A New York start-up called NeverWare is trying to break the Microsoft (MSFT) upgrade loop. Each time a new version of Windows is released, many computer users find that their hardware is suddenly outdated. NeverWare is targeting cash-strapped schools who cannot afford to upgrade to the latest hardware with each major Microsoft software release. NeverWare is offering a possible solution a virtualization server that lets even decade-old PCs upgrade to the latest Windows 7 operating system reports MIT’s Technology Review.
Technology Review says that the NeverWare server, called the JuiceBox a100, does the hard work of running the latest operating systems for many aging computers on the same network. To users of those old computers, it will feel as if the PCs are running the latest version of Windows, when in fact they are accessing it over the network. Their typing and mouse commands are sent to the software on the server, and the imagery for their display is sent back. This is called virtualization.
Once connected to a JuiceBox virtualization server, a PC doesn’t even need a hard drive, or any local software at all according to the article. NeverWare’s founder, Jonathan Hefter, says a 10-year-old desktop computer running Windows 98 would work just fine. He’s targeting the U.S. education market and institutions in the developing world with the technology. “Schools can’t afford to upgrade PCs, and developing countries can’t afford PCs, so if we can use the power of the cloud, we can move to a more efficient model of computing, Mr. Hefter says. Several New Jersey schools. are testing JuiceBox servers to power networks of desktops in two
Another company, NComputing, also uses servers to offer “virtual desktops” to multiple users, and supplies its technology to some schools around the world. Mr. Hefter says in the article that, NComputing’s approach requires a new device that links a user’s keyboard, mouse, and monitor to a distant server over the Web. He claims that one NeverWare JuiceBox is larger than an NComputing device, but then it only takes one JuiceBox to “upgrade” a network of tens of computers.
Joyojeet Pal, professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Washington, thinks NeverWare’s approach has potential. “What this project seems to offer is an alternative to an online operating system like Google’s (GOOG) Chrome OS,” Mr. Pal says. Google’s approach requires users to use Web versions of software packages, rather than providing access to traditional software. However, Mr. Pal says, the cost of maintaining an outdated machine could still be considerable due to the need for repairs and labor, for example.
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Mr. Hefter is right with his comparison of US education and third wold education. The way the Republicans are attacking teachers and ravaging budgets the third world nations will soon be better off.
Thin clients and virtual desktops have been around for a long time. It may stick this time because the economics are right and the technology is adequate.
What do yo think?
Has the time of virtual desktops finally arrived?
Is it because of the technology? The economics?
Do you remember Oldsmobile? The BusinessInsider documented what I have sensed for a while. Windows is playing less of a role at Microsoft (MSFT). When was the last time something came out of the Windows camp that fired us up? BI notes that for a long time, Microsoft was a company whose success or failure was built around Windows. While Windows is still the heart and soul of Microsoft, it’s becoming a smaller part of its earnings.
This chart from BI shows Windows operating income as percentage of its overall operating income versus its overall operating income. The total operating income is slowing growing, while Windows percentage of the total is slowly decreasing.
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