Nivio, AMD tie up to make Virtual Desktops

New Delhi, Aug 27 (UNI) As a part of its vision to enable 50 per cent of the global population with affordable internet access and computing capabilities by 2015, computer major Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) today tied up with Nivio to launch Virtual Desktops for the masses in the country.

''Till December last year, only 17 per cent of the world population has internet access. To make access to computing easier, we have collaborated with Nivio to provide the masses with an online desktop,'' company's Managing Director Alok Ohrie told reporters here.

Nivio provides an online desktop which can be accessed from any part of the world, irrespective of the platform whether Linux, Windows or Macintosh.

According to IDC reports for the first quarter of 2007, AMD's market share in the client desktop business has increased by 1.3 per cent to touch 18.6 per cent, while notebooks' sales have increased by 3.6 per cent, Mr Ohrie said.

This is indicative of AMD's growing popularity in the Indian market which is slow but steady, he added.

Targetting the commercial sector, Mr Ohrie said about 65 per cent to 68 per cent of sales is realised from the commercial sector, including the finanace and banking sector, education, garments and high computing sectors.

Talking about the growing laptop business in the country, he said the trend is expected to continue as the device becomes more affordable and accessible.

''Our processors come in various OEMs and the customers are free to choose the vendor they want,'' he said.

The company is stepping up its research and development department. It, however, refused to quote any figures in terms of investment for technology upgradation.

Nivio Chief Executive Officer Sachin Duggal said the company is in talks with top ISPs for the services and will come out with the announcement soon.

''We are also in talks with companies for advertisements and other companies like AMD for making Nivio a household name,'' he added.

UNI