ACADEMIA

ViewSonic is expanding its cost-effective MultiClient computing offerings today with the addition of greater connectivity options with its VMA15 and VMA25 MultiClient Adapters, along with software support for either Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011 or Microsoft MultiPoint WMS2011.

Following MultiClient's unveiling at ISTE 2011, ViewSonic has made it even easier for educators and businesses to create and manage their own private cloud computing environments. With this scalable solution, users can simultaneously power up to 20 high performance independent user stations (with monitors, mice and keyboards) from just one host server, tapping into a cost-effective virtual cloud environment. As compared to the one user per PC alternative, MultiClient significantly lowers the cost per seat, reduces energy costs, and virtually eliminates support, update and maintenance needs.

Today, ViewSonic adds the availability of two new zero client plug-and-play adapters. The VMA15 enables customers to connect multiple computer stations to a single host computer directly over USB (for a close-proximity, "one room" solution with up to 10 users per server) while the LAN-based VMA25 connects up to 20 stations throughout a building to a single PC in the server room via the Ethernet. Both energy-efficient adapters include four USB ports enabling the connection of multiple peripherals.

"With our MultiClient solution, budgetary and IT management setbacks are addressed and compatibility issues are eliminated, making it ideal for the computing needs of everything from computer labs, classrooms, and libraries to budget-conscious SMBs," said Erik Willey, LCD monitor and PC product marketing director for ViewSonic. "Today's expansion of our VMA line of zero clients is just another testament of our commitment to delivering our customers all the benefits of traditional thin client computing, but with higher performance, and at lower costs."

To get started, just connect the MultiClient Adapter box to a monitor with keyboard and mouse, and then plug into the host server. The ViewSonic MultiClient components are available now for respective ESPs of $1149-$1781 for the VMS700 server, $91-$167 for the VMA15 adapter and $121-$194 for the VMA25 adapter, depending on the CPU selected and preference of software licensing.