Mark Beckford, one of the original architects of Intel’s efforts to expand into emerging markets, joins other influential Microsoft and OLPC veterans at NComputing

REDWOOD CITY, CALIF., December 11, 2008 – NComputing, the leading provider of ultra-low-cost computing solutions, today announced that Mark Beckford, a former Intel executive who designed and led the company’s key emerging market initiatives, has joined NComputing as Vice President of Global Business Development. An 11-year Intel veteran, Beckford brings a wealth of experiences and relationships, having worked to bring affordable computing to underserved markets in more than 40 countries. Beckford was the original architect and driver for Intel’s ‘World Ahead’ program, which championed the Classmate PC laptop. 

“A disruptive innovation is required to bridge the digital divide and bring computing to the next billion users,” said Beckford, “NComputing is that disruptive innovation because it delivers the full functionality of a PC at a very small fraction of the cost.”

Beckford is the latest executive to join NComputing from other leading technology companies who have led high-profile initiatives to bridge the digital divide. In September, Will Poole joined NComputing as co-chairman.  Mr. Poole was a corporate vice-president at Microsoft and was the co-leader of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential Group—the unit responsible for expanding computer access to emerging markets.   Earlier this year, Lindsay Petrillose joined NComputing as government affairs liaison. She was the special assistant for international affairs at One Laptop per Child (OLPC) and one of the first OLPC employees. 

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 technology creates multiple virtual desktops on a single, ordinary PC so that many users can tap the unused capacity and share it as if each person had their own computer.  NComputing solutions start at $70 per seat, and the simplicity and ease of use have contributed to rapid worldwide acceptance. In less than two years, more than 25,000 organizations in 100 countries have deployed NComputing to slash their computing costs by 70% and electricity consumption by 90%. NComputing access devices use just one watt of electricity, compared to 110 for a standalone PC, making NComputing the greenest computing solution on earth. 

“At $70 per seat, our solution is more important and relevant than ever to buyers worldwide as they struggle with an increasingly challenging economic environment. Mark is a seasoned executive and we’re pleased to have him on board to help drive our vision of providing affordable computing to the next billion people who want computers but cannot afford them,” said Stephen Dukker, CEO and chairman of NComputing.

Beckford joined Intel in 1996 as a marketing manager for worldwide server channels.  He was soon promoted to oversee global channel marketing, which was responsible for significantly expanding Intel’s emerging markets PC business worldwide. In 2005, he moved to Shanghai, China to start a new business group that was chartered to bring to market products designed specifically for the unique needs of underserved markets.  One of these products was the Classmate laptop. Most recently he was Managing Director of Intel China's Strategic Business Development team, working closely with the Chinese government and local industry partners on numerous growth initiatives.  Beckford received his Masters of Business Administration in 1996 from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.

About NComputing, Inc.

NComputing, Inc. was founded with the goal of making desktop computing affordable for everyone. Headquartered in Redwood City, CA, NComputing is a privately held virtualization software and hardware company. The company's award-winning patented technology drastically lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both energy consumption and e-waste. For more information, visit www.ncomputing.com.

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