Technology

Conceptually, the set up of a GSM connected Internet centre is elegantly simple - all that is required is a PC and GSM modem, for example a data card or standard data-enabled (GPRS/EDGE) mobile handset. However, to put in place the building blocks for a solution that can be significantly scaled-up, it is essential to select the most appropriate hardware and software.

A solution that is significantly scalable must be simple, cheap and easy to support. Therefore special low-cost technology options are always explored and tested during the pilots, with a view to driving down the 'total cost of ownership' of the whole programme.

Ndiyo provides a low-cost computing solution for multi-terminal sites. Ndiyo uses a key advantage of the Linux operating system - the fact that it supports multiple simultaneous users on a single machine at no cost - and combines it with purpose-built ultra-thin-client devices called Nivos (pictured), which allow multiple keyboards, screens and mice to be connected to a standard PC over an Ethernet or USB network and deliver very high performance. A single PC can therefore provide several independent workstations, with the reliability and maintainability of Open Source software, at a substantially lower cost than the traditional one-PC-per-user model.

Novell produces the Desktop Multiplier, a software add-on that allows up to ten independent user sessions to run at the same time on a single computer. Each user has their own monitor, keyboard and mouse. The monitors plug into inexpensive dual-head video cards (two monitors per card); the USB devices plug into a USB hub. With the Desktop Multiplier, school districts, universities and colleges, governments and businesses can migrate ten users to each SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop computer. This results in significant savings on hardware, software, maintenance, backups, electricity and environmental waste.