NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Software reduces CO/2 emissions by eleven tonnes per year by replacing ten PC's with one
CALGARY, AB (March 29, 2005) - Userful's innovative software offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional computers by turning one computer into ten fully independent workstations. Modern desktop computers sit idle 98% of the day while users read or type. Userful's Desktop Multiplier software lets users share a single computer by installing extra dual-headed video cards. This leverages unused computing power to create an environmentally-efficient alternative to traditional desktop computing. This software eliminates nine out of every ten computers by replacing up to ten computer boxes with a single shared computer box. On a ten-user system this software can reduce total CO2 emissions by as much as 33 tons over a three year lifespan. [See NOTES below for calculations]
Tim Griffin, President of Userful, who holds a Masters degree in Environmental Design said, "Userful's software is the product of four years and multiplemillions in in research and development. Our goal was to bring affordable and environmentally-friendly computing solution to the world. Currently, less than three percent of the world's population owns a computer, yet computer hardware production and disposal is one of the fastest growing threats to our environment. It is quite remarkable that something as intangible as software could reduce the environmental impact of computing by close to ninety percent."
In addition to the obvious power and air conditioning savings, Userful's software also reduces the environmental impact of computer hardware disposal. Computers have become one of the largest single contributors toelectronic waste, globally. The disposal of computer components that contain lead, mercury, cadmium and a number of other persistent, toxic and bio-accumulative compounds present a growing threat to our water and air quality. By turning one computer into ten, but allowing users to reuse existing monitors and in some cases simply add video cards to the existing boxes, Desktop Multiplier software reduces the environmental impact of hardware disposal.
About Userful
For the past three years, Userful has been transforming the world of desktop computing with their unique 10-to-1 software. Userful's innovation of turning one computer into ten has earned it the status of technology leaders in the field of desktop computing. With this compelling ten-to-one advantage, Userful has gained a strong presence in the public computing market; its mission is to become the dominant platform for affordable desktop computing worldwide.
Userful's Desktop Multiplier software customers include libraries, academic institutions, Internet cafes and commercial businesses across North America. Trial versions of Userful's software are available as a free download over the Internet andis sold globally through a growing network of resellers.
For more information about Userful's software , visit the online newsroom at http://www.userful.com/press/
NOTES: Excluding the monitor, a computer uses about: 110 Watts during active periods, 60 Watts when idle (no power management) and 35 Watts in sleep mode. Assuming an average use of 60 Watts for 10 hours and 35 Watts for the 14 remaining hours (assuming the computer is left on overnight). So 1.09 kilowatt hours per day for 6 days and 35 Watts all day Sunday. This gives 7.38kWh per week and 384kWh per year. If the Userful system replaces ten PCs the saving is slightly less than nine PCs (since the 1-Box has an extra four video cards) so the gain is about 8.5PCs or 3,261 kWh. For electricity generated at 1.45 lbs of CO2 per kWh, the savings are 2.11 tons of CO2 per year. In a building that uses air conditioning, the environmental savings would be significantly higher.
This two-tons-per-year calculation ignores the cost of producing the hardware. Allowing for that increases the savings potential considerably. Given that the life cycle energy use of a computer is represents only 19% of its energy use (production represents the remaining 81%). The total production and operations savings over a 3 year life span of a 10-station Userful computer would be 33tonnes.
Userful is a registered trademark in Canada. Desktop Multiplier software is a trademark in Canada, the United States and other countries. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
References:
http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2004/oct/tech/kb_calculating.html
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/esthag/2004/38/i22/abs/es035152j.html
http://www.undp.org.vn/mlist/ksdvn/032004/post9.htm
Contact Information:
Ben Li | Marketing & PR
Userful Corporation
866-USERFUL (873-7385) Ext. 223
Contributed by Timothy Griffin
