The One4All (solutions/one4all) desktop solution provides multiple simultaneous users with independent access to a highly reliable and secure computer with productivity tools and educational applications. In a typical deployment, at least 60% can be saved in the total cost of ownership per user compared to a standard desktop computer deployment. The One4All is an innovative solution aimed at making computing technology more accessible through smarter resource utilization and more appropriate and complete software.

The standard desktop computer – the most ubiquitous computing architecture by far – represents a mismatch of resources versus requirements. For the typical user, tasks such as office work, web browsing and e-mail correspondence results in resource usage well below what modern hardware can provide. Typically, an average of 80% to 85% of CPU bandwidth will be idle under real-world operating conditions. Given that the CPU will ordinarily account for around 70% of the cost of hardware-related investment, this is a significant inefficiency. Furthermore, the rate of processor capacity has been growing sustainably at rates far outstripping user requirements.

It is this observation which prompted a rethinking of the architecture of the common desktop computer to more fully utilize computing investments and thereby create greater opportunities for computing access.

Introduction

A PC running GNU/Linux operating system with single CPU shared transparently and very efficiently by four or more users. The result is a cost reduction that could reach up to 60% compared to a standard solution. It is a Multihead solution that separates logically a computer to 4 (or more) different completely independent and separated desktops with all peripherals included for each station.

The One4All has been customized primarily for intermediate sub-thin client multi-user environments where the unique cost savings scaling curve is best leveraged. The solution has proven to be a reliable one for the educational market; the robust software suite makes it an ideal solution where back office and printing capabilities are key, such as banking, trading, and brokerage offices. Likewise, the One4All is well suited to handle the high volume traffic characteristic of libraries, points of sale, airport reservation counters, hotels, and many other environments.

Hardware

The nomenclature “One4All” derives from the architecture of the system: Access Terminal and Multiple (usually 4) users for one personal computer. A One4All that supports 4 users is essentially one computer with four sets of monitors, mice, keyboards, and audio adapters connected to create a multi-user environment. Multiple devices will connect to the main PC through the standard Ethernet network.

Specifications

• Size: Access Device: 168133 *31 mm Shipping Size: 251205*68mm
• Weight: 280g Shipping Weight (includes power adapter, packaging, documentation, etc. ): 660g
• Power Supply: Input: 100-250 VAC, 50-60 Hz; Output: 5 VDC, 2 A Nominal consumption: 5 Watts
• Front LED Indicators: Power: connection to power supply LAN: connection to network Ready: connection to host PC

• Rear Ports:

        01 – LAN port (RJ45)
        02 –  Keyboard Port
        03 – Mouse Port
        04 –Video port
        05 –Speaker Output
        06 – DC Power Input
        07 – On/Off Power Switch
  

TERMINAL SERVICES SOFTWARE

• Max Users Per PC: 30 users* when using a server host OS (i.e. Windows Server 2003) 10 users when using a desktop OS (i.e. Windows XP SP3)
• User Software: Terminal services software.
• Supported Operating Systems: Microsoft: Windows XP SP3 and Media Center Edition 2005 Windows Server 2003, Small Business Server 2003 Linux: several variants

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND OPTIONS

• The 1-4-All includes access terminal, power supply, software installation & user’s guide and other peripherals are NOT included and must be purchased separately.

The One4All Advantange

The One4All solution solution is a departure from the traditional one CPU per user PC paradigm. The shared computing components and the exclusive reliance on open source software bring the total cost per user down dramatically. As a direct consequence of these design decisions, the One4All solution represents the most accessible computing platform currently available. Limited budgets and minimal technical Page 3 skills are two primary barriers to development through information and communications technology; both issues are addressed through the One4All.

Support and Training

A One4All deployment is backed up by comprehensive and secure support. This support is provided by a team of technology experts from IT Synergy.

The support provided covers deployment and installation as well as usage, maintenance, and administrative support. IT Synergy delivers this support not only using traditional channels such as telephone, e-mail IRC and chat, but also through remote administration and on-site support. This type of support may be extended to any of the Open Source applications bundled or specifically required by the customer.

IT Synergy also provides training to augment the bundled CBT. The levels of training offered vary to match the corresponding levels of user computing experience. The training is structured to build competence and sustainability; the One4All is all about the future of your users.

Costs

The One4All desktop solution provides more computing capability per cost unit and lowers maintenance costs so that fixed budgets stretch further. The four user configuration can deliver up to 50% acquisition savings and up to 65% management saving per user over a 5 year period as compared to a standard desktop computer.

Acquisition

Lowering the capital requirements for computing is a prime motivation for the One4All solution project. The cost savings associated with sharing costly hardware amongst several users become apparent when considering an exemplary deploy.

In an environment consisting of 40 users, only ten One4All machines would be required as opposed to 40 stand-alone PCs. This means saving the cost of 30 CPUs – which is the most expensive item - and all related hardware. Unpacking and setting up is reduced by 75%. Since Linux and OpenOffice licenses are free, even more money is saved by choosing an One4All solution. Other incidental savings are gained, such as cabling and networking equipment.

Administration Costs

The management costs for an One4All are up to 65% lower than an equivalent traditional PC setup.This is not difficult to visualize when one considers that one support contract will cover four users as opposed to one; this is also true for software upgrades and maintenance.

Other costs are also dramatically reduced: Internet access, electricity, insurance, etc.

Performance and Effeciency

From a typical user’s perspective, the performance of a One4All is identical to the performance of a standalone PC; this is due to the traditional under-utilization of the resources of regular PC resources.

The One4All distinguishes itself from other multi-user solutions such as thin clients by its greater power per user: the 1-4-All is particularly well suited to bandwidth-intensive applications such as graphics and multimedia. Moreover, while thin client technology simplifies the management of client devices even further, their powerful server and expensive networking equipment make them an inappropriate investment under many circumstances. In general, the 1-4-All can be said to bridge the architectural gap between thin clients technology and the desktop PC paradigm. For the sake of flexibility, the 1-4-All can in fact be deployed in all three roles: as a One4All, as a stand-alone PC, or as a thin client.

From a reliability point of view, the One4All also distinguishes itself from a thin client setup in the fact that network outages do not affect application availability.

Conclusion

Undeniably, the One4All offers numerous and quite substantial cost advantages. However, the main benefit of the One4All solution is not about initial costs but rather about total savings on the lifetime cost of owning a computer.

The One4All is a cost-effective and innovative investment in the future of your users. Its attractive hardware cost it’s a major argument to choose this solution.

In the long run, users will transparently realize that the reliance on open source software not only dramatically lowers total ownership costs, it translates to greater long-term sustainability and maintainability.