UK computer peripherals outfit Chase Advanced Technologies Ltd has come up with a device to enable two people to use one personal computer. The Bradford, UK-based company has developed Sharedware for Windows 95 machines that, via a graphics card, gives desktop access to two people at the same time. An additional mouse, keyboard and monitor is attached to the graphics card via a cable. The Sharedware drivers contained within the card access Window 95’s standard multitasking capabilities to enable concurrent user access. The company recommends that users stick to using standard office software such as Word and Excel to ensure speed on both systems is maintained. Users can operate dual internet access if they install a modem and can enjoy multi-network access via a network card. The company has based Sharedware on a hardware and software offering called Applica from San Francisco-based multi-user company Concurrent Controls. Applica takes advantage of Windows 95 multi-tasking feature and extends the ability of Windows 95 so that each task can be controlled by a different person, instead of just by one person. Sharedware is targeted at small businesses looking to cut costs, or those that don’t want to turn to network computers and thin clients because they want to hang on to the investment made in their PCs, as well as the home user. Chase, which has been around for around nine years and employs some 100 people, is only offering the device for Windows 95 and claims it is the only company operating in the 95 space. Sharedware product manager Phil Jones says the company is quite happy offering the product only for NT and believes there is a lot of money to be made from the 95 market and is aware it will only be a money spinner for just a few years. The privately held company has revenues of around 5m pounds a year. The company is in the process of raising additional funds and so far has achieved half of its target 200,000 pounds. Sharedware is priced at 200 pounds, or 300 pounds for the technology and an additional mouse, keyboard and monitor.
