Userful Multiseat Sees Version Upgrade
Linux-based virtualization tool now boasts multilingual capabilities, improved USB device support, and support of all major Linux distributions.
Multiseat Linux virtualization innovator Userful Corp. has released the latest version of its Multiplier product.
Userful Multiplier V.3.7 turns a single PC into 10 via Linux desktop virtualization.†
Though Userful Multiplier enables a single PC support up to 10 independent users at the same time, each station has its own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Configuration is automated, and it provides quality multimedia performance, including full-screen, full-motion video.
Userful reports that demand for its $69 virtual desktops (education pricing, which includes the software and multiseat hardware) has accelerated as “budget-strapped governments, educational organizations, and businesses lower costs.”
“The upfront and ongoing cost savings of Userful have made it possible for tens of thousands of K-12 schools in both developed and developing regions to provide computer access to millions of children, many for the first time,” says Userful vice president of strategic partnership Beverly Gallagher. “The new features of version 3.7 will make it possible to provide computer access to even more children around the world.”
“Unlike Microsoft Windows-based multiseat virtual desktop solutions, which require the purchase of the server operating system as well as the purchase of client access licenses and application software licenses for every seat,” states Userful Corp. in a company press release, ” Userful is Linux based. So, the operating system, and all the application software is free. This provides significant cost savings, while still providing all the features of a Windows environment through open source software such as the Firefox web browser, the OpenOffice office suite, and even education-specific software.”
New to version V.3.7, the Userful Multiplier user interface now includes additional internationalizations. Other updates include multilingual capabilities, improved USB device support, and support of all major Linux distributions (including Ubuntu 9.10, SLED 11, and Fedora 11).
V.3.7 is available in 64-bit and 32-bit packages in both RPM and DEB formats.
A free 2-user version of Multiplier V.3.7 is† available from the Userful Web site.