STARR Computers introduces “Smart Lab” for growing IT sector

Sep 28, 2014 News

– Targets educational institutions, interested clientele
By Rabindra Rooplall
Normally a computer lab would have a central processing unit (CPU), keyboard, mouse and monitor at each workstation, but with the introduction of STARR Computers’ “Smart Lab”, several monitors can now be operated independently while connected to one CPU, thus saving overall cost in equipment, electricity, maintenance and space needed.

Students of Mae’s School using the recently installed ‘Smart Lab’ in an IT class.

Basically a “Smart Lab” is a multi-seat, multi-station or multi-terminal configuration that is connected to a single computer which supports multiple independent local users at the same time.
One of the many institutions that have taken advantage of the “Smart Lab” is Mae’s School at Third Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown. The innovative state-of-the-art solution consists of two Lenovo Think Server Computers which power over two dozen workstations. Each workstation consists of an adapter which connects to one monitor, one keyboard and one mouse. Each has the expandability to accommodate USB connections, and a headphone.
Hence, 24 to 48 students can access multiple applications simultaneously on one single internet connection along with the local database. In addition, each student can store all their data information and school contents on a single flash drive which they can hang around their necks instead of fetching 30 pounds of books on their backs daily.
This low-priced solution replaces the conventional practice of expensive “stand alone” and “high maintenance” computers which can add up to millions of dollars. In short, this solution allows over 60% energy savings (electricity) and up to 90% maintenance cost of a traditional lab. STARR Computers was able to deploy the 24-user lab in one day due to the simple installation procedures and noted that as much as 45 users are capable of using each server.
According to the Information Technology (IT) teacher at Mae’s School, Kavita Karran, the school’s “Smart Lab” solution can open the doors to electronic interaction between teachers, students and parents.
She explained that maintenance would be dramatically less, which solves problems and issues many computer labs face. The IT teacher further said the system also is a server which makes updating and sharing information easy.
Underscoring that the lab is presently much better, since it saves a lot of space and is much easier to maintain while students cannot reboot the systems, Miss Karran noted that she is also attending the University of Guyana and such as the system would be a great asset to the university.
“Can you imagine the huge leap we can make in Guyana when our Education Department sets up a master database with all the textbooks contents from which students can access at schools and from their homes?” another teacher noted.
President of STARR Computers Inc., Michael Mohan, disclosed that for the past 22 years the company has been producing computers locally to help with the transition from a major paper filing workforce to a more efficient automotive society with great success.
“Now we plan to become a driving force to grow the low income Guyanese sector to a middle class society. Technology talented students will be better equipped to be easily trained to fill the employment gaps of all the major International Investors in Guyana and local businesses. Unfortunately, lack of local talent is the excuse by many foreign companies why positions are filled by 100% high priced expatriates,” Mohan asserted.
“We also hope that the Private sector, recipients of major Government contracts and foreign Investors will give back to the community through sponsorship of our low priced “Smart Lab” to their Community educational facilities – private and public schools etc. This concept will set the path for all to increases profitability, foreign exchange savings, and HR migration.”
General Manager of STARR Computers Inc, Rehman Majeed, emphasised that the benefit of the ‘Smart Lab’ includes sixty percent savings on purchase, lower electricity costs, less space and most importantly 90 percent reduction in maintenance costs.
Majeed noted that most IT labs, especially in schools, cannot afford to repair or maintain the computers after the warranty time has expired. Many do not have the budgets to carry out basic maintenance of the computers. The Smart Lab solution offers the least expensive investment to have a school lab functional over a longer period of time. Most importantly, each individual workstation performs and functions in the same manner as the traditional desktop.
The company is inviting the public to visit STARR Computers, Brickdam for a scheduled free demonstration.