Hewlett-Packard partner Ethniks Systems is piloting an HP desktop solution.
HP`s new multi-user 441 desktop solution, launched in SA recently, aims to cut computing costs by allowing four users to work off a single PC - each with their own monitor and keyboard.
The solution is in use at municipal offices, libraries, training centres and clinics in the Mogalakwena HP i-community in Limpopo province.
Ethniks says the solution delivers up to 50% in acquisition cost savings and 65% management savings per user compared to a standard desktop computer.
"Each user is equipped with a monitor, keyboard, mouse and sound card, but significantly, four individual users can access computing power from one PC and processor," says Donovan Bolton, sales manager at Ethniks Systems. "This type of functionality has enormous ramifications for the local market as it dramatically reduces the `cost-per-seat` in an organisation."
HP`s multi-user 441 desktop solution delivers lower costs through its Mandrake Linux 9.1 operating system, says Ethniks.
"Linux is increasingly popular due to the many advantages of an open source environment, such as easy development, customisation, available applications and an ever-growing support community," says Bolton.
"Most of the time PC users do not use the full potential of the CPU, which constitutes 70% of the price of a PC," says Sean Owen-Jones, 441 product specialist at HP. "It therefore makes sense to deliver a solution to market that improves CPU usage through the allocation of additional users."
Although the solution was initially developed for emerging markets and education sectors, Bolton believes it can be used in numerous other markets, such as a call centre environment or businesses with customer-facing staff who require PC access.
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