[UgaBYTES] NComputing a lasting solution to telecentre sustainability

[Sarah mpagi]

Hi all,

The coming of IBROWSE in the IT sector has brought light to
telecentres. IBROWSE based in Kamwokya, Uganda has lasting solutions
to telecentres and schools; with its NComputing X300 kit that enables
one to connect to as many as ten monitors using one Central Processing
Unit hence, cutting on computing costs as well. IBROWSE were one of
the only two ICT companies identified by Uganda Communications
Commission [UCC] as having the most affordable computing solutions
available to date. UCC specifically invited them to the exhibition to
introduce them to their stakeholders.

During the three days exhibition conducted by the Uganda
Communications Commission followed by a one day symposium held  on 1st
to 3rd October 2008; many IT companies and organizations turned up to
show case their products and activities respectively. IBROWSE was
among the companies that demonstrated the use of the IT gadgets which
are used to save power, resources and space once put into use.

A Kit of three users costs USD 290 but also has the capacity of up to
ten users connected to one host PC. All these monitors are connected
to only one CPU [Central Processing Unit]; the user is directly
connected to the host PC via standard cable up 10m [33 ft] long.  Mr.
Ricky Mugabi the Managing Director explained, "The schools are part of
the target groups but the project will role out to telecentres as
well." They welcomed a strong collaboration with UgaBYTES and the
telecentres to ease access for all in telecentres. The gadget saves
power, money and space. Many times telecentres have found it hard to
meet electricity bills but the complete set with ten users consumes
only 5Watts of electricity. Each NComputing access terminal uses less
than 2 Watts of power and requires no AC or cooling system. This is
completely incomparable with having all computers connected with
individual CPUs.

However it was mentioned that the host PC configurations should be
good with 1 GB RAM a Pentium 4 to perform best. All the soft wares are
installed in one PC the host including the antivirus which saves money
of buying software and antivirus on individual machines, explained
Dennis Ongom an IT technician with IBROWSE.

Some of the most common challenges in managing or acquiring good
working computers for telecentres include:

•	Tight budgets result in outdated PCs or fewer PCs. Either way the
users and owners suffer.
•	PC Management is a nightmare. Managing dozens of PCs is a daunting
challenge for most institutions; rural or urban.
•	PC Maintenance costs are always on the increase due to failing old
or cloned PCs.
•	Limited PC lab space and electrical wiring limit computing access to
more users.
•	High electricity prices keep your computing costs high always as
ordinary PCs consume a minimum of 230 Watts an hour while used ones
take up to 500 Watts an hour.
Details of the new technology www.ncomputing.com or email: info at ibrowsetech.com



Cheers
Sarah

-- 
Nalwoga Sarah Mpagi
Program Officer
Knowledge Management & Research
UgaBYTES Initiative
Plot 2218 Ggaba Road, Kabalagala
2nd Floor, Kangave House
P.O. Box 6081 Kampala, Uganda
Mobl: +256 772 433 158
Off:    +256 414 370 163
Check our web: www.ugabytes.org
skype: sarah.nalwoga.mpagi