Here's what could be an alternative to global cache. It's the Picoweb server and has 16 digital I/O and serial I/O as well. 99 bucks for an assembled and tested unit with case and power supply. Bare boards are also available.
http://www.picoweb.net/prodpw1.html
bryon
http://www.picoweb.net/prodpw1.html
bryon