Pub. 2 2012-2013 Issue 1

23 I nf ormat ion Techno logy Made S imp le CHARTER CONSULTING GROUP , LLC PO BOX 12155 OGDEN, UT 84412- 2155 TEL: 801-452- 7965 FAX: 801- 452-7967 EMAIL: INFO@CCGUTAH.COM WEB: WWW. IT4CHARTERS .COM V isualize a complete room filled with computer equipment that delivers the equivalent computing horsepower that you now hold in the palm of your hand. We have come a long way; but, another breakthrough in computing capacity just happened. Did you miss it? Windows MultiPoint Server is a new operating system designed for education and available for over a year. Offered by Microsoft, it is roughly a marriage of the Windows 7 Operating System and Windows Server Operating System, engineered for learning environments. Using the power of today’s advanced workstations; you can now deliver unique computer sessions for multiple students using a single computer. This might take a little imagination, so follow along. Imagine a desktop computer configured with two keyboards, two video displays, and two pointing devices. Two students sit on opposing sides of a library desk and view their respective computer sessions, which are individual and unique in every sense. They run programs, browse the Internet, and engage in instructional activities on a Windows based computer. The only commonality in their experience is proximity and connection to the same physical PC. Now let’s stretch your imagination and the library table a little. What if there were four students or ten, all sitting at the same table connected to that single computer each with their own keyboard, video, and mouse. For years computer workstations have contained up to four processors (Quad Core), yet most software is only capable of using a single processor; not MultiPoint Server. It harnesses the power of today’s multi-core computers, allowing you to run as many as 20 sessions from a single computer workstation. Count the cost savings! Huge savings on computer hardware, annual maintenance, power consumption, the cost of cooling a computer lab, and a significant reduction in help desk calls. 1 Some of you with “thin client” experience may be thinking this is just a modern day version of a rather old centralized computing system of years ago. Not so! While similar in appear- ance, the essential difference is Microsoft Hyper-V technology. This is an advanced computing concept where computer sessions are virtualized on demand. Each session is akin to a brand new computer with a fresh copy of Windows 7 installed and configured according to the type of user experience desired. Only specially designed “zero Clients” work with Windows MultiPoint Server and they exist primarily to provide a more efficient and cost effective way to connect so many keyboards, video displays, and mice to a single piece of hardware. In fact a “zero client” connection is just one of three supported configu- rations using Windows MultiPoint Server. You may alternately choose to connect via USB or by adding video cards directly into the host computer. If you are considering a new computer lab or renovating an existing one, you will save 66% by using Windows MultiPoint Server. And on top of the savings, it comes with a clever classroom management system that teachers love. David Walker is Managing partner of Charter Consulting Group and author of a weekly blog on Charter School Technology (www. it4charters.com ). Email: david.walker@ccgutah.com How to Save 66% OR MORE This is a conceptual view of Windows MultiPoint Server. 1 Cost savings reported in a worldwide study conducted by Microsoft. Your savings will vary. on Your Next Computer Lab