NComputing Inc., the global leader in ultra-low cost computing announced that it has completed the installation of 10,000 of its thin-client systems in 1,000 adult learning centers in partnership with the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL), a public sector company established by the Government of Maharashtra, India. In addition, the two organizations announced plans to computerize 5,000 additional centers across India in the next two years.
MKCL’s mission is to help the people of Maharashtra join the knowledge economy by providing world-class IT literacy and skills through a network of more than 5,000 learning centers. The learning centers are operated by small and medium IT enterprises and educational institutions to provide IT literacy, community development, and eGovernance services to the citizens.
MKCL needed a low-cost, energy-efficient computing platform for its learning centers and chose NComputing’s X-series technology which enables a single desktop PC to be shared by up to 11 students simultaneously. The NComputing solution costs less than Rs. 4,000 per station (compared to Rs. 15,000 or more for a stand-alone PC) and uses only 1 Watt of electricity (compared to 110 Watts or more for a stand-alone PC).
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vivek Sawant, Managing Director of MKCL said, “MKCL’s goal is to expand computer learning to millions of learners who need these essential skills to join the 21st century workplace. Our challenge was to expand computing access in a highly economical and eco-friendly way and the NComputing solution was a perfect fit. We are pleased that in less than a year, we have been able to install or expand computing access in 1,000 centers and now plan to expand to another 5,000 centers in the next two years.”
The NComputing solution takes advantage of the fact that today’s PCs are so powerful that the vast majority of users only need a small fraction of the computing capacity. NComputing taps this unused capacity so that it can be simultaneously shared by many users. Each user’s monitor, keyboard and mouse are connected to a small and highly reliable NComputing thin-client device, which is then connected to the shared PC. NComputing’s award-winning vSpaceTM desktop virtualization software provides each user with a rich multimedia computing experience and their own computing session. Organizations typically save at least 50% on hardware costs, 75% on support costs, and 90% of electricity costs by installing NComputing.
The MKCL learning centers are often located in areas where electricity is unreliable or scheduled for only a few hours a day. In order to keep the learning centers in operation continuously, expensive generators and power backup systems are often required. By using the 1 Watt NComputing devices, the learning centers can reduce their capital expenses for purchasing backup power systems as well as operating costs in the form of 90% lower electricity bills.
“While there are many initiatives for school children to get computer training, we must not forget that there are tens of millions of adults who need computer literacy even more urgently,” said Mr. Stephen Dukker, Chairman and CEO of NComputing while on a visit to Mumbai. “NComputing is honored to support this very important initiative as it will improve the lives and job prospects of so many people.”
NComputing has been at the forefront of bringing affordable and eco-friendly computing to government, education and business organizations in India. Last year, NComputing partnered with the state of Andhra Pradesh to install 5,000 computer labs in government schools. An estimated 1.8 million children gained computer access and training for the first time. NComputing has been installed by over 50,000 organizations in 140 countries.
