Userful and ThinNetworks to Deploy 356,800 Virtualized Desktops to Schools in Brazil

In a bid to offer computer access to millions of children throughout Brazil, Userful and ThinNetworks have announced that they will supply 356,800 virtualized desktops to schools in all of country’s 5,560 municipalities.

 

As the computer has become an integral part of people’s lives, more and more companies are placing focus on programs and initiatives to take computers to all corners of globe. Such projects are aimed at introducing computers to students in schools at a very young age, making them comfortable with the concept and methodology of the computers.

 

This new initiative launched by Userful and ThinNetworks will be the world’s largest ever virtual desktop deployment. It will also be the world’s largest ever desktop Linux deployment and a new record low-cost for PCs with the PC sharing hardware and software costing less than $50 per seat.

 

Userful and ThinNetworks have been selected in a competitive bidding process for all three phases of the project. The first phase, 18,750 workstations in rural schools, has already been installed.

 

“Userful is very happy to have been selected to participate in this historic opportunity to help millions of children get the computer education they need in a sustainable way,” said Tim Griffin, President of Userful.

 

“At just $50 per additional seat for the PC sharing hardware and software, Userful Multiplier is the best solution for schools, businesses, and governments wanting to maximize their IT investment.”

 

Userful Multiplier, the lowest-cost desktop virtualization solution on the market, in combination with hardware from ThinNetworks offers the features of a full PC including high performance video – all while making use standard PC hardware including additional low-cost video cards and USB/2-way-audio hubs.

 

Back in September of last year, the company launched an initiative to make the license for its Multiplier offering, software that allows for Linux computer support of up to 10 independent users, monitors and keyboards, available to “every university, college and school district in the world” free of charge. This initiative was launched along with Omni Technology solutions and Novell.