Bridging the Digital Divide

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Bridging the Digital Divide In China
Dr. Gus Pappas Dr. Ikbal Chowdhury Pappas
Research Center www.prc-global.com info_at_prc-global
.com
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Bridging the Digital Divide in China
4 Traditional Cost Barriers

• Equipment
• Software
• Education
• Support

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Overcoming Barriers Equipment
Fact Typical PC uses 1 to 5 of its
capabilities
Concept Utilize the remaining 95
Solution PRC represents N-Computing

• Low cost add-on to existing operation
• Requires no change to the PC environment
• Enables multiple users to share the central
  resources
• Successfully deployed in multiple settings
  including
• Education
• Business
• Government

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N-Computings Solution
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How it Works
www.ncomputing.com
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Overcoming Barriers Software
Fact Traditional businesses seek a profit on
software
Concept Find a source that is not profit-driven
Solution PRC has experience with Open Source
products

• Operating Systems (example Linux)
• Databases (example MySQL)
• Development Environment (example Eclipse.org)
• Business Applications (example Open Office)
• Educational Tools (example Moodle Xplora)
• Courseware and Material (example MIT)

What could you achieve with 2 billion developers?
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Open Software A Major Trend
62,700,000 Entries
Products in every field
2 Examples
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Overcoming Barriers Education
Fact Using hardware/software is challenging,
not obvious
Concept Provide easy access to training and
education
Solution PRC will set up a Joint Venture with
China University to provide

• World-class academic training
• High demand industry certifications
• Practical on-the-job experience
• Flexible delivery options
• Classroom instruction
• Locally via DVD on PC
• Online, on-demand

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Overcoming Barriers Support
Fact Commercial users demand local support
services
Concept Develop a team of local support
professionals
Solution PRC is establishing a support and
consulting team

• Provide graduates of innovative education
  program with jobs
• Positions include
• Software development
• Documentation
• Quality Control and Testing
• Implementation and I.T. support
• Help Desks and Support Centers

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Concept Applied To Open Source
Support is major issue surrounding Open Source
products

• Lack of support prevents wide-scale adoption
• Complex application development is hampered
• Sensitivity to local needs and culture

Addressing support issue amplifies NComputing
potential

• Consortiums can afford new application
  development
• Schools become mini-software development centers

Major opportunity for leadership

• New software licensing model can have world-wide
  impact
• Lead to international demand for support
  services
• High quality, well paid job creation

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Summary Discussion
PRC addresses the four barriers to the Digital
Divide

• Equipment NComputing
• Software Open Source Products
• Education Joint Venture Initiatives
• Support Locally Trained Technical Staff

PRC seeks partners in China in this venture

• Education
• Business
• Government

PRC values and appreciates your interest in this
venture
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Ending the Digital Divide
Dr. Gus Pappas Dr. Ikbal Chowdhury
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Thank You
Discussion And Next Steps