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OciusB2 involved in the digital inclusion sector in partnership with Aimes (part of the University of Liverpool) to design, build and operate a managed service for digital inclusion within Liverpool and Greater Merseyside. This service a called the Community Grid which offers a sustainable solution by providing easy-to-use, low-cost, low-energy home access to the internet and other computing resources. The service is scalable and can reach digitally excluded citizens within their own homes and communities.
Users are provided with all the necessary peripherals (screen, keyboard, mouse) and a small, lightweight computing device called a ‘thin client’ which allows them to connect to a managed computing platform. This is hosted at a central data centre. This centrally located data centre hosts software applications and allows access to the internet. The connection to users’ homes is provided via a WiMax point-to-point wireless solution and data is aggregated at local points where it is carried onto the fixed, wired network to the data centre where connection to the internet is aggregated.
Low-cost, low-energy
The initial investment is required to establish a robust infrastructure for the service, which allows for low, ongoing running costs. Costs are kept low because:
- No existing connectivity to the home is required so there is no individual rental to the traditional telecoms providers or ISPs as this service is aggregated
- Thin clients can be used instead of the usual PCs - they are cheaper to buy, more robust and also last longer (in technology terms) than PCs
- Running costs and in particular energy costs are a fraction of the traditional home PC
- Existing network infrastructure can be used, for example local authority operated Metropolitan Area Networks
Ease of Use
A managed service is provided, which means that the user just has to switch on and log in. The service offered by Community Grid takes care of all connectivity, hardware, software, licensing and maintenance overheads, which for a home user, can combine to present a major barrier to use.
A simple interface, (created with input from the local community) is tailored to those it is to serve - involvement of the community is of key importance in the project.
User support is provided by a Help Desk within the community, (hosted by a partner organisation such as a school or community centre) with a user guide supplied to each user. The project is also supported by appropriate training, utilising a range of existing online learning material.
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