A different approach to workstation virtualization

Most discussion of workstation virtualization has focused on either a layered approach to the OS to allow for applications to be installed and removed seamlessly or on thin client access to applications. Somewhat in parallel, Microsoft Research showed off a workstation sharing approach last year (first item in the post) that allows for multiple users to share a single monitor and computer while each running their own isolated instance of applications. Now NComputing has come up with an approach to workstation sharing that seems to be focusing on sharing the resources of a single "host PC" (aka Server) and granting each user access to their own keyboard, video and monitor.

The solution basically involves adding an extra hardware card in the PC, exposing three RJ45 jacks out the back. Each of these jacks can be connected to a NComputing device that allows for the keyboard/mouse/video connection. Add two cards to a typical desktop and now seven users can share the resources of the one PC. For basic kiosk-type usage, this is a pretty efficient and cheap way to go. There are some limitations, including the 10 meter cable length max, but overall it seems like an interesting technology for setting up a training room on the go, kisok access in a conference center or other low power usage scenarios.

This isn't going to replace Citrix or other thin-client solutions, at least not any time soon, but it may be an interesting play in that direction for localized use.