A virtual PC without a PC

IN A move to make PC usage simpler and to rid maintenance-related issues for users, Switzerland-based software company Nivio, a subsidiary of iNet Global Services, has launched a Windows operating system-based on online desktop service.

With this, a user can remotely access a Windows desktop from any web browser such as Internet Explorer without having to own a PC. "It is for users who do not want to be bothered with costs, constant technology changes and upgrades - whether it is a new operating system or security patches to combat PC viruses,"

Companies like Nivio, Novatium, Wyse, Sun Microsystems and PC manufacturers like HP are eying this space with ‘thin clients' - a small box that does not contain any software or computing power and can be accessed whenever required through the Internet or on a local area network.

"The advantage is that a user can use even a 486 PC, an obsolete model that is still used in many places in India," says Duggal. He explains that this is possible because computing happens in a central server through software that they have developed unlike normal PCs where the computing happens in the sys tem that the user is working on. This he reckons could resolve the issue of slow Internet speeds, which has been one of the hindrances in uptake of ‘thin client' devices in India.

With private equity backing from investment bankers from Duetche Bank, Unicredit Group and Goldman Sachs to the tune of $6 million, the company is targeting second tier cities and the vast student population in India. According to industry observers, about 60 per cent of students in India access internet or other computer programs from cyber cafes. This does not deter Duggal who has currently signed up 2,500 users and has plans to acquire one-lakh customers by the end of 2007.

EASY COMPUTING Companies like Nivio, Novatium, Wyse, Sun Microsystems and PC manufacturers like HP are eying this space with ‘thin clients' Thin clients is a small box that does not contain any software or computing power and can be accessed whenever required Duggal who has currently signed up 2,500 users and has plans to acquire one-lakh customers by the end of 2007.

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