Countries Bridge Digital Divide With New Ultra Low Cost Computer

Calgary, AB – Userful Corporation, the global leader in Linux desktop virtualization, today released Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™. The software turns 1 PC into 11, enabling up to 11 students to use different applications at the same time from one host computer. Each student is equipped with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Userful MultiSeat enables schools to quickly deploy large numbers of computer stations for a very low cost, whether in the classroom, computer lab, or school library. With Userful MultiSeat, Ministries of Education, governments and NGOs can deploy twice as many computers for the same budget dollars using familiar and flexible, standard PC hardware accompanied by a simple low-cost USB device. On a global scale that means millions of additional children can now gain computer access for the first time, using money already set aside by governments and NGOs for digital inclusion.

More than 50,000 schools worldwide are already using Userful to provide millions of students with computer access. Userful has proven to be the computer solution of choice for governments with digital inclusion mandates to provide school age children with computer access, on limited budgets. Countries such as Brazil, who have already successfully deployed over 350,000 Userful computer stations to schools in every municipality, have shown that with the combined cost savings of Userful MultiSeat, Linux, and open source software, it is feasible to provide every student with a comprehensive education using computers, regardless of whether they live in a city or a remote indigenous village with little infrastructure. The Brazilian Ministry of Education has reported saving 60% in up-front costs, and 80% in annual power savings as compared to their previous PC-per-station solutions. To date, Userful has sold more than 750,000 seats.

"Userful MultiSeat software and HP multiseat USB thin client hardware are an ideal solution for regions such as India, where schools need to deploy large numbers of full featured computers for minimal cost, using minimal infrastructure," said Rajat Mehta, Country Manager PSG, HP India. "Userful is a professional and responsive company that enables schools to leverage Linux and open source software for a very professional, and high performance user experience."

"Userful and DisplayLink have worked closely together to build support for DisplayLink USB virtual graphics enabled devices with the market leading Userful Linux solution." said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink Executive VP, Marketing and Business Development. "The performance and ease of use of the Userful MultiSeat software running on DisplayLink technology enabled devices is outstanding. As the leader in USB virtual graphics, DisplayLink is excited to be a part of the super easy way to set-up and run computer sharing."

It is easy to set up, use and maintain. Unlike traditional approaches to desktop virtualization, Userful require no servers, no server rooms and minimal demands on IT. If you can unbox a computer, you can deploy a computer lab of virtual desktops with Userful. To set up, simply plug USB MultiSeat devices such as the HP t100, Wyse E01, MCT MWS 8820, DisplayLink based docking-stations or USB video devices, into the host PC. Then plug a monitor, keyboard, and mouse into each USB MultiSeat device, install Userful software, and the system is ready to support multiple students using different applications at the same time from one computer, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. With Userful's performance optimized software, the students feel like they each have their own dedicated PC, but in reality they are all sharing a single host computer.

Userful MultiSeat reduces hardware costs by up to 80%, and reduces required infrastructure (power plugs, cabling, etc.) by a factor of 10 as compared to a traditional PC-per-seat solution. It also reduces energy costs by up to 90%, enabling schools to recover the cost of their computers through electricity cost savings over a few years. The low cost and robustness of Userful MultiSeat makes it an ideal solution for schools in rural and developing regions where infrastructure is minimal, electricity is unreliable, and there is little physical space.

Userful MultiSeat is Linux based, and is available as an all-in-one install DVD, or as a stand-alone package to use on your own Linux installation. The install DVD includes a wide variety of no cost applications such as: Edubuntu operating system, iTALC classroom computer management tool, OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox web browser, and subject based applications for astronomy, chemistry, languages, mathematics, planning, and more. Hundreds more applications can be installed at no charge with a single click through the Software Center -- a centralized repository of free Linux based applications. Teachers can use additional free open source software to further lower costs, easily tailor curricula to individual students, and monitor and control the classroom computers. Students can develop digital skills that will help them with their school work and prepare them for jobs in the future.

"Digital inclusion is a very important," said Tim Griffin, President of Userful. "Userful MultiSeat bridges the digital divide by enabling governments to deploy hundreds of thousands of school computers for costs so low, they were impossible before this release."

With the included classroom computer management software teachers can centrally manage and monitor the computer stations with ease. For instance teachers can see what each student is doing on their station, send students messages, remotely take control of a student's station, share files with and between students, create or delete student accounts/change passwords, and add a new application to all computer stations by installing it only once on the host computer, among other control features.

Userful offers any Ministry of Education worldwide a 90 day licensing pilot to test drive our solution on 1 system, up to 11 stations. To learn more and to download, visit http://userful.com/products/userful-multiseat-linux, email getstarted@userful.com, or phone +1.403.289.2177 ext.795.

For the full version of the press release please visit: http://userful.com/press/bridging-digital-divide

Trademark notice: Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™, and Userful MultiSeat™ are trademarks of Userful Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts:
Sean Rousseau, Marketing Manager
Userful
Phone: +1.250.590.7791
srousseau@media-userful.com

About Userful:
Userful Corporation is the world's leading Linux desktop virtualization company with millions of users in over 100 countries. The company's software which turns 1 computer into 11 lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both electricity consumption and e-waste. Userful's software is sold through a partner network of resellers and OEMs worldwide. Privately held and founded in 1999, Userful launched their flagship product in 2002, and has since sold over 750,000 seats. To learn more about Userful, visit: http://www.userful.com

Userful Corp.
200-709 11th ave SW
Calgary, AB, T2R 0E3

This release was published on openPR.