        devclass = devopts.pop('class')
+        # create device
+        logger.debug("Creating Device %r" % devname)
+        devobj = devclass(devname, server, logger, devopts)
+        devs[devname] = devobj
+
+    # connect devices with server
+    for devname, devobj in devs.items():
+        logger.info("registering device %r" % devname)
+        server.register_device(devobj, devname)
+        # also call init on the devices
+        logger.debug("device.init()")
+        devobj.init()
+
+    # handle requests until stop is requsted
+    logger.info('startup done, handling transport messages')
+    server.serve_forever()
diff --git a/src/protocol/__init__.py b/src/protocol/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/src/device.py b/src/protocol/device.py
similarity index 92%
rename from src/device.py
rename to src/protocol/device.py
index 5eeef94..f324ed7 100644
--- a/src/device.py
+++ b/src/protocol/device.py
@@ -25,19 +25,7 @@
 also define helpers to derive properties of the device"""
 
 from lib import attrdict
-
-class Status(object):
-    """Map Menaing of a devices status to some constants
-
-    which may be used for transport"""
-    OK = 100
-    MOVING = 200
-    WARN = 300
-    UNSTABLE = 350
-    ERROR = 400
-    UNKNOWN = 999
-
-status = Status()
+from protocol import status
 
 
 # XXX: deriving PARS/CMDS should be done in a suitable metaclass....
diff --git a/src/messages.py b/src/protocol/messages.py
similarity index 100%
rename from src/messages.py
rename to src/protocol/messages.py
diff --git a/src/protocol/status.py b/src/protocol/status.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9bca559
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/protocol/status.py
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+#
+# *****************************************************************************
+"""Define Status constants"""
+
+# could also be some objects
+OK = 100
+BUSY = 200
+WARN = 300
+UNSTABLE = 350
+ERROR = 400
+UNKNOWN = -1
+
diff --git a/src/transport.py b/src/protocol/transport.py
similarity index 89%
rename from src/transport.py
rename to src/protocol/transport.py
index 772dc79..f9be5c9 100644
--- a/src/transport.py
+++ b/src/protocol/transport.py
@@ -136,9 +136,14 @@ class SECoPRequestHandler(SocketServer.BaseRequestHandler):
 
 class SECoPServer(SocketServer.ThreadingTCPServer, DeviceServer):
     daemon_threads = False
-
-def startup_server():
-    srv = SECoPServer(('localhost', DEF_PORT), SECoPRequestHandler,
-                      bind_and_activate=True)
-    srv.serve_forever()
-    srv.server_close()
+    def __init__(self, logger, serveropts):
+        bindto = serveropts.pop('bindto', 'localhost')
+        portnum = DEF_PORT
+        if ':' in bindto:
+            bindto, _port = bindto.rsplit(':')
+            portnum = int(_port)
+        logger.debug("binding to %s:%d" % (bindto, portnum))
+        super(SECoPServer, self).__init__((bindto, portnum),
+              SECoPRequestHandler, bind_and_activate=True)
+        logger.info("SECoPServer initiated")
+        logger.debug('serveropts remaining: %r' % serveropts)
diff --git a/src/server.py b/src/server.py
index 9fc4419..c89cce5 100644
--- a/src/server.py
+++ b/src/server.py
@@ -22,23 +22,25 @@
 
 """Define basic SECoP DeviceServer"""
 
-import logging
 import time
 
-from messages import parse, ListDevicesRequest, ListDeviceParamsRequest, \
+from protocol.messages import parse, ListDevicesRequest, ListDeviceParamsRequest, \
     ReadParamRequest, ErrorReply, MessageHandler
 
 
 
 class DeviceServer(MessageHandler):
-    def __init__(self):
+    def __init__(self, logger, serveropts):
         self._devices = {}
-        self.log = logging
+        self.log = logger
+        # XXX: check serveropts and raise if problems exist
+        # mandatory serveropts: interface=tcpip, encoder=pickle, frame=eol
+        # XXX: remaining opts are checked by the corresponding interface server
 
-        self.log.basicConfig(level=logging.WARNING,
-                    format='%(asctime)s %(levelname)s %(message)s')
+    def serve_forever(self):
+        self.log.error("Serving not yet implemented!")
 
-    def registerDevice(self, deviceobj, devicename):
+    def register_device(self, deviceobj, devicename):
     # make the server export a deviceobj under a given name.
     # all exportet properties are taken from the device
         if devicename in self._devices:
@@ -47,7 +49,7 @@ class DeviceServer(MessageHandler):
             self._devices[devicename] = deviceobj
             deviceobj.name = devicename
 
-    def unRegisterDevice(self, device_obj_or_name):
+    def unregister_device(self, device_obj_or_name):
         if not device_obj_or_name in self._devices:
             self.log.error('IGN: Device %r not registered!' %
                            device_obj_or_name)
@@ -55,12 +57,12 @@ class DeviceServer(MessageHandler):
             del self._devices[device_obj_or_name]
             # may need to do more
 
-    def getDevice(self, devname):
+    def get_device(self, devname):
         """returns the requested deviceObj or None"""
         devobj = self._devices.get(devname, None)
         return devobj
 
-    def listDevices(self):
+    def list_devices(self):
         return list(self._devices.keys())
 
     def handle(self, msg):
@@ -85,7 +87,8 @@ class DeviceServer(MessageHandler):
 
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    from device import Driveable, status
+    from devices.core import Driveable
+    from protocol import status
     class TestDevice(Driveable):
         name = 'Unset'
         unit = 'Oinks'
@@ -119,8 +122,8 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
 
     print "minimal testing: server"
     srv = DeviceServer()
-    srv.registerDevice(TestDevice(), 'dev1')
-    srv.registerDevice(TestDevice(), 'dev2')
+    srv.register_device(TestDevice(), 'dev1')
+    srv.register_device(TestDevice(), 'dev2')
     devices = parse(srv.handle(ListDevicesRequest()))[2]['list_of_devices']
     print 'Srv exports these devices:', devices
     for dev in sorted(devices):
diff --git a/src/validators.py b/src/validators.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7aed820
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/validators.py
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+#  -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# *****************************************************************************
+#
+# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
+# the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
+# Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later
+# version.
+#
+# This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT
+# ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS
+# FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the GNU General Public License for more
+# details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with
+# this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
+# 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307  USA
+#
+# Module authors:
+#   Enrico Faulhaber <enrico.faulhaber@frm2.tum.de>
+#
+# *****************************************************************************
+"""Define validators."""
+
+
+# a Validator validates a given object and raises an ValueError if it doesn't fit
+# easy python validators: int(), float(), str()
+
+class floatrange(object):
+    def __init__(self, lower, upper):
+        self.lower = float(lower)
+        self.upper = float(upper)
+    def __call__(self, value):
+        value = float(value)
+        if not self.lower <= value <= self.upper:
+            raise ValueError('Floatrange: value %r must be within %f and %f' % (value, self.lower, self.upper))
+        return value
+
+
+def positive(obj):
+    if obj <= 0:
+        raise ValueError('Value %r must be positive!' % obj)
+    return obj
+
+def nonnegative(obj):
+    if obj < 0:
+        raise ValueError('Value %r must be zero or positive!' % obj)
+    return obj
+
+class mapping(object):
+    def __init__(self, *args, **kwds):
+        self.mapping = {}
+        # use given kwds directly
+        self.mapping.update(kwds)
+        # enumerate args
+        i = -1
+        args = list(args)
+        while args:
+            i += 1
+            if i in self.mapping:
+                continue
+            self.mapping[args.pop(0)] = i
+        # generate reverse mapping too for use by protocol
+        self.revmapping = {}
+        for k, v in self.mapping.items():
+            self.revmapping[v] = k
+
+    def __call__(self, obj):
+        if obj in self.mapping:
+            return obj
+        raise ValueError("%r should be one of %r" % (obj, list(self.mapping.keys())))
+