I thought it would be nice to explain the somewhat esoteric name behind our new web server product. It's not a particular thrilling story, but it's somewhat personal to me.
It started with a client project which was code-named after the main river through the city in which our client's HQ was located. During the early stages of Padarn, we needed a code-name as we couldn't decide on a product name, plus we're lazy. Why use 2 or 3 words to describe something when one well-defined, universally understood term will do? Following the water course theme I suggested Padarn, which is taken from Llyn Padarn.
Llyn Padarn is one of two lakes in the rural Welsh mountain village of Llanberis, which just happens to be where I live. The other lake in the village is called Llyn Peris and a forms part of a pumped storage hydro-electric power station. For those with QuickTime installed, you can view a stunning QTVR presentation of Llyn Padarn here.