ACADEMIA

ViewSonic announced a partnership to deliver a low cost zero client solution that enables schools and businesses to deploy three to four times as many computer users for the same cost. The MultiClient solution turns one Linux computer into 20+ high performance independent computer stations (with monitors, mice and keyboards) using the ViewSonic VMA line of zero clients and Userful's MultiSeat software. It provides all the benefits of traditional thin client computing, but with higher performance, and lower costs.

The ViewSonic VMA line of zero clients enable customers to connect multiple computer stations to a single host computer either directly over USB (for a close-proximity, "one room" solution) or using ethernet for a LAN based solution that can connect stations throughout a building to a single PC in the server room.

Powered by Userful MultiSeat Linux software, ViewSonic's MultiClients dramatically reduce the cost of deploying large numbers of computers. Having a classroom of students engaging with technology once required a PC for each individual, but with ViewSonic's MultiClient solution, a full classroom of learning is powered by only one small server. The result is the compromise-free reduction of hardware and power costs.

"We are committed to providing quality education solutions that deliver cost savings for schools while enhancing cloud based learning," said Erik Willey, LCD monitor and PC product marketing director for ViewSonic. "With a single server, our MultiClient LAN adapters, and Userful's MultiSeat Linux platform, classrooms can create a fully-managed low cost network. With our MultiClient solution, budgetary and IT management setbacks are addressed and compatibility issues are eliminated, so no student has to settle for limited learning."

"We've already successfully deployed nearly a million Userful zero client stations around the world," said Tim Griffin, President of Userful. "This OEM partnership with ViewSonic, a company with 25 years experience delivering fantastic computing and display solutions, creates a complete software, hardware, and support solution, ready to work out of the box. The bundled solution delivers optimized performance for a very low cost, perfect for schools and businesses."

Ministries of education and businesses are eligible for a free pilot to easily experience first hand the high performance, and ease of use of the solution.