"Creating disruptive innovations for the bottom of the pyramid requires ecosystems of integrated solutions with local distribution to bridge divides." - Rajesh Jain

Currently about 600 million users, mostly in advanced industrialised countries, can afford and use PCs and the Internet. There are an equally large number of potential users mostly in emerging markets who cannot afford the current PC-centric solution.

Emergic proposes to bring comprehensive computing services to the next few hundred million users by making computing more affordable and relevant to their lives. The solution involves a centralised server-based computing platform--a gigantic computer of sorts--which hosts a wide range of software applications and content which can be accessed by users remotely over broadband connections using very simple low-cost access devices.

Emergic is built on and around the Internet, integrating computing and communications to make computing available as a utility. Not only does Emergic make computing easy to use (no upgrades, no downtime, no viruses/spyware), it also brings the cost of computing down to that of a cellphone - about Rs 5,000 upfront and Rs 700 per month (hardware, software, content, connectivity, and support).

Emergic enables a computing ecosystem with five major components:

Grid: A centralised server-based computing platform which hosts a wide range of software applications and content. It aggregates hardware (processors and storage) and networking to create a virtualisation layer (EmergicOS) which enables the provisioning of virtual desktops. The grid is a piracy-proof distribution platform for software vendors and content providers. Users see the Grid as a remote computer, customised to their needs. By centralising processing and storage, the Grid simplifies computing for users. The client-side device needs no management.

Emergic PC+: A Peripheral Computer (thin client) which displays the virtual desktop. It provides support for a full-size keyboard, mouse and monitor, along with providing support for wireless network connectivity. It is possible to make such a device for under Rs 2,500.

Virtual Desktop Interface: A customisable user interface which provides access to the Grid. The virtual desktop is device independent: users see the same desktop from any connected device. Users can set up different desktops for different tasks. Thus the virtual desktop separates computing and storage from the interface and access.

Connectivity: Wireless connectivity such as Wifi and Wimax for the last mile and fat pipes to connect beyond the local area.

Emergic Software and Content Platform: A hosting and billing platform for software and content. For open-source applications, the primary benefit is click-and-run capability, eliminating the need to download, install and manage dependencies in the software libraries. For software vendors, it offers a secure distribution platform. The biggest challenges faced by software and content developers are piracy and reach. By giving them a centralised platform and taking care of getting the audience, the Grid frees up software and content developers to focus on their core competence in development.