Userful Releases Next Gen Virtual Desktop and Cloud Platform

By Erin Harrison March 13, 2013

Desktop virtualization company Userful has released its next generation virtualization solution, Userful Multiplatform.

Userful Multiplatform is designed to help organizations deploy the cloud for Windows and Linux desktops using zero-client devices, allowing IT managers to offer each user their choice of Windows OS, Linux OS, or cloud desktops, according to Tim Griffin, Userful’s chief technology officer.

“We believe that Userful Multiplatform is a game changing solution that will bring cloud and virtual desktops to organizations that lack the budget or technical resources to implement other desktop virtualization solutions,” Griffin said in a statement. “With zero-client devices and Userful Multiplatform, we bring to the market a simple and cost-effective cloud and virtual desktop solution with advanced features such as automated failover.”

Userful Multiplatform allows users to transition from Windows to Linux, or to cloud desktops, or connect into legacy applications using remote protocols such as RDP.

In addition, organizations can save on VDI licenses by deploying cloud desktops for users using Web applications, Linux desktops for users that are using Office applications or other open source applications. IT administrators can deploy 20 or more zero-client stations using only one host PC or server and Ethernet connection which allows administrators to place stations at any distance within the local network.

The Calgary, Canada-based company claims Userful Multiplatform has twice the performance of other solutions on the market: one traditional PC with a Core i7 processor and 16 Gig RAM can power 20 independent, 720p full screen videos.

Organizations will save on hardware and operating costs while deploying a flexible desktop endpoint that allows them to stay up-to-date with technology innovations, according to Alan McNaughton, president of Userful.

“When the time comes to upgrade, administrators just need to replace the server, while the zero-client devices can last 10 years,” McNaughton said.

Userful is compatible with zero-client devices manufactured by brands including HP, Acer, LG, Asus, Atrust and ViewSonic. The company’s multiseat computing solutions are used globally by the education and hospitality industries and business applications.

Edited by Jamie Epstein

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