OpenLab started development in 2001, with OpenLab1 released in April 2001 in London, UK, as a thin-client, disk-less computer centre solution, based on Linux Terminal Server technology. The initial release was based on Mandrake (now Mandriva) and catered to the education market.

Says This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , Chief Software Architect, "OpenLab has evolved immensely since the first public release in 2002. It was really with OpenLab3's release in 2004, particularly 3.2.8, that OpenLab started to get international attention, having reached the balanced blend of simple end-user appeal and functionality, and powerful back-end services. OpenLab 3 was developed on the base of Slackware, and this tradition has continued with the release of OpenLab4"

OpenLab4 allows for the use of varied computer technologies, ranging from obsolete to state-of-the-art, from stand-alone PC, fat-client to diskless workstation configuration. "You will be surprised at the new lease on life given to older PCs through this solution. Old PCs can perform as new, enabling schools and community facilities with limited resources to bridge the Digital Divide", says This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , MD of OpenLab International.

Brandjes adds, "The solution, based on the Free and Open Source Software models, comes bundled with a range of relevant desk-top productivity applications and back-end server software. OpenLab4 has a look and feel just like that of other graphical desktops, based on KDE. For the educational sector, server-based, browser-based, platform-independent, specialist educational software and a range of applications ensure that the tools are available for an effective and meaningful educational experience"

OpenLab4 is distributed across a number of CDs. The base distribution is OpenLab4-LIVEcd, which is available for free download or low-cost CD. LIVEcd contains the entire Operating System, and all basic applications including KDE, OpenOffice and Firefox, all on a single cd. What is unique to OpenLab is the fact that OpenLab4-LIVEcd contains both a LIVEcd and an installable system, all on one CD. Thus, you get to try OpenLab4, booting on your own PC, with the security that all your data and files are safe! Even better is the fact that LIVEcd installs in a fraction of the time it takes to install the equivalent Linux or WinX-based products. Says This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , "From 10 to 20 minutes for a complete environment install is quite impressive!"

LIVEcd is complimented with 2 further CDs. POWERcd contains loads of Desktop add-ons and all the server services, including thin-client. KARMAcd includes loads of language packs and games, to 'bring balance to life'. The full set of 3 CDs or 1 DVD is available as a set, at low cost from the OpenLab store. In addition, OpenLab offers various value packs, suited for particular markets. These load on top of OpenLab OS, and provide content and specific solutions for particular markets, including the education sector.

OpenLab solutions are distributed on-line, or through appointed partners. These include Olamandla Technologies in South Africa, and SchoolNet Namibia in Namibia. OpenLab has now been implemented in over 500 sites throughout Africa, with downloads recorded as over 3,500 since April 2004.