Microsoft launches Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 solution at GESS

Microsoft Gulf launched its latest education solution  in the region - Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 -  at the Gulf Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) exhibition in Dubai today. The new solution enables schools to provide computer access to students from just one ‘host’ PC, with up to 20 terminals being run off the machine installed with Windows MultiPoint Server.

The set up can help educational institutions use their budget more effectively in addition to empowering teachers with technology to enrich the learning experience for students. Windows MultiPoint Server can enable schools to save 66% in costs by lowering costs of hardware, energy and maintenance according to a commissioned study by Forrester Consulting called The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Windows MultiPoint Server 2011.

Speaking at GESS, Azza Ahmed Ameen Ashour, Education Solutions Manager, Microsoft Gulf, said: “Teaching equipment can be expensive, but educators everywhere - including the across the region – want the same thing: technology tools that help them and their students achieve more. With restricted budgets schools can’t always afford one PC per student which diminishes the effectiveness as an educational tool, so our new solution is ideal in solving this problem.”

“GESS is the perfect platform for us to demonstrate how Microsoft enables teachers to give the best experience possible to their students,” he added. “Windows MultiPoint Server is our newest product which aids educators and it earns an A+ in classroom economics for delivering affordable computing to schools, helping address the debate of whether schools should cut costs, or invest in more technology.”

Herve Dechoux, Deputy Head and CIO, The School of Research Science said: "Windows Multipoint achieves what no other solution on the market can offer: ease of use, reliability, lower acquisition and operating costs, and above all, brings complete flexibility and spontaneity in the classroom. Having used Microsoft MultiPoint for nearly a year, I can say that it has added a brand new dimension in lessons that teachers and pupils rave about.”

The software enables a single PC to use its extra capacity to run several stations – MultiPoint Server equipped computer can run up to 20 terminals for students to use, depending on configuration. Split screen operation can also be used to make a single screen into two terminals, increasing the number of users from one PC.

Teachers can control many facets of the network, and are able to personalize the Windows 7 experience for individual students. They can also use the Management Console to orchestrate activities across the classroom including sharing any specific desktop across all stations, and allowing only certain websites in a ‘allowed list’ for web access.

Shared resource computing created by using Windows MultiPoint Server has lower initial hardware costs, helping schools save money, in addition to reduced on-going operational costs. These factors contribute to a more affordable way for institutions to embrace technology in the classroom.