10,000 low-cost desktops advance IT literacy in India’s second-largest state

Redwood City, CA November 9, 2009 - NComputing Inc., the global leader in ultra low-cost computing, has installed 10,000 virtual desktop computers in 1,000 adult learning centers in partnership with the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL), a public sector company established by the Government of Maharashtra, India. Maharashtra is India’s second largest state and includes the city of Mumbai. The two organizations also announced plans to computerize 5,000 additional centers across India in the next two years.

MKCL’s mission is to help the people of Maharashtra join the knowledge economy by providing world-class IT literacy and skills, which they deliver through a network of more than 5,000 learning centers. The learning centers are operated by small and mid-sized IT enterprises and educational institutions to provide IT literacy, community development, and e-governance services to the citizens.

To meet their need for a low-cost, energy-efficient computing platform, MKCL turned to NComputing. The popular NComputing X-series virtual desktop kits enable a single desktop PC to be shared by up to 11 students simultaneously. The solution costs $70 per station (compared to $500 or more for a stand-alone PC) and uses only 1 watt of electricity (compared to 110 watts or more for a PC).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vivek Sawant, Managing Director of MKCL said, "MKCL’s goal is to expand computer learning to millions of learners who need these essential skills to join the 21st-century workplace. Our challenge was to expand computing access in a highly economical and eco-friendly way and the NComputing solution was a perfect fit. We are pleased that in less than a year, we have been able to install or expand computing access in 1,000 centers and now plan to expand to another 5,000 centers in the next two years."

The NComputing solution takes advantage of the fact that today’s PCs are so powerful that the vast majority of users only need a small fraction of the computing capacity. NComputing taps this unused capacity so that it can be simultaneously shared by many users. Each user’s monitor, keyboard and mouse are connected to a small and highly reliable NComputing thin-client device, which is then connected to the shared PC. NComputing’s award-winning vSpace desktop virtualization software provides each user with a rich multimedia computing experience and their own computing session. Organizations typically save at least 50% on hardware costs, 75% on support costs, and 90% of electricity costs by installing NComputing.

The MKCL learning centers are often located in areas where electricity is unreliable or available for only a few hours a day. They rely on expensive generators and power backup systems to keep the learning centers operating when the power goes out. But by using the 1-watt NComputing devices, the learning centers reduce their capital expenses by purchasing lower-capacity backup power systems, and they save operating costs in the form of 90% lower electricity bills.

"While there are many initiatives for schoolchildren to get computer training, we must not forget that there are tens of millions of adults who need computer literacy even more urgently," said Mr. Stephen Dukker, Chairman and CEO of NComputing while on a visit to Mumbai. "NComputing is the cornerstone of sustainable computing in so many places—from the smallest schools to the largest global enterprises. The tide is turning in how IT is procured, and it is very rewarding for us to see the benefits of our technology improve the lives and job prospects of so many people."

With 15 million daily users in over 140 countries, NComputing is also at the forefront of bringing affordable and eco-friendly computing to government, education, and business organizations in India. Last year, NComputing partnered with the state of Andhra Pradesh to install 5,000 computer labs in government schools. An estimated 1.8 million children gained computer access and training for the first time.

About NComputing Inc.
NComputing, Inc. is the fastest growing desktop virtualization company in the world with millions of users in 140 countries. The company's award-winning, patented technology lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both energy consumption and e-waste. It is the perfect solution for leveraging the power and potential of PCs and cloud computing. To learn more about NComputing, visit http://www.ncomputing.com.

About MKCL
Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) is promoted by the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, India and was incorporated under the Companies Act as a Public Limited Company to create new paradigm in education and development through universalization and integration of Information Technology in teaching, learning and educational management processes in particular and socio-economic transformative processes in general.

Media Contacts: Cerena Hsieh
Hill & Knowlton
Cerena.Hsieh@hillandknowlton.com
415-281-7136

David Rand
NComputing, Inc.
drand@ncomputing.com
650-517-5806