Village Gamer

Linux desktop virtualization developer Userful Corporation has released the next generation of its Userful MultiSeat™ solution which turns one Linux computer into multiple high performance independent computer stations using the HP t200 thin client. At $99 including the keyboard and mouse, the HP t200 is the world’s lowest cost thin client device.

Userful MultiSeat enables schools and businesses to deploy over twice as many computers for the same cost, while enabling multiple users to use different applications at the same time from one host computer, each with their own monitor, keyboard and mouse. The HP t200 provides the capability to connect multiple stations to a single host PC such as the HP ms6200 directly over USB for close proximity computing environments without the need for a LAN, or install computer stations in multiple rooms using a single host PC with each station connected over Ethernet.

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. It is easy to set up, use and maintain, and provides teachers with the tools they need to give their students a high quality computer-based education. It dramatically reduces electricity use, paying for the computers in power savings alone in 4 years or less, and reduces environmental heat, noise and pollution at the same time. It also enables schools to reinvest by starting new computer labs with the computers recovered as a result of a MultiSeat computing upgrade.

“The HP t200 thin client combined with Userful MultiSeat software provides the highest performance shared computing solution available on the market today,” said Tim Griffin, President of Userful. “The HP t200’s support of both Ethernet and USB provides the flexibility to position stations far away from the host computer, or operate without a LAN, making it a very compelling solution for many use cases.”

More than 50,000 schools worldwide are already using Userful MultiSeat 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 500,000 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.

Every ministry of education worldwide is eligible for a free 90 day pilot so that educators can easily experience first hand the high performance, and ease of use of the solution. Support for Ethernet and up to 15 stations per PC is currently available for evaluation purposes. Commercial support starting Q2 2012. An update to support more than 15 stations per PC will follow.