High costs push firms to multi-user computers

By Morris Aron

Kenya is quickly becoming one of the countries embracing the multi-user computer concept — an option that promises a reduction in the costs of computerisation for companies and business outfits running several computers.

The concept refers to computer systems that support two or more simultaneous users by sharing a single information centre but each with its own keyboard, monitor and other extensions.

Under the arrangement, an individual is only required to have a simple access gadget, known in technology world as a User eXtension Protocol (UXP).

This gadget brings to users a full desktop experience without all of them having a central processing unit (CPU) as is the design of most personal computers.

"Each user still has their own standard monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers," says Humphrey Oranja, managing director of Compumart.

Instead of connecting directly to a PC, these peripherals connect several users to a small NComputing access device, which connects to the shared PC either directly from a PCI card (X-series), or over Ethernet (L-series).

NComputing concept also has simple access devices — with no local operating system — that present the user sessions delivered via UXP to each user with what appears to be their own independent personal computers.

"With the NComputing solution, schools can get at least twice the number of seats for the same budget," says Oranja, who have pioneered the concept in Kenya.

In addition, computer experts say small, medium, and large businesses that are constantly looking for ways to save on computing and administration costs can benefit from the arrangement.

"Shared computing solutions help manufacturers, call centres, non-profit organisations, commercial businesses to save and become more efficient," says Patrick Ogola, head of business development at Compumart, formerly Bloomerg.

In emerging economies, many businesses are forced to limit computer use to a few key employees due to capital and support costs.

Expand access

However, with the multi-user technology one can be able to expand access to a greater number of employees and therefore improve productivity without buying the ‘whole computer’ to each employee.

"It’s very rare for schools in emerging economies for example to have a student-to-computer ratio that supports effective learning. Today, thousands of schools in the developing world are adding virtual desktops with shared computing technology," he says.

Other areas where the multi-user computing gadget can help include public access applications such as Internet cafÈs and libraries.

Computing experts say over the past few years, multi-user computing has emerged as a significant trend, particularly in educational institutions worldwide.

The concept maximises on personal computers inability to use all its capacity in totality due to their design where applications only use a small fraction of the computer’s capacity and leaves most of the processing capability underutilised.

In addition, typical processor utilisation for productivity applications is usually less than 10 per cent, a development that presents both a challenge and an opportunity in bridging the digital divide.

Multi-user computers or shared computing, experts say, do away with the high cost of hardware acquisition, high electricity consumption and perpetual breakdowns requiring the replacement of various movable components of a typical computer.2

"The technology also significantly reduces incidences of electronic waste as it has less parts compared to traditional computers," says Oranja.

"With the introduction of the multi-user computing technology, users are now able to enjoy the experience and benefits of a normal computer cost-effectively and in an environmentally friendly way."

Research in the developed countries where the concept is widely used shows that multi-user technology generally results in a reduction of costs by between 30 per cent and 60 per cent compared to the buying of traditional personal computer in a typical office of 10 people.

The concept also saves an average of 60 per cent on hardware acquisition cost alone compared to traditional computers.

"Instead of one buying a computer for everyone; an entrepreneur will buy one computer for every 30 users, thereby saving on 29 computers," says Ogola.

Proponents of the technology say multi-user computing technology also avoid the use of movable components like fans, hard disks, memories, and power supplies that can fail.

This essentially means that the terminals require zero maintenance and are the best bet against theft since they contain nothing that can be stolen.

Saves electricity

The multi-user computing technology also saves on electricity and e-wastage.

The gadget for example reduces electricity consumption by over 98 per cent as the multi-user computing terminals consume only 2.5 watts as opposed to computers that consume over 250 watts.

"As we become more conscious on the effects of computers on the environment, our multi-user computing solution is at the forefront of pioneering green computing," Ogola says.

"As the terminals have no movable components, they emit no heat, make no noise, produce no harmful gases and consume the least amount of electricity."

As for the support staff, they are bound to have an easy time maintaining the system since they will be maintain one computer for every 30 people compared to 30 computers in a normal situation.