Basic concept behing NComputing Desktop Virtualization
We’ve all become accustomed to the PC model, which allows every user to have their own CPU, hard disk, and memory to run their applications.But personal computers have now become so powerful that most people can’t possibly use all the processing power they purchase.Problem of current Computing is that they consume too much electricity and generate too much e-waste. A typical PC takes 110 watts to run, and there are almost a billion of them on the planet.And according to the Silicon Valley Toxics Commission, e-waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream. Up to 95% of PC power is wasted.
NComputing desktop virtualization is a modern take on the time-honored concept where multiple users share the processing power of a single computer. This approach has several advantages over the traditional PC model, including lower overall costs, better energy efficiency, and simplified administration.
NComputing-Next Step to SBC(Server Based Computing)
Server Based Computing is like mainframe computing with a few minor differences.The dumb terminal is replaced by a PC that communicates with a server and receives a full screen interface that is transferred across the network.The most popular application of server-based computing has been to host a small subset of applications on a server that are accessed by a PC client in this way.In this case the PC is still used to run local applications in addition to running the server-based applications hosted with Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Services software. In some SBC installations, a slimmed-down version of a PC with a low-end processor and flash storage, called a “thin client” is used. With the thin client approach, most, if not all, applications are run on the server.SBC was intended to provide the same advantages as mainframe computing while mitigating the cost and environmental factors, but it created a completely different set of disadvantages. These disadvantages include:
• Constrained user experience with limited desktop interface performance,
especially when graphical applications are used.
• Expensive thin clients that are fundamentally still PCs and commonly
require special customizations.
• Expensive, high-end server components.
• Complex setup and administration requiring network administrators
with specialized skills.
The next step: NComputing desktop virtualization
So how can you get the benefits of SBC without its disadvantages and not go back to mainframe technology?
The answer is a new model:NComputing desktop virtualization.
NComputing desktop virtualization enables a single PC to simultaneously support two or more users – each running their own independent set of applications. The key to this unique solution is the fact that all three core components of the technology are optimized to work together: the software that virtualizes resources on the PC, the protocol that extends the user interface, and the client or access device. Because of this high degree of optimization, NComputing desktop virtualization solutions can run on PC hardware (not just server hardware). The resulting solution provides all of the benefits of SBC without the drawbacks. Many of the concepts behind the NComputing solution are similar to the old thin client model. However, NComputing has developed a completely unique implementation that delivers better user performance at a lower cost.NComputing access devices are much smaller and more highly integrated than traditional thin clients—which for the most part are built with previous generation PC components. NComputing has also developed its own virtualization software, vSpace, and user extension protocol to optimize the solution further. In effect, NComputing has developed a set of technologies that work together to enable not only high-end server hardware to be shared,but standard PC hardware as well. This unique approach has demonstrated its ability to extend computing access to a whole new set of users in schools and the developing world, while slashing computing costs for small, medium and large businesses worldwide.
How it Works?
The unique NComputing technology is composed of three primary components:
vSpace™ virtualization software, a user extension protocol, and access devices.By combining all three of these components into an integrated solution,NComputing delivers unmatched performance at an incredibly low cost.
vSpace desktop virtualization software
NComputing vSpace desktop virtualization software was developed to
tap into the unused power of PCs and efficiently divide their resources into independent virtual workspaces that give each user their own full PC experience. It functions as a data manager that transmits and handles the desktop display and remote activities from the user’s keyboard,mouse,and other interfaces. NComputing vSpace was developed specifically for NComputing’s unique access devices in order to achieve the best user performance. Also, it was developed to be independent of the host computer’s operating system and runs on both Windows and Linux platforms. Best of all vSpace is easy to install and use, unlike the complex software associated with traditional server-based computing.
Extension protocol
A key part of being able to deliver a full remote computing experience
is the extension protocol used. Traditional thin clients use protocols
that were developed for occasional use by administrators for temporary remote control. NComputing developed its unique User eXtension Protocol (UXP) for continuous use by end users demanding a full PC experience.
As a result,multimedia applications including streaming video, Flash, and 3D graphics can be supported. UXP provides the communication link between the NComputing virtualization software and the access devices that connect through Ethernet (L-series products) or directly (X-series products). UXP was developed to reside on a software layer outside of the operating system on the shared PC and works with both Windows and Linux. UXP provides the communication link between the NComputing virtualization software and the access device.
Access devices
The NComputing access devices do not use PC-based processors or
chipsets and do not run a local operating system. All of the primary functionality is integrated into a single chip that has an optimal set of resources for working with the NComputing virtualization software and extension protocol. This System-on-Chip (SoC) contains patented technologies for delivering unmatched performance from a very low-power device. The device also contains a small amount of DRAM used to perform local screen display. The SoC in the access device executes several processes including boot management, initialization, network connection, protocol decoding, bitmap cache acceleration, and administration. This approach results in access devices with very low power requirements (less than 5 watts). This enables significant power savings when compared to individual PCs that draw over 100 watts each.
Access device options
The NComputing SoC technology is used in several different access
devicesthat serve a variety of application needs. With each solution,the end user still has their own monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers. However, instead of connecting directly to a PC, these peripherals connect to the small NComputing access device on their desk or mounted directly to the back of the monitor. The access devices then connect either directly (X-series)or over Ethernet (L-series) to the shared computer, running the NComputing vSpace software. The L-series devices use UXP to deliver a PC experience through a standard network connection and come in a variety of versions to suit specific needs. The X-series products include a PCI card, which installs inside the PC. The card houses the NComputing SoC and has either three or five RJ-45 ports that connect to the X-series access devices directly through Cat5e or Cat6 STP cables (up to 5 m or 10 m long respectively).
