| IN A move to make PC usage simpler and to rid | | | | normal PCs where the computing happens in the sys |
| maintenance-related issues for users, | | | | tem that the user is working on. This he reckons could |
| Switzerland-based software company Nivio, a | | | | resolve the issue of slow Internet speeds, which has |
| subsidiary of iNet Global Services, has launched a | | | | been one of the hindrances in uptake of 'thin client' |
| Windows operating system-based on online desktop | | | | devices in India. |
| service. | | | | With private equity backing from investment bankers |
| With this, a user can remotely access a Windows | | | | from Duetche Bank, Unicredit Group and Goldman |
| desktop from any web browser such as Internet | | | | Sachs to the tune of $6 million, the company is |
| Explorer without having to own a PC. "It is for users | | | | targeting second tier cities and the vast student |
| who do not want to be bothered with costs, constant | | | | population in India. According to industry observers, |
| technology changes and upgrades - whether it is a | | | | about 60 per cent of students in India access internet |
| new operating system or security patches to combat | | | | or other computer programs from cyber cafes. This |
| PC viruses," | | | | does not deter Duggal who has currently signed up |
| Companies like Nivio, Novatium, Wyse, Sun | | | | 2,500 users and has plans to acquire one-lakh |
| Microsystems and PC manufacturers like HP are eying | | | | customers by the end of 2007. |
| this space with 'thin clients' - a small box that does not | | | | EASY COMPUTING Companies like Nivio, Novatium, |
| contain any software or computing power and can be | | | | Wyse, Sun Microsystems and PC manufacturers like |
| accessed whenever required through the Internet or | | | | HP are eying this space with 'thin clients' Thin clients is |
| on a local area network. | | | | a small box that does not contain any software or |
| "The advantage is that a user can use even a 486 | | | | computing power and can be accessed whenever |
| PC, an obsolete model that is still used in many places | | | | required Duggal who has currently signed up 2,500 |
| in India," says Duggal. He explains that this is possible | | | | users and has plans to acquire one-lakh customers by |
| because computing happens in a central server | | | | the end of 2007. |
| through software that they have developed unlike | | | | |