FEB 07

I wonder if anyone actually remembers the days when computers were so expensive that there used to be several people using every computer at the same time. Well, apparently that's not just the past, it may be the future as well.

NComputing, a new start-up which is being run by the founder of EMachines has just closed its second round of financing on technology that allows for up to 30 people to use the same computer all at once. Of course, this likely sounds extremely unappealing to you. I'm guessing you have about 30 tabs open in Firefox right now, along with Photoshop, at least one instant messaging client and maybe a document or two.

But for some purposes, this couldn't make more sense. First, in areas where computers are used for one simple purpose. Why have 30 low-power Dells running 30 card catalog look-ups in a library when you can have one computer doing all that work? And in "underserved" markets, like schools in developing countries, where having one computer per student is completely impossible.

Of course, this makes sense for a lot of reasons. NComputing's splitting hardware will never be obsolete, as long as protocols remain the same. So the only hardware that needs to be replaced every 3-5 years is the single central computer. The system uses up to 90% less power than having a room full of individual computers. Costs are an order of magnitude lower, wiring is much simpler, as is monitoring use (for schools and libraries).

NComputing just closed on a $28 million round of funding and they have partners in over 70 countries, from Afghanistan to Zambia. And yes, there are partners in the developed world as well, if you're interested in outfitting your own office, library, or school.

Comments (8)

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While I don't disagree that this is a go
written by Allie, February 07, 2008

It seems to me this is a very, very old idea. Like, 1970s is calling and wants its mainframe back, type old. ;)

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written by Alex, February 07, 2008

I think you meant "underserved" rather than "undeserved"...

Certainly seems like a good idea for certain niche markets, though for low-end computing the monitor, keyboard, and mouse are probably already half the system cost.

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written by spfl39, February 08, 2008

Software may be the driving economic factor for this. Some old ideas are still good.

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a great solution, old or new. even for
written by dita, February 08, 2008

this is certainly the way to go. even (or especially?) for the developed world. how many computerized classrooms are continuously wasting energy (active and built)? if the claimed 90% reduction of energy consumption is real, then this should be asked for to our governments!

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I saw this and looks great
written by Linda Koshima, February 08, 2008

they said over 500,000 units installed, sold already. that's half million users! seems to be rock solid technology proven.
they are already 4 years old company.

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this is a great idea, even for the "deve
written by anyone, February 08, 2008

this is a great idea, and not just for the developing world. someone please explain to me why almost everyone in my office has their own tower pc when all they are doing is sending emails and browsing the web?

i'm glad this idea is coming back into its own. it will reduce consumption (computer parts) reduce energy use, and reduce waste. win win win.

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Much better use of resources
written by weee, February 09, 2008

Given that most people use a fraction of the capacity of their computers this is an absolutely fantastic idea.
When you factor in the savings on licences this could offer companies huge savings.
Taken a step further it must be possible to use extra pcs that could automatically start/stop as required.

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good idea, but not a new one
written by MB-BigB, February 09, 2008

not sure how this is different than the thin client /central server concept, which has been around for a long time. Great idea for many situations, - you don't hear much about thin clients anymore, so maybe its time for a revival. You'll also save on airconditioning costs - a classroom full of computers can get really hot.

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