LG, NComputing to create low-cost workstations for desktop virtualization, cloud computing

By SearchSMBAsia Editors | Jun 22, 2009

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LG Electronics [6]and NComputing have announced a strategic partnership to produce a new category of LCD monitors that integrates NComputing's virtual desktop [7] technology.

LG Electronics, which shipped more than 15 million monitors last year, will bring its high-volume scale and global distribution network to the alliance, while NComputing will contribute its hardware and vSpace virtualization software. The sub-$200 computing solution will further drive the acceleration towards desktop virtualization and "cloud computing [8]" in which computing is centralized and done over the Web.

Customers are increasingly turning to desktop virtualization, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Web-hosted applications to lower their IT costs. NComputing estimates that customers for LG SmartVine N-series monitors with embedded NComputing desktop virtualization technology can lower their computer hardware costs by 60%, maintenance costs by 70%, and electricity costs by 90%. The LG monitors work with both Windows and Linux computers.

In the United States, the LG SmartVine N-series line will include 17 and 19-inch class monitors (models N1742L-BF and N1941W-PF) covering both standard and widescreen resolutions. A 16-inch class model will also be available in other countries. All LG SmartVine N-series monitors can also be used as traditional monitors that connect through VGA for ultimate flexibility. These monitors will be marketed worldwide by LG beginning this month.

NComputing technology enables a single PC or server to be virtualized so that many users can tap the unused capacity and share it as if each person had their own computer.

LG Electronics is embedding NComputing virtualization circuitry inside the new SmartVine N-series monitors. Users connect their keyboards and mice directly to the monitor, which then connects to the host PC via a standard cable. An NComputing X550 PCI Card Kit with vSpace software enables the host PC to connect to five additional monitors. With two kits, a total of 11 users can share one PC.