How to Transform One Computer into Ten

There are users who only need a fraction of the processing power a modern CPU has. Imagine an office worker who sits all day in front of his computer going through an endless number of documents and such. In that case, most of his computer's processing power is simply wasted, as the CPU sits idle and waits for another input command.

In light of these facts, a company provides a hardware and software package to help improve the usage of CPU processing power. That company, named Userful, developed a package named DiscoverStation, that allows a central computer (a server if you like) to be connected to as much as ten dumb terminals (workingstations). The result is that users have no idea that they are sharing a server between them, but the main result of this practice is that more and more offices and data centers around the world are cutting their energy bills in half because a computer running at maximum capacity uses only a fraction of the power necessary to, say…three idle computers, let alone ten. The computers used by the DiscoverStation are readily available in offices and other locations, so no new hardware is needed apart from the connecting cables and cards. The hardware needed is basically a Pci card that allows more monitors, keyboards and mice to be linked to the same computer. The company's software allows each user to control each workstation separately, looking as if each had his own computer.

Userful Corporation announces that in the last year, its software that allows up to ten people to work from one PC has saved over 13,250 tons of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of taking 2,300 cars off the road. "Computer hardware production and disposal is one of the fastest growing threats to our environment. Powering and cooling computers is an increasing contributor to global warming. By leveraging the underused power of modern PCs, DiscoverStation helps people around the world Go Green," says Timothy Griffin, President of Userful.