Richard Davies wrote: The UK has a good crop of technology pioneers in cloud computing - for example ElasticHosts, FlexiScale, Flexiant, OnApp - and also some strong government initiatives such as G-Cloud.
We will have to see whether this kind of technical leadership converts into swift mass-market adoption or not.
Wyse Introduces Innovative Computing Concepts for Digital Inclusion With "12 Volt Car Battery-Powered" Thin Client and "Cloud-Connected Classroom on a Bus" for Remote Communities in Africa
Wyse Technology, the inventor and global leader in cloud client
computing, today demonstrates innovative new applications with its
ultra-low energy and cost thin and zero clients at eLearning
Africa, the leading pan-African eLearning and distance education
networking conference. Using its market leading thin client platforms,
powered with a 12 volt car battery, and 12 volt display monitor, Wyse
demonstrates a game-changing solution for citizens, especially students,
in remote communities where electricity is not reliable, and in many
cases not available.
"It is important to remember that the electricity supply which we take
for granted across the developed world is a tough to get, real
logistical challenge in many areas of Africa's developing nations," said
Arno’t van Heerden, GM for Africa, at Wyse Technology. "And without an
electricity supply, access to life-transforming technology (no matter
how cheap or advanced) is denied."
The technology demonstrated can be easily linked to solar panels, which
together with a battery, provides a sustainable power source. Africa's
extensive GSM network coverage then provides Internet connectivity.
Applications for the technology include:
providing early access to ICT for students in remote schools
health training aids for mobile healthcare clinics
an information source for communities reliant on trade and local
markets
an affordable computer power backup in areas with unreliable power
supply
"Wyse has always innovated," added van Heerden, "and what we are showing
in Africa today is that many of the technologies we develop for global
markets can be adapted for all international environments."
Wyse is also showing other innovative ICT solutions at eLearning Africa
with its partners. This includes a cloud-connected classroom on a bus
which, through local partners, has been deployed to many communities
across Africa. This project will reach thousands of schools in remote
communities. The cloud-connected classroom on a bus is part of the
largest cloud client computing-centric ICT deployment in Africa. The
project involves cloud computing technologies to provide a fully
Internet-connected zero client solution, with zero security, management,
and on-site support requirements. A bus which is used in support of this
project, equipped as a mobile classroom with satellite Internet access,
is also onsite at the conference.
About Wyse Technology
Wyse Technology is the inventor and global leader in cloud client
computing, leveraging its industry-leading thin and zero client
computing-based desktop virtualization software, hardware and services.
Cloud Client Computing is the ultimate client computing solution for our
time. It replaces the outdated computing model of the unsecure,
unreliable, un-green and expensive PC. It delivers the security,
reliability, user experience with the lowest energy usage and total cost
of ownership. It simply connects all the dots: Thin and zero client
computing, unified communications, desktop virtualization and the web
for users to reach the clouds – in a private, public, government or
hybrid cloud. It is software. It is hardware. It is services. It is in
business. It is at home. It is on the go. It is freedom – so users can
focus on what is important. Wyse partners with industry-leading IT
vendors, including, Cisco, Citrix, CSC, IBM, Microsoft, and VMware. Wyse
also partners with globally-recognized distribution and service partners
along with its award-winning partner programs to service any customer,
anywhere and anytime, in the world. Wyse is headquartered in San Jose,
California, U.S.A., with offices worldwide.
For more information, visit the Wyse website at http://www.wyse.com
or call 1-800-GET-WYSE.
* All brands and names mentioned herein are trademarks of their
respective holders.