LG-NComputing promise: 11 users, 1 PC

With the growing demand for virtual desktops and centralized cloud computing, LG Electronics and NComputing announced on Thursday a partnership to make and distribute desktop monitors optimized for virtualization. The new LCD monitors would incorporate NComputing's virtualization products that enable up to 11 people to share a single PC.

Through NComputing's technology, each person has his own keyboard, monitor, mouse, and personal files, but can share common applications and settings stored on the single PC. LG and NComputing expect the new monitors to significantly cut ownership and maintenance costs.

"Our customers are taking into account not just the purchase price of computing, but also long-term costs connected to IT support, maintenance, and electricity," said Ron Snaidauf, vice president of commercial products for LG Electronics USA Business Solutions. "Combining NComputing technology with our market-leading monitors creates the optimal solution for today's cost-conscious businesses."

LG plans to bring to the partnership its global customer network and its ability to produce a high volume of monitors. The new LG SmartVine N-series line is set to include 17-inch and 19-inch monitors, and will embed NComputing's virtualization hardware inside.

NComputing has won praise and a growing customer base for its desktop virtualization product as a way to slash technology expenses. The company says it has more than 40,000 customers across 140 different countries.

Late last year, NComputing picked up a contract to supply schools in India with its technology. The company also impressed former Microsoft executive Will Poole enough that he joined its board last September as co-chairman.