NComputing lands UN deal to provide 500,000 work stations to schools

The program is being developed by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs  (UNDESA) Global Alliance for ICT Development (GAID).

"Access to computing technology is a cornerstone for education, social, and economic development in the 21st century," said Sarbuland Khan, executive co-ordinator UNDESA-GAID.

"This initiative will play an important role in closing the digital literacy gap that exists in the world's developing nations."

The first pilot project was completed in Burkina Faso, with additional projects spanning Rwanda, Senegal, and Tanzania scheduled for 2009.

These projects will utilise 1,000 NComputing Linux-based virtual desktops.

NComputing virtual desktops provide low-cost computing, are simple to ship and install, require little maintenance, and use one watt of electricity.

In addition to the product donations, NComputing will provide logistical and operational expertise with large-scale rollouts.

Dr. Paul Jhin, who is leading the initiative, will present the details of the program to education ministers and other attendees at the eLearning Africa conference in Dakar, Senegal on May 29.

Planning sessions with ministers from African countries will also be held to discuss additional pilot projects and large scale deployments. 

"The NComputing virtual desktops give us an important opportunity to significantly expand computing access and simplify deployment," said Jhin.

"This maximises the use of donated and refurbished computers and simplifies deployment and power requirements, which are key issues in many parts of the developing world."

NComputing sold over one million virtual desktops in over 140 countries in the last 24 months.

"Closing the digital divide is a key mission for NComputing," said Stephen Dukker, CEO and chairman of NComputing.

"We are honoured to partner with the United Nations on this very important initiative; it will have an enormous impact on the lives of millions of children throughout the world."

The initiative is developing a number of partnerships with commercial enterprises, computer recyclers, universities, and non-profit organisations to provide technology, logistical support, content development, and training for the deployments in Africa and other developing countries.