Tuesday, January 30, 2007

How about a PC for Rs 5,000? It may sound startling, but that is what Nova netPC from Chennai-based Novatium is all about.

The company is doing a pilot of its netPC that adopts the cable television model.

The netPC is a simple computer that works in a network and does not have local hard disks.

All the software and applications are set up in a remote central server located at the premises of the operator (cable operator or telecom company).

A customer subscribes to Novatium’s “computing service” offered by a local operator, paying an upfront amount and later a monthly “pay-as-you consume” fee, according to its CEO, Mr Alok Singh.

Nova netPC is like an appliance. The operator gives the subscriber a keyboard, mouse, monitor and `Nova netPC.’ A cable is drawn into the house and connected to the Nova netPC.

With the account already provided by the operator, once the customer types username and password, they are ready to use the PC and explore the Internet, he told Business Line.

?How about a PC for Rs 5,000? It may sound startling, but that is what Nova netPC from Chennai-based Novatium is all about.

The company is doing a pilot of its netPC that adopts the cable television model.

The netPC is a simple computer that works in a network and does not have local hard disks.

All the software and applications are set up in a remote central server located at the premises of the operator (cable operator or telecom company).

A customer subscribes to Novatium’s “computing service” offered by a local operator, paying an upfront amount and later a monthly “pay-as-you consume” fee, according to its CEO, Mr Alok Singh.

Nova netPC is like an appliance. The operator gives the subscriber a keyboard, mouse, monitor and `Nova netPC.’ A cable is drawn into the house and connected to the Nova netPC.

With the account already provided by the operator, once the customer types username and password, they are ready to use the PC and explore the Internet, he told Business Line.

Easy to use

The device is easy to use – just switch it on and off. It is secure – no local storage, no local programme.

Besides, it offers total access user control as well as control over peripherals; central data storage; and low obsolescence (client device life of eight years).

Upgrade is required only on the server side. Windows, Linux and multimedia support, voice over Internet protocol and local printer are other features.

The device promises monthly power saving of around Rs 2,000 per seat and optional peripheral support on USB.

Continue reading “Novatium unveils pilot of low-cost PC

Source: The Hindu Business Line (link opens in a new window)