NComputing helps NGOs close digital divide

NEW DELHI: NComputing, the leading provider of desktop virtualisation software and hardware, announced it is working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) worldwide to help reduce the digital divide between developed and developing countries.

The company works with leading NGOs such as Bangladesh-based BRAC, one of the world’s largest NGOs, and the Azim Premji Foundation, one of the largest NGOs in India. NComputing further announced special discounts and programs to help NGOs on every continent reach their goals in emerging markets.

NComputing and BRAC recently collaborated with AMD, a leading global provider of innovative processing solutions in computing, graphics, and consumer electronics. Working together, the three companies deployed learning labs to empower people in Bangladesh with tools, techniques and training to maximizeeducational impact. The labs are part of the 50x15  initiative, a global initiative founded by AMD with the goal of providing computing capabilities and Internet connectivity to 50 percent of the world’s population by 2015.

Another example of NGO coordination and success is the recent deployment of NComputing virtual desktops by Ateliers Sans Frontieres (ASF) with monetary assistance from the Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF). The project helps people in digitally-disadvantaged African countries to get affordable access to computers. ASF has been so successful that demand for their computers has far exceeded supply. Now, with NComputing’s affordable virtual desktop solution, ASF’s goal of filling the digital divide in Africa is reachable.

The common thread running through all of these initiatives is NComputing’s powerful virtual desktop technology, which costs as little as $70 per seat. At such low price, with aid from NGOs, people in resource-constrained markets can finally benefit from the wealth of skills, information, and knowledge made available through PCs and the Internet.

The NComputing solution is based on a simple fact: Today’s PCs are so powerful that the vast majority of applications only use a small fraction of the computer’s capacity. NComputing’s virtualisation software and hardware tap this unused capacity so that it can be simultaneously shared by multiple users.

Each user’s monitor, keyboard and mouse are connected to the shared PC through a small and very durable NComputing access device. The access device itself has no CPU, memory or moving parts like a PC, so it is rugged, durable and easy to deploy and maintain. 

Abdul-Muyeed Chowdhury, chairman of BRAC BDMail Network Ltd, said, “Our goal is to provide PCs to 1,000 libraries and 15,000 non-formal primary schools all over Bangladesh. With NComputing’s virtual desktop technology and the 50x15 Learning Lab model, we will be one step closer to bridging the digital divide that exists between developed countries and emerging nations, such as Bangladesh.”  

Medhy Davary, director of DSF, said, “NComputing’s affordable virtual desktop technology enables us to bring more computers to underdeveloped countries at a much lower cost. The virtual PCs are extremely affordable and durable, require very little maintenance, and use only one watt of electricity. This allows users in even the world’s poorest countries to benefit from computer access and the Internet.”