A local company is targeting the Department of Education to roll-out its cost-cutting computing solution.
Karabo Data Solutions operations manager Sibusiso Zungu says the company`s Buddy software solution, which allows up to five users to operate one machine simultaneously, has already been implemented at a number of education facilities.
"Sentraal Laerskool in Navalsig, Bloemfontein, is one of the first schools that took advantage of this technology, and they saved close to 30% on their computer lab upgrade."
Zungu says Karabo has discussed the software solution with the Department of Education. "We have spoken and had a few meetings, and I think they took it well."
The company is a local reseller of the Buddy software solution, which was developed by thin solutions company Thin Soft, he says.
"Buddy B-680 is a kit bundled with software that enables two to five users to share the computing power and resources of a single computer. All users can simultaneously perform any task they would perform on a standard Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional or Home Edition."
The company is offering both a 'premium` and a 'lite` version, depending on the client`s needs, adds Zungu. With the premium package, additional users are supported by adding PCI video cards and monitors, along with USB keyboards and mice, Buddy USB Audio Hub, USB and video combo cable, and speakers.
Is it worthwhile?
A complete package for five users will cost up to R18 000, including hardware and software, says Zungu.
"If you were to buy five basic computers, and have them up and running, you would be looking at about R25 000, so there is an immediate cost-cutting element involved.
"There is also a reduction in software costs, as you can essentially have up to five users with only one software package. Similarly, you can have various people online, but only need one ISP, phone line and modem per machine."
Karabo charges R1 400 per user for the necessary software in cases where users have existing hardware.
With multiple users on a single machine, there are performance concerns, but Zungu says these have already been addressed. "So far, we have not had any problems. We bundle it ourselves, so we know we have the correct specifications."
However, performance will be hampered when more memory-intensive programs are accessed, he says.
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