California Libraries To Benefit from New Technology Partnership

A radical rethinking of the design of public computers and the exploitation of technological innovation is now producing better public computing solutions.

Calgary, AB (December 5, 2005) . Userful, leaders in Public Computing Solutions, announces a partnership with the Califa Library Group, a California library consortium. The two organizations are partnering to improve public computing in libraries across California.

Userful is providing Califa member libraries with the innovative and world-class public computing solution, DiscoverStation, which enhances the public's experience while significantly reducing library's costs and support time. The partnership includes base discounts for member libraries and further discounts when Califa libraries use their Gates Hardware Upgrades Grants to purchase DiscoverStation.

"We're delighted to be partnering with Userful", says Califa Services Coordinator Roberto Esteves. "Providing computers for the public is an essential service of today's modern library, but the day-to-day management of these computers has been a challenge for library staff. DiscoverStation addresses many of these challenges. We know that our members have been looking for just this sort of solution, and we're pleased to be bringing it to libraries in California."

Unique in the marketplace, DiscoverStation provides a complete, sustainable and cost effective solution. It allows up to ten people to work from a single computer and comes preloaded with 40+ applications. The system is fully supported, and includes all future upgrades and new releases as well as a complete support package. Many of the computers found in California's public libraries were originally funded by Gates Grants. These aging computers are due to be upgraded soon making the Userful-Califa partnership particularly timely.

DiscoverStation is currently in use in two Califa member Libraries: The Richmond Public Library and Ontario City Library.

DiscoverStation comes pre-loaded with a full suite of public access software. The fact it allows up to ten users to simultaneously operate from a single central computer creates significant savings. Libraries report an average Total Cost of Ownership savings of 54% and IT time savings up to 80%.

See a demonstration of DiscoverStation, Userful's Public Computing Solution, at: http://userful.com/products/library-ds-demo

About Userful

The Calgary, Alberta-based Userful Corporation is transforming the world of desktop computing with its unique multi-station or "zero-client" approach. This innovation of turning one computer into ten, using software and additional video cards, mice and keyboards has earned Userful the status of technology leaders in Desktop Computing. With this 10-to-1 advantage, Userful has gained a strong presence in the Public Computing market including libraries across North America.

About The Califa Group:
The Califa Group is a membership-based service bureau which provides services to all types of California libraries. Califa's goal is to deliver the most cost effective and highest quality of services, programs, and products to its network of California libraries.