A new green IT solution that brings together energy saving PC hardware and desktop virtualisation software, is already reporting strong sales in the UK.
VeryPC, which manufactures the first
desktop computer to gain 'Energy Saving’ certification, has just teamed up with
MiniFrame, manufacturer of
SoftXpand, an award-winning software that allows multiple users to share one PC. The resulting
GreenHive for SoftXpand range claims to lead to a 60 per cent cut in total cost of ownership through savings on equipment, electricity and support, without compromising on performance. It is also easy to manage, according to its makers.
Firms that have already purchased the GreenHive for SoftXpand solution include Lloyds of London, Optima Housing Association, Autoworld and the RSPB, VeryPC told
GreenWise.
"
Sales of GreenHive for SoftXpand already accounts for 15 per cent of our sales of multi-seat computing, which accounts for 50 per cent of our business," said VeryPC business development manager Colin McCarthy.
Muti-seat computing
Multi-seat computing, also known as shared resource computing, allows multiple independent users to share a single computer, while typically having their own screen, keyboard and mouse. Although it still has a small share of the virtualisation market, the
technology is catching on, with major players such Microsoft, HP and LG now investing in it.
Peter Hopton, managing director of VeryPC, said the GreenHive for SoftXpand offered the "best of both worlds" in
IT virtualisation. "[The] solution provides an excellent alternative to both the traditional desktop solution and a thin client set-up, by taking the benefits of both and fusing them together to create a solution that's got the high-definition graphics of a desktop PC, but the lower footprint of a thin client."
GreenHive appliances for SoftXpand allow up to eight simultaneous users. VeryPC and Miniframe said the system still delivers high performance and high-definition graphics with an operational maximum load of 110 watts across six users.
SoftXpand can be integrated into existing PCs
LondonWeb, exclusive distributor of SoftXpand in the UK, said the software can work across up to eight users and can also be integrated into existing PCs to help reduce costs and
carbon emissions.
"If you’ve got a two year old computer and you split it into a two user computer you can save 50 per cent of your energy," said LondonWeb business development director John Balfour-Lynn.
"SoftXpand is the ultimate green solution," said Balfour-Lynn. "It reduces the number of PCs manufactured from eight to one, it has ongoing energy savings and it means seven fewer PCs are ending up in landfill."
The GreenHive for SoftXpand PC retails at £280 per user and qualifies for
Carbon Trust interest-free loans.
Purchase of a SoftXpand license costs £75 per person.
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Related links:
www.very-pc.co.uk/
softxpand.londonweb.net
