Microsoft's MultiPoint Threat -- Multiseat Linux Desktop Virtualization
Feb 19th, 21:35 UTC
Userful Corporation, the world leader in multiseat Linux, today announced the
release of Userful Multiplier V.3.7, the latest version of their software which
turns 1 PC into 10. Demand for its $69 virtual desktops (education pricing,
includes the software and multiseat hardware) has accelerated as
budget-strapped governments, educational organizations, and businesses turn to
Userful to lower costs. The improvements brought with V.3.7 will bring the
benefits of Userful's desktop virtualization to even more users around the
world.
Calgary, AB - Userful Corporation, the world leader in multiseat Linux, today
announced the release of Userful Multiplier V.3.7, the latest version of their
software which turns 1 PC into 10. Demand for its $69 virtual desktops
(education pricing, includes the software and multiseat hardware) has
accelerated as budget-strapped governments, educational organizations, and
businesses turn to Userful to lower costs. The improvements brought with V.3.7
will bring the benefits of Userful's desktop virtualization to even more users
around the world.
Userful is one of the pioneers of multiseat virtual desktops having first
launched their Userful Multiplier software in 2002. Userful's innovative Linux
desktop virtualization paved the way for multiseat Windows solutions such as
NComputing, and now Microsoft with their soon to be released Windows Multipoint
Server 2010. Used in over 100 countries, Userful remains the top selling Linux
multiseat solution worldwide, and has enjoyed particular success in the
education sector.
"By using Userful Multiplier in their K-12 classrooms, our customers have
reported saving over 50% on their desktop hardware costs, 62% on electricity
costs, and additional savings on costly Internet drops, switches, network
wiring and other infrastructure and support costs." Said Sean Rousseau,
Marketing Manager for Userful. "The multiseat Linux desktops allow our
customers to stretch their limited IT budget and use those savings to provide
better computer access for all students in their region."
Userful Multiplier lets a single PC support up to 10 independent users at the
same time, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Configuration is
automated, and it provides phenomenal multimedia performance including
full-screen/full-motion video. Userful provides better performance than
thinclients or netbooks, and at a fraction of the costs.
Unlike Microsoft Windows based multiseat virtual desktop solutions which
require the purchase of the server operating system, as well as the purchase of
client access licenses (CALs) and application software licenses for every seat,
Userful is Linux based, so the operating system, and all the application
software is Free. This provides significant cost savings, while still providing
all the features of a Windows environment through open source software such as
the Firefox web browser, the OpenOffice office suite, and even education
specific software such as the iTALC school computer management software for
teachers. Linux is no longer just for IT professionals, as evidenced by the
education ministries particularly in Europe and South America currently
deploying large numbers of Linux desktops in K-12 schools. But Linux is still
free.
New to version V.3.7, the Userful Multiplier user interface now includes
additional internationalizations. Expanding the multilingual support makes it
possible for even more countries to take advantage of the cost savings of
Userful, and will make it possible for countries with multiple official
languages to provide computer access in all official languages using a single
solution. In addition, V.3.7 brings improved USB device support, including
hot-plugging of 2-way audio devices. This makes interactive remote teaching and
learning easy for rural and specialized classrooms. Userful Multiplier V.3.7
supports all major Linux distributions including Ubuntu 9.10, SLED 11, and
Fedora 11. It is available in 64-bit and 32-bit packages in both RPM and DEB
formats, making it compatible with virtually all open source software.
"Userful Multiplier truly redefines the cost of educational computing." Said
Beverley Gallagher, VP of Strategic Partnership at Userful. "The upfront and
ongoing cost savings of Userful have made it possible for tens of thousands of
K-12 schools in both developed and developing regions to provide computer
access to millions of children, many for the first time. The new features of
version 3.7 will make it possible to provide computer access to even more
children around the world."
A free 2-user version of Userful Multiplier V.3.7 that turns 1 computer into 2
for personal or trial use is available from:
http://userful.com/products/downloads/free-2-user
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 10 lowers desktop computing costs, improves
manageability, and reduces both electricity consumption and e-waste. Privately
held and founded in 1999, Userful launched their flagship product in 2002, and
has since sold more than half a million seats. To learn more about Userful,
visit: http://www.userful.com
Trademark notice: NComputing is a trademark of NComputing inc. Microsoft, and
Windows Multipoint Server 2010 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Product Photos: http://userful.com/company/news-and-reviews/press-kit/photos
(Submitted by Sean Rousseau of Userful)
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