Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop
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- Turn one computer into 10
- Reduce TCO by 80-90%
- Discover the “10-to-1 advantage”
- Ideal for schools, governments, businesses
“Welcome to the future of affordable computing!”
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Omni
Novell
The Desktop Multiplier Story
Turn one regular desktop PC into 10...with the innovative Desktop Multiplier
for Novell Linux Desktop software...and reduce your total cost of ownership
by up to 80-90% – no special hardware required.
Welcome! My name is Trevor Poapst, and I am the Global Strategist for the
Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop. It is my distinct pleasure to
guide you through this 4-minute product tour.
Let’s get started. Modern PCs spend most of the day idle. Using extra video
cards, standard monitors, USB keyboards and mice, the Desktop Multiplier for
Novell Linux Desktop can leverage this unused computing power, enabling up to
10 users to work directly off a single PC.
So, how does it work? The Desktop Multiplier is a thin layer of software
(remember there is no special hardware required) that sits on top of the
Linux kernel. In fact, it wraps around the kernel and listens for three
things: (1) keyboard input, (2) mouse input, and (3) monitor output. It then
assigns these three things to a unique user session. It can then manage as
many as 10 completely different user sessions...at the same time...on one
regular computer. This computer needs to be running the Novell Linux Desktop
operating system and our Desktop Multiplier software.
Setup involves 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Install the Novell Linux Desktop operating system.
Step 2: Install extra single- or dual-head AGP and PCI video cards.
Step 3: Arrange your monitors, keyboards and mice and plug them into
the back of the computer.
Step 4: Install the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop and
reboot your computer.
Step 5: Link the keyboards and mice to the monitors with a simple
key-press.
Once the Novell Linux Desktop is installed, you can have 10 users up and
running in 20 minutes.
What makes the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop so compelling? The
simple answer is dramatically reduced costs. The fact that the Multiplier
reduces initial hardware and software acquisition costs by up to 80%, and
long-term computer management and infrastructure costs by up to 90%, compels
most organizations to consider the advantages. The Multiplier can also save
tens of thousands of dollars on retrofitting older environments with the
necessary electrical upgrades for a modern computer lab.
Think about it. Instead of 10 separate computers, you’re buying only one.
Instead of 10 Windows XP and Microsoft Office licences, you’re only buying
one Novell Linux Desktop licence (which comes bundled with OpenOffice).
Instead of paying for the electricity, back-ups, HVAC, and maintenance for 10
computers, you now only need to worry about one.
The bottom line – a 100-user Desktop Multiplier setup can provide total
cost of ownership savings of $270,000 compared to a similar Windows
environment.
This solution is ideal for: classrooms, computer labs, call centres,
government departments, businesses (both large and small), and healthcare
facilities – where you find two or more computers in close physical
proximity.
You may be wondering, “Is the Desktop Multiplier a “thin client” solution?”
The answer is “No.” Each user session is a quote "fat client" with dedicated
video, keyboard and mouse access. This means that users will not experience
the keyboard lag and choppy video commonly associated with thin-client
environments. In addition, the Multiplier involves much lower deployment and
licensing costs and is easier to set up and deploy.
Now, understand that your users will not be running software that builds
“space shuttles” with the Multiplier, but…for the type of work that most
users perform (for example: word processing, creating spreadsheets, preparing
presentations, browsing the web, sending email, and perhaps doing some photo
editing), it is an ideal solution.
In terms of pricing, the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop costs
$99 US or 80 Euro per seat, plus an optional software upgrade protection plan
for an additional 30% of the purchase price. Volume discounts are available.
And all purchases include 30 days of support and upgrade protection. For
pricing on the Novell Linux Desktop operating system, please visit
www.novell.com.
Thank you for listening to our story. You can put the “10-to-1 advantage” to
work in your organization by calling Omni Technology Solutions today at
780-423-4200 or by emailing us at
sales@omni-ts.com.
I now invite you to download a free, no-risk trial version of the Desktop
Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop by clicking the “Downloads” section
above. Thank you!
Linux Total Cost of Ownership Calculator
The Desktop Multiplier’s “10-to-1 advantage” dramatically reduces the
total cost of ownership (TCO) of your
desktop deployment and management by up to 80-90%.
To demonstrate these savings, we built the Omni Total Cost of Ownership
Calculator. The calculator compares the total cost of ownership of
individual Windows and Linux desktops vs a Desktop Multiplier system.
Download the Excel spreadsheet below (created in OpenOffice) and modify the
cost variables in the second worksheet to reflect your environment.
Welcome to the future of affordable desktop computing!
Perfect For...
The
Desktop Multiplier™ for
Novell® Linux Desktop offers a powerful and reliable multi-user
platform for universities, K-12 schools, governments and businesses that are
considering Novell Linux Desktop. The Desktop Multiplier delivers outstanding
Linux return on investment,
outperforms
thin clients and Blades
at a fraction of the cost, and leverages your existing investment in
Novell hardware and software.
Allison Singh, senior Novell Systems Engineer for Novell South Africa,
featured the Desktop Multiplier during his
keynote presentation at BrainShare South Africa. "The Desktop
Multiplier's ability to leverage the Novell Linux Desktop for up to 10 users
on one standard computer presents a huge value proposition for our corporate,
government, and educational clients." Singh continues, "Not only does the
Desktop Multiplier significantly reduce hardware and software costs, but it
also results in a 10-to-1 savings on computer management, electricity, and
infrastructure costs. This is very important to our customers."
Cool Novell Linux Desktop Solution for Universities and
Schools
The Desktop Multiplier is ideal for universities and schools considering
Novell Linux Desktop. By allowing up to 10 users to work off a single
computer, educational institutions can redirect their time, energy and money
to enhance student learning rather than investing in expensive hardware and
software that depreciates quickly. The Desktop Multiplier is ideal for
computer labs, classrooms, libraries, student residences and Internet cafés.
A 100-user Desktop Multiplier system can save $270,000 compared to a 100
single-user computers.
Cool Novell Linux Desktop Solution for Computer Labs
Get a "10-to-1 advantage" on deploying Novell Linux Desktop in your computer
lab or mobile training lab. The Desktop Multiplier delivers the quickest,
easiest and most cost-effective way to deploy computers for training,
testing, demos or other events where you need computer labs. Some of our
customers tell us that the Desktop Multiplier can save them tens of thousands
of dollars on electrical and HVAC upgrades required to upgrade their computer
lab.
Cool Novell Linux Desktop Solution for Governments and Job
Banks
Free your technical staff from the headaches of maintaining your public
access computers. Build self-service kiosks with access to on-line
information in government buildings to ensure that citizens have access to
relevant goverment information when and where they need it. The Desktop
Multiplier is ideal for public information points at walk-in centres, job
banks and community access centres.
Cool Novell Linux Desktop Solution for Health Care Facilities
Leverage the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop to provide
information to visitors and patients on specific health awareness programs or
initiatives. Visitors, patients and staff can now have access to the
Internet, OpenOffice, email and other beneficial services within your health
care environment.
Cool Novell Linux Desktop Solution for Community Access
Centres
Providing accessible and secure public Internet access places a growing
burden on governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and non-profit
agencies that wish to provide Internet access points as part of their
community service strategy. Use the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux
Desktop to address the complex undertaking of public computing and
dramatically reduce your costs, increase your user satisfaction, and reduce
overhead to provide and manage these services.
Other Opportunities
- Developing nations
- Call centres
- Chambers of Commerce
- Libraries
- Tradeshows, meetings & conferences
- Internet connectivity projects
- Hotel and airport lobbies
- Internet cafés
- Cruise ships
- Retirement homes
- Job banks
- Museums
- Remote communities
- Oil field well sites
The Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop is the most robust and
cost-effective platform where Internet, email, and office suite access needs
to be provided in a simple, secure and worry-free solution.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop?
A. The Desktop Multiplier is a software add-on to the
Novell Linux Desktop operating system
that enables up to 10 users to work from one single PC. Each user still has
his or her own monitor, keyboard and mouse, but everyone shares the same
computer.
How does this impact performance? It depends. Few users truly take advantage
of the modern computer processing power. For the tasks that most users
perform - web browsing, email, working with Office documents - you can easily
share a computer among as many as 10 users. But keep in mind your users will
not be using software that builds space shuttles with the Desktop
Multiplier.
Why use the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop deployments? The
quick answer is
significant cost
savings. The Desktop Multiplier is the fastest, easiest and least
expensive way to deploy large numbers of full-featured, Novell Linux Desktop
desktops.
Q: Does the Desktop Multiplier work with ZENworks?
A: Based on our initial testing with ZENworks, everything that is
based on your eDirectory user account can continue to be managed by ZENworks,
including application deployment. This is because the majority of ZENworks
management is based on user accounts rather than hardware. Limiting access to
directories and files is a combination of ZENWorks and the native Linux file
system. From an application perspective, there should be nothing different
about deploying an application on Desktop Multiplier system than there would
be deploying that application on a stand-alone Novell Linux Desktop
installation. On the other hand, any ZENworks function that is hardware
based, such as remote desktop control, cannot be done with ZENworks on a
Desktop Multiplier installation. Additional ZENworks testing is scheduled to
be done the week of November 1, 2005. At that time, we will be working with
Novell to extend ZENworks workstation remote control, so the ZENworks
administrator can provide remote control of a Desktop Multiplier user
session.
Q: How does the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop work with
IP-based security?
A: The Desktop Multiplier currently assigns one IP address to the
workstation. This IP address is shared by all users connected to a Desktop
Multiplier station. Therefore, IP address-based security would not be
available with the Desktop Multiplier. The "work-around" for this is that
users connecting to a Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop system
would need to be members of groups that have the same IP address
restrictions. Depending on the demand, it is possible to update the Desktop
Multiplier to allow for the IP addresses to be assigned on a per-login basis.
This would require a significant amount of work and is not something that is
foreseen for the immediate future.
Q: Is the Desktop Multiplier a “thin-client solution”?
A: You can think of the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop as
the ultimate "zero client". Unlike thin-client solutions that require an
expensive server (and operating system licence), individual "thin clients"
for each user, and grind to a crawl under modest usage, the Desktop
Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop requires no special hardware, no thin
clients (i.e., "zero client"), and delivers "rich" user interfaces with
ease.
While both thin clients and the Desktop Multiplier enable multi-user
computing, the Desktop Multiplier provides a "fat client" with dedicated
video, keyboard and mouse access at a fraction of the cost of thin client
technology.
This is a very popular question, so we have developed a comparison chart and
a series of articles that outline the key differences between the
Desktop Multiplier and thin clients.
Q: How does the performance compare to a single-user system?
A: Overall, performance does not significantly differ from regular,
single-user systems. In some cases, Novell Linux Desktop Multiplier systems
have better response times due the system's automatic file and memory
caching. The only noticeable delays are typically seen when one or more users
load large applications into active memory, or when a CPU-intensive process
is running. In such cases, other users may notice a slight delay in mouse
response, or in loading their own applications; however, this delay is
momentary.
At the
GroupWiseR Summit in The
Hague, we ran a six-user Internet café on the Novell Linux Desktop
Multiplier, and GroupWise administrators and tech-savvy attendees were amazed
that six users were sharing the same Novell Linux Desktop PC –
performance is that good!
Q: What hardware do I need?
A: Let's consider a 10-user Novell Linux Desktop Multiplier system.
We recommend the following:
- Computer: Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz+ (or similar AMD computer)
- Operating System: Novell Linux Desktop 9 (or other Linux OS that supports
the 2.6 Kernel)
- RAM: 2-3 GB of RAM (256 MB of RAM per user for optimal
performance)
- Video Cards: 5 dual-head PCI video cards (or 4 PCI cards and 1 AGP card)
- USB Hub: 2 four-port powered USB hubs plus 2 on-board USB
ports
- Monitors: 10 VGA monitors (Flat panel or CRT screens)
- Keyboards: 10 USB keyboards (preferably with integrated USB hub to
connect mouse)
- Mice: 10 USB mice
- Cabling: Regular USB and VGA cables (VGA cable extensions may be
required depending on physical arrangement of user desktops)
- Software: Novell
Linux Desktop Multiplier (try the FREE trial version)
This is a regular PC with some additional RAM. A list of inexpensive,
dual-head video cards is available on our web site. If you like,
we can provide you with a
bundled
price that includes the Novell Linux Desktop Multiplier, USB keyboards
and dual-head video cards. Interested in comparing the significant
Linux
TCO savings of a multi-user Novell Linux Desktop Multiplier system
with 10 single-user computers?
Q: How much does the solution cost?
A: The Novell Linux Desktop Multiplier costs $99 US (approximately
€ 80) per seat, plus an optional software upgrade protection plan for an
additional 30% of the purchase price. Volume discounts are available for K-12
schools, post-secondary institutions and governments. All purchases include
30 days of support and upgrade protection.
Contact us for a quote at
sales@omni-ts.com or 780-423-4200. If you
like, we can provide you with a bundled price that includes the Novell Linux
Desktop Multiplier, USB keyboards and dual-head video cards.
For pricing on the Novell Linux Desktop operating system, please visit
Novell.
Q: What environments are ideal for this solution?
A: The Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop is ideal for
environments where two or more computers are in close physical proximity,
such as: classrooms, computer labs, call centres, Internet cafés and kiosks,
government departments, businesses, Internet connectivity projects,
healthcare facilities, tradeshows, job banks, retirement homes and hotel
lobbies. Please visit our
Perfect
For section for more details.
Q: How do I set up the Desktop Multiplier on my Novell Linux Desktop
computer?
A: The following 5 steps will help guide you through the setup
process:
Step 1: Install the Novell Linux Desktop operating system (45 min)
Step 2: Install extra single- or dual-head AGP and PCI video cards (5
min)
Step 3: Arrange your monitors, keyboards and mice and plug them into
the back of the computer (20 min)
Step 4: Install the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop and
reboot your computer (5 min)
Step 5: Link the keyboards and mice to the monitors with a simple
key-press (2 min)
Please visit our
Documentation
section to download the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop Setup
Guide.
Q: Is it possible to run Windows applications?
A: Yes. The Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop can connect to
Windows Terminal Servers and similar systems, using the RDP protocol to
efficiently run Windows applications remotely. You can also use Citrix /
Tarantella systems to deliver Windows applications as required. To run
Windows applications locally, you may want to consider using WINE, Crossover
Office, Win4Linux, or other Windows emulation software. There may be
licensing issues you will need to deal with.
Q: How far can users be from the host computer?
A: The Desktop Multiplier is ideal for groups of desktop computers in
close physical proximity. While greater distances can be reached using USB
repeaters or various cabling options, a group of workstations within a
15-foot radius of the Desktop Multiplier system is suggested for obtaining
the best overall performance.
Q: Does the Desktop Multiplier run on other versions of Linux?
A: Yes. While we recommend using the Novell Linux Desktop operating
system, the Desktop Multiplier will work with the following Linux
distributions:
- Fedora Core 2, 3 & 4
- Mandriva 10.0 & 10.1 (Mandrake/Conectiva)
- Xandros 3
- Linspire 5
- RedHat
- Sun Java Desktop R3
- Ubuntu 5
Q: How do I purchase the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop?
A: You can purchase the Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop
directly from Omni or one of its certified resellers world-wide. Please
contact Omni at 780-423-4200. We would be happy to assist you with any sales
related questions.
Q: What graphics cards do you recommend?
A: The Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop is designed to
support all single- and dual-head video cards supported by xorg-x11 /
Xfree86. Any video card combinations where you can start X in multi-head
(i.e., multi-monitor, multi-display) should work with this software.
We recommend the following low-cost dual-head graphics cards, which are
available in both AGP and PCI cards from a variety of manufacturers:
- Radeon 7000, 7500, 9000 and 9200 series
- Matrox G400, G450, G550
- nVIDIA FX 4400 & 5200
Typically, a 10 station system would be built using 5 dual-head video cards.
While it is possible to support a heterogeneous mix of video chipsets within
a single computer box (e.g., mixing Radeon, nVIDIA, and Matrox cards), it is
not recommended as it is not possible for us to directly test and support all
possible combinations. Using the on-board video card (video hardware built
into the motherboard) is not recommended.
Q: How do I link the keyboards and mice to the screens?
A: Once the system has started, each screen will prompt you to press a
Function key (F1 through F10). Simply click the Function key and click the
mouse to assign them to each monitor. If the mouse is plugged into the USB
keyboard (via an integrated hub in the keyboard), the mouse will be
automatically assigned along with the keyboard when you press the correct
function key. You may then login to your desktop normally.
To reassign a keyboard or mouse combination, unplug the devices and plug them
in again. You will be prompted with the Desktop Multiplier screen to reassign
the devices. You will not lose any unsaved work.
Q: How do I find my MAC address?
A: A MAC address is a unique number assigned to a Network Interface
Card (NIC), commonly called an ethernet card. Do not confuse the MAC address
with Apple or Macintosh computers, which are commonly referred to as "Macs".
Follow these steps to determine your MAC address in Novell Linux Desktop and
Windows XP:
Novell Linux Desktop: To find your MAC address in Novell Linux
Desktop, you need to log in as the "root" user. Then go to Programs >
Accessories > Terminal. When the Terminal window pops up, type "ifconfig". In
the first line you should see "HWaddr" and a string of 12 numbers separated
by colons (e.g., 00:0B:CD:55:63:C9). This is your MAC address. Please send it
to us to licence the Desktop Multiplier.
Windows XP: If you have not yet installed Novell Linux Desktop and are
running Windows XP, click on the Start Button. Click on Run and type "cmd".
Once a small black window appears, your Command Prompt, type in "ipconfig
/all" (with a space between the g and the /). Locate the number to the right
of "Physical Address". This is your MAC address.
Q: How do I install the Desktop Multiplier licence file?
A: The Desktop Multiplier for Novell Linux Desktop is licensed based
on the number of monitors connected to the host computer. Your Desktop
Multiplier licence file turns your trial version into a fully licensed
version of the software.
Please login as the "root" user and copy your licence file – 1Box.info – into
/etc/X11/ and reboot your computer. Please save this email and licence file
in a secure location for future reference, in case you need to reinstall it
on your machine. If you require additional licences, you will receive a
replacement licence file.
Desktop Multiplier – Executive Benefits
- Fastest, easiest and least expensive way to deploy large numbers of
full-featured Novell Linux Desktop
computers
- Total cost of ownership (TCO)
savings of 80-90% on deploying and managing Novell Linux Desktop
- “10-to-1 advantage” on hardware,
software, management and infrastructure costs
- Cost-effective at $99 US (80 €)
per seat, plus an optional software upgrade protection plan of 30% of the
purchase price. Volume discounts are available.
- Leverages existing investments in Novell GroupWise, Messenger, iFolder,
and network file servers (e.g., NetWare, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Open
Enterprise Server, Windows)
- Provides greater software licensing freedom than Windows
- World-wide support available through Novell for the Novell Linux Desktop
and directly from Omni for the
Desktop Multiplier
- Novell Linux Desktop comes bundled with OpenOffice (compatible with
Microsoft Office)
- Reduces e-waste (electricity,
HVAC, backups and computer disposal)
- Developed by Userful, industry leaders in multi-user desktop
computing
- Free, no-risk trial version
available for testing
Desktop Multiplier – Technical Benefits
- Quick to install and deploy – single command to install the Linux
software
- Significantly decreases management, back-up, UPS, electrical and physical
infrastructure requirements and costs of deploying Novell Linux Desktop
- Concise documentation and
on-line FAQs available
- Connects to NetWare, Windows, and Linux network file servers with
standard protocols and Novell Client for Linux
- Manageable by ZENworks for Linux
- No special hardware required
– uses standard, cost-effective graphics cards, monitors, Intel or AMD
processors, and USB keyboards and mice
- Leverages power, stability and security of Novell Linux Desktop operating
system
- Perfect for university computer
labs, K-12 classrooms and offices where users work in close proximity to
one another
- World-wide support available from Novell for Novell Linux Desktop and
directly from Omni for the Novell Linux Desktop Multiplier
- Enables as many as 10 secure, independent user sessions from one regular
desktop computer running Novell Linux Desktop
- Installs on Novell Linux Desktop, a secure Linux operating system that is
less vulnerable to viruses than Windows
- Free, no-risk trial version available for testing
Desktop Multiplier – User Benefits
- Increased access to affordable, Novell Linux Desktop computing
- Novell Linux Desktop is a full-featured, easy-to-use Linux operating
system
- Access to powerful set of Linux applications that come bundled with
Novell Linux Desktop (e.g., Open Office, Evolution email client, Firefox web
browser, PDF writer, Gimp image editor, FTP client, project management
application, instant messenger client)
- Open Office productivity software supports Microsoft Office file formats
- Familiar look and feel of of the Novell Linux Desktop's graphic user
interface
- Novell Linux Desktop operating system is less vulnerable to viruses than
Windows
- Ability to access your network-based files and directories through Novell
Client for Linux
Novell Linux Desktop (x10)
Omni’s Desktop Multiplier leverages the
Novell Linux Desktop operating system
across as many as 10 users. Purchase one Novell Linux Desktop licence,
install the Desktop Multiplier add-on software, and connect as many as 10
users to one machine. The result – a powerful multi-user computer and
significant savings!
Use Linux with Confidence
Novell Linux Desktop 9, powered by SUSE Linux, is a desktop operating system
and office-productivity environment that enables businesses to use Linux and
open source with confidence. The operating system can be deployed as a
general-purpose desktop platform or tailored for use in information kiosks,
call-center terminals, or stations for infrequent PC users.
Avoid Single-vendor Lock-in
Novell Linux Desktop provides an ideal alternative to high-cost UNIX-based
engineering workstations and Windows desktops. Novell Linux Desktop users who
are seeking to avoid single-vendor lock-in of their desktop systems can
comfortably interoperate with Windows-based users, within or between
organizations. Finally, Novell Linux Desktop is backed by Novell support,
training and partners.
Secure and Reliable Enterprise Platform
Novell Linux Desktop is built on SUSE Linux, providing strong security to
protect data and reliability to keep personnel productive. In addition,
Linux-based platforms are not susceptible to interruptive and costly Windows
viruses. Novell Linux Desktop is also extremely reliable with customers
reporting uptimes of over a year.
Impressive Software Bundle
Read more about each of these applications at:
www.novell.com/products/desktop/features.html
- OpenOffice.org
- Mozilla Firefox
- Novell iFolder
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Citrix ICA client
- Macromedia Flash Player
- Real Player
- System Core
- Novell Evolution
- Mozilla Firefox
- Gaim Instant Messenger
- The Gimp
- Windows Terminal Server
- Citrix ICA Client
- And many more…
Backed by Novell
Novell brings a complete enterprise software ecosystem to Linux, providing
technical support, training, consulting, indemnification and the extended
partner network that IT buyers demand when deploying a strategic platform.
The mature, experienced technical support organization at Novell provides
industry-leading 24x7x365 Linux support for a variety of technologies—not
just Linux. When it comes to supporting Linux interoperability with other
systems and applications, Novell expertise is unmatched in the industry.
Novell also offers a comprehensive set of consulting and training services
designed to help businesses mitigate risk and achieve optimal staff
performance when moving to the Linux platform.
Related Information
