ACADEMIA

Userful Corporation announced the release of Userful MultiSeat v5, the first Linux-based software to deliver desktops on Ethernet true zero client hardware. Less than half the cost of conventional thin clients, the true zero client devices powered by Userful MultiSeat 5 offer a dramatically richer and more responsive user experience, including flawless playback of 20+ simultaneous HD video streams from a single standard PC.

Users can now experience blazing performance with dozens of Ethernet true zero clients, powered by just a single PC or server that can be located anywhere within the network (LAN). With Userful MultiSeat 5, end users have their own monitor, keyboard and mouse or touch screen, and can work in multiple locations on different applications at the same time from the same host computer.

MultiSeat 5 works with a broad range of low-cost zero client device makers including HP, Viewsonic, Acer, ThinGlobal, and LG. With Userful software running on the PC, these zero client devices (which can connect via Ethernet or USB) create the most cost-effective, powerful, and flexible thin-computing solutions in the industry. Userful is working with OEMs to apply this groundbreaking technology in digital signage, in-flight and in-room entertainment, multiseat computing, kiosks and interactive touch displays, call centers, cloud computing, and customer service desks as well as traditional markets looking for a simpler, less expensive virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).

"Viewsonic is proud to support the latest release of Userful MultiSeat Linux 5 with our full line of MultiClient Servers and Adapters. The solution includes a number of configurability improvements as well as USB-over-LAN functionality, and provides exceptional performance for up to 20 or more stations from a single computer," said Erik Willey, LCD Monitor and PC Product Marketing Director for ViewSonic. "ViewSonic's MultiClient USB and LAN adapters when combined with the Userful platform deliver a fully-managed low cost network, and can now be used to replace or extend thin client installations or upgrade PC networks at a fraction the cost of other existing solutions."

"Our OEM partners expect high-performance, scalable solutions that deliver the ultimate desktop experience and also address critical equipment and power costs," said Userful President Tim Griffin. "Userful MultiSeat 5 exceeds these expectations and allows OEMs the flexibility to expand their current customer base accessing significant new markets with devices that out-perform and compete in any conventional thin-client environment, but at half the price. Anyone looking for high-performance low-cost endpoints needs to take a close look at Userful."