Microsoft, NComputing Align for Multiuser Computing 0

Softwares giant Microsoft has tied up with NComputing, probably the biggest industry leader in desktop virtualization, to support multi-user computing with its Microsoft Windows Server technology platform.

Over the past few years, multiuser computing has emerged — particularly in educational institutions — as a way to reduce computer costs and increase worldwide access to technology. Simply put, multiuser computing taps into a computer’s excess capability to enable a single host computer to support multiple users simultaneously.

Microsoft and NComputing entered into an agreement last week, whereby NComputing will align with the Microsoft Windows Server technology platform. As part of the agreement, NComputing will develop the next generation of its hardware and vSpace software products to take advantage of current and future Microsoft Windows Server operating systems for multiuser computing, such as the forthcoming Windows MultiPoint Server 2010.

NComputing and Microsoft share a commitment to advance multiuser computing (also known as shared resource computing) to make it easier for teachers and students in libraries, labs and classrooms to gain access to a genuine Windows experience at a lower total cost of hardware acquisition and ownership. The collaboration is aimed at helping educational institutions take full advantage of multiuser computing on the Windows Server platform. Multiuser computing is ideal for educational institutions that are looking to do the following:

• Provide more students with computing availability at a lower overall cost and get the most out of their existing technology investment
• Give teachers the time and tools to provide a personalized learning experience for each student using familiar technology
• Manage and support a highly secure IT infrastructure with little or no dedicated supporting IT resources
• Cut electricity and carbon footprint by sharing computers

NComputing recommends that customers use Microsoft Windows Server for the world-class security features, reliability and performance that it brings to multiuser educational computing. All customers need is one easy Microsoft server operating system license for the host computer and appropriate client access licenses for each user station to run multiuser configurations. Microsoft’s Windows Server products are designed with the scalability, security and licensing rights needed for this solution.

Source: Microsoft

This sounds pretty interesting. In the Philippines, there is a government agency that is currently working on a project for the implementation of multi-user computing for a vast number of end-users. I am not going to reveal specific details because doing so might delay the project, especially the bidding process.

Multi-user computing will allow the usage of multiple computers (with only a mouse, keyboard and display monitor) connected to a single central processing unit that works as the server. The agency plans to connect every end-user to the internet starting 2010 to obtain and share significant information. The servers from all end-users will be networked to the agency via internet service providers (ISP) or satellite technology.

I was able to speak to a reliable source and he said the Philippines will be the pilot country in the entire Southeast Asia to use multi-user computing.

It's something to look forward to, isn't it?