Hello Buckyman,

what you ask, can be done. Actually I have a working prototype that works like a charm. As a server you can opt for windows or mac. Sadly not linux. The main problem here is more a legal question that comes with Sketchup being remote-controlled.

Follow here if you like :
http://forums.sketchup.com/t/own-ruby-extension-and-sketchup-pro-license/11615/5