PR Friend Press Releases

CALGARY, AB (April 15, 2008) - Userful Corporation, the worldwide leader in public computing, today announces that in the past year its software that allows up to ten people to work from one computer has saved 29,000* tons of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of taking more than 5,000 cars off the road! Modern desktop computers sit idle virtually the entire day while we read or type. Userful leverages this unused computing power to create an environmentally efficient alternative to traditional desktop computing. Up to 10 users can work on a single computer by simply attaching extra monitors, mice and keyboards.

“Computer hardware production and disposal is one of the fastest growing threats to our environment. Powering and cooling computers is an increasing contributor to global warming,” says Timothy Griffin, President of Userful. “It feels good to help people around the world Go Green. In fact, last year our users more than doubled the previous year’s savings, meaning that in the last 2 years Userful technology has eliminated the equivalent CO2 of taking over 7300 cars off the road!”

Userful desktops have been deployed around the world with a typical configuration of 6 stations per computer. In the past year, Userful’s ability to minimize wasted computer power has eliminated 29,000* tons of CO2 emissions, the same as taking more than 5,000 cars off the road. Reducing the number of computers in use has additional earth-friendly benefits. Electronic waste is an increasing problem globally due to the quick obsolescence of electronics. This is compounded by the fact that computer waste is high in many toxic materials such as heavy metals and flame-retardant plastics, which easily leach into ground water and bio-accumulate. Using Userful products can reduce electronic waste by up to 80%, further decreasing its environmental footprint.

Need an extra PC around the house this Earth Day? Userful is giving away a free version of its innovative software that gives you a second computer for free! This is the perfect way to reduce line-ups for the computer as spouses, parents and children battle for a turn.

“The free two-user giveaway doubles the utility and value of your existing computer with minimal cost,” says Griffin, “In fact, if you already have an extra monitor and keyboard, it’s like getting a free computer for Earth Day.?

The free two-user licenses distributed under this promotion enable users with an extra video card (or a dual-head video card) to add an extra workstation by simply plugging in a spare monitor, USB keyboard and mouse. Thousands of users have obtained free two-user licenses and information about the promotion from http://userful.com/products/free-2-user. There are two free downloads available: a Live CD, which lets you turn your PC into 2 independent workstations without affecting any of the software on your hard-disk, and one for users already running Linux.

For more information on the environmental benefits of Userful software, please visit http://userful.com/greenpc

*(Based on 526kWh/PC/year for operation; 1818 kWh/PC for production; electricity generated @1.55 lbs of CO2/kWh; and 11,560 lbs CO2 per car per year)

About Userful (http://www.userful.com)
Userful software lets you multiply and manage your desktops: multiplying your hardware investment by delivering up to ten workstations from just one standard PC, and managing them all at once through a central web-portal. Privately held and founded in 1999, Userful was recently named Alberta’s 10th fastest growing company under $20 million in revenue. For more information, visit http://www.userful.com

The steps by the Government to reduce air pollution by prohibiting the import of old and inefficient petrol and diesel engines is being welcomed by the leading tourism industry operator, Tourism Holdings Limited. From early January some imported used vehicles will have to meet the new standards before being permitted on New Zealand public roads.Tourism Holdings’ Chief Executive Trevor Hall says the steps announced by the Government are positive but there needs to be much more stringent action to protect New Zealand’s biggest foreign exchange earner.

Our reputation as a tourist destination is based on the great outdoors – great experiences, great scenery and clean air. But there are operators who are spoiling that advantage, and price gouging by using old vehicles that frankly should not have been permitted to enter the country. These operators either do not recognise the harm they are causing or do not care. The sub-standard product they are providing reflects poorly on New Zealand’s image.

Mr Hall says the Government needs to go further and hasten the introduction of compulsory emissions testing for all commercial and rental vehicles used in the tourism industry.

The existing visual standards clearly lack sufficient rigour. Ultimately it is the jobs and incomes of New Zealanders which are at stake as well as our health. European tourists in particular are seeking holidays that can deliver great experiences with a low environmental impact.

THL has already gone much further than the new Government standards required by developing a voluntary annual emissions standards regime with Vehicle Testing New Zealand for all motorhome rentals in its fleet.

THL can proudly say that most of its vehicles will be amongst the lowest emitting in the world. We urge the Government to urgently regulate to bring all existing vehicles used by the tourism industry to the same standard. Further, by focusing on the elimination of high greenhouse-gas polluting vehicles from the national commercial fleet will have a positive impact on air quality and also halt the transition of these vehicles to private use.

Creating a sustainable business that respects the environmental expectations of customers has been a key focus for THL for the last 12 months. In addition to working with VTNZ on emissions standards for its fleet the group has spent $50 million on new Mercedes Benz vehicles for its Maui motorhome fleet. The diesel powered cab and chassis units comply with tough Euro 4 emission standards and are 95 per cent recyclable. The company has also moved its Caravan and Motorhome manufacturing facility to new premises in Hamilton to embrace sustainable manufacturing. Further, the creation of a joint venture with InterCity Group to own and operate THL’s coaching operation Great Sights and the maritime activities of Fullers Bay of Islands will result in annual savings of tens of thousands of litres of diesel and consequent emissions.

These are significant steps to reduce the group’s carbon footprint and create sustainable businesses. The protection and enhancement of New Zealand’s reputation as a premier tourist destination need the active engagement of alloperators. They also need the firm hand of Government to bring into line those whose selfish neglect can damage the interests of us all.

For further information contact:

Trevor Hall, Chief ExecutiveTourism Holdings Limited

Direct Dial: (09) 309 1871  Mobile: 021 901 111

Editor’s note:

Tourism Holdings Limited is New Zealand’s premier tourism company with extensive operations in Australia and Fiji. Operations include car and motorhome rentals in Australia and New Zealand, a specialist caravan and motorhome manufacturing company in Hamilton and transport and tourism activities in the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Waitomo and Milford Sound.Tourism Holdings is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange under the ticker code THL.

Further details on www.thlonline.com