Every university, college and school district in the world is entitled to a free 30-user Linux-based virtual desktop software license under a new initiative spearheaded by Omni, Userful and Novell.

Each educational institution is entitled to a free 30-user Userful Multiplier license, valued at nearly $3,000.

Multiplier is designed to facilitate multi-station Linux desktops, and promises to provide significant savings, reducing hardware and maintenance costs by 90 percent.

Replacing a 30-station computer lab with a like-sized virtual desktop lab also has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 45 tons per year.

The first 30 educational institutions to accept the offer will also receive a free 30-user subscription to Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop suite.

Hardware is not included in the promotion, but Omni can provide the required hardware for a fee.

Interested institutions must contact Omni in time for the labs to be deployed by November 30. More details are available here: www.omni-ts.com/linux-desktop/education.html