Microsoft Corp. today announced the release of Windows MultiPoint Server 2010, a new Windows product that increases access to affordable computing in educational scenarios such as classrooms, labs and libraries by allowing multiple users to simultaneously share one computer using multiple screens. Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is now globally available to OEMs and will be rolling out to Microsoft academic volume licensing customers on March 1. In addition, Microsoft is announcing new partnerships that create a strong global ecosystem of hardware companies that give customers a breadth of choices to buy and use Windows MultiPoint Server solutions.

“We heard clearly from our customers in education that to help fulfill the amazing promise of technology in the classroom, they needed access to affordable computing that was easy to manage and use,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president of worldwide education at Microsoft. “That’s why we developed Windows MultiPoint Server — a solution that meets these needs and delivers an up-to-date, trusted Windows experience.”

Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is an operating system that enables multiple people to connect to a single host computer with their own monitor, keyboard and mouse through USB or a video card. Each person individually controls his or her own station with an independent and familiar Windows computing experience. Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is the flagship product in a family of shared resource computing technologies, the MultiPoint solutions, which provide teachers and students with greater access to educational technology. Shared resource computing is an emerging category that allows a customer to tap into more of a computer’s capability to enable a single host computer to support multiple users simultaneously.

“Shared resource computing can multiply the number of student workstations available to schools, delivering more value while staying within the same budget,” said Bill Rust, research director at Gartner Inc. “Teachers can better align computing resources with instructional strategies while deploying fewer fully configured computers and reducing workstation support liabilities.”

More information on how to buy Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 and the Windows MultiPoint family of solutions is available at https://www.microsoft.com/multipoint.

Building an Ecosystem

Helping to fully realize the opportunities created by Windows MultiPoint Server, the solution is launching with strong support from vendors all over the world that have committed to developing creative and effective solutions for the MultiPoint platform. In November 2009, HP became the first OEM to announce support for Windows MultiPoint Server 2010. HP is now rolling out its HP MultiSeat shared resource computing solution to customers worldwide. In addition to HP, Microsoft is pleased to announce partnerships with DisplayLink, NComputing, ThinGlobal, Tritton Technologies Inc. and Wyse Technology Inc. to provide an increasing number of Windows MultiPoint Server hardware options for customers globally. At the local level, Microsoft is working with a broad array of OEMs, such as Howard, Positivo, Seneca Data and Tarox, to deliver even more choices to meet the varied needs of customers.

Software vendors, such as AB Consulting, LanSchool Technologies and NetSupport Ltd., will also be developing applications that extend the Windows MultiPoint platform and provide teachers and students with access to classroom management and other education-focused technology.

Having the support of a broad range of partners makes it easier for customers to purchase Windows MultiPoint Server solutions and content optimized for their individual language, content and curriculum needs. More information on the Windows MultiPoint Server ecosystem is available at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/multipoint/solutions.aspx.

Affordable Access for Schools

Customers from around the world have already endorsed Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 and are experiencing firsthand the benefits this affordable solution can provide. With lower initial hardware acquisition costs, schools can expand access to more students with lower-cost or existing resources. Using the familiar Windows-based interface on the host computer, teachers can establish a consistent Windows experience depending on the needs of the class. Students can work on individual projects and at their own pace, while finding, using and sharing information effectively, enhancing their productivity and learning experience. All this can be done within the classroom, since Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 was designed for nontechnical professionals to set up and manage.

“With Windows MultiPoint Server, we can offer more computer access to more students, even on our tight technology budget,” said Cary Petersen, executive director of information technology, Jefferson County Public Schools. “Teachers can easily distribute tailored curricula to individual students and help them progress at their own level and pace. Students can develop 21st-century skills that will help them with their school projects and prepare them for the next level of schooling and for jobs in the future. Besides, the system is easy to set up and maintain, meaning less work for our IT department.”