Desktop virtualization, which delivers green computing from energy saving and e-waste perspectives, plus cashwise by enabling multiple users tap into the greatly underutilized power from, and investment in, individual PCs, has just got greener.

 

NComputing has launched what is reportedly the industry’s first USB-connected virtual desktop, the model U170 at the Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas, Nev. With the U170, it now takes as little as 5 minutes to add another computing station. That speed has been enabled by the simple design and near-universal familiarity with USBs: which promise to make desktop virtualization via the U170 increasingly popular.

 

The model U170 will be available through NComputing’s global dealer and reseller network in February 2010. It will be priced under $99, but prices may vary by country.

 

Here are the key features:

 

·                     The U170 plugs into a standard PC’s USB port. With vSpace (NComputing’s virtualization software, which is included) enables another user to share that PC

 

·                     The U170 has connections for the additional user’s own peripherals, including keyboard, monitor, and mouse

 

·                     Up to nine U170s can be connected to a single PC and still provide a high-definition multimedia experience for every user

 

The U170 is the latest in NComputing’s virtual desktop portfolio, which also includes the Ethernet-based L-series and the PCI (News - Alert)-based X-series. Some 2 million of these NComputing virtual desktops have already been sold worldwide.

 

NComputing desktop virtualization solutions saves money by avoiding buying unnecessary PCs and with them per-PC software licenses, which also minimizes IT costs. It also lowers ongoing operating expenses. For example, NComputing devices only use 1 to 5 watts of electricity (compared to 110 watts or more for a stand-alone PC), resulting in a 90 percent cut in electricity costs. NComputing also shrinks the crippling cost of PC obsolescence by reducing the number of PCs that need to be replaced every few years.

 

“NComputing is completely revolutionizing the economics of desktop computing,” said Stephen Dukker, NComputing’s chairman and CEO. “We’ve already proven that there’s a huge market for desktop virtualization in larger organizations that have an IT department. And now with the U170, everyone can take advantage of the full power of their PCs.”