AP: NComputing chosen for computer edu prog

Hyderabad, Oct 14: NComputing, a leading provider of shared computing technology, announced that the Andhra Pradesh government had chosen it for a massive computer education programme in the state.

The programme, partially funded by the Central government, would provide computing access for the first time to 18 lakh school children throughout the state. Each of the 5,000 secondary schools would have a 10-seat computer lab with two desktop PCs and eight NComputing systems, a release here said yesterday.

''By leveraging NComputing, the government will save nearly Rs 80 crore in up-front and ongoing costs. The government will also use 90 per cent electricity compared to a traditional all-PC solution. At about Rs 4,500 per seat, our solution is the ideal platform to enable schools, businesses, and governments to maximise their PC investment,'' NComputing Chairman and CEO Stephen Dukker said.

The programme based on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model requires outsourcers to install, staff and manage the labs for a five-year term.

The period would also enable school staff to develop their own skills in managing the labs and honing computer-aided teaching capabilities, the release added.

UNI