Neverware Makes Old Computers New Again Without Upgrading Hardware

After receiving his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in 2009, Jonathan Hefter moved back home and spent a year developing a system that would make old computers run like new. Called Neverware, Hefter's product helps schools and other organizations gain access to modern operating systems without upgrading their hardware.

“The reason schools can't afford current solutions is not because they don't have any money, but because the only solutions in the market were created for a Fortune 500 market that purchases solutions two orders of magnitude greater than what schools can afford,” says Hefter.

So how does Neverware work? Each network is powered by a server called the Juicebox, which turns old computers into “thin clients.” The Juicebox handles all the software programs, so a thin client requires very little to function properly – it can even be a decade old and missing its hard drive.

According to Hefter, schools that use Neverware will never have to buy new computers again. Clients only need to pay a subscription fee based on the number of computers on the network. The subscription also covers installation, hardware, and maintenance costs. One Juicebox can run 100 computers, making Neverware a more efficient and affordable option than buying new equipment. In addition, Neverware is built to automatically delete any unauthorized changes on every logout, thereby eliminating viruses and other possible security issues.

Neverware has been tested and implemented in various high schools throughout the northeast, one of which is the East New York Family Academy in Brooklyn. Robert Hornik, who has taught at the school for two decades, says, “The transformation was incredible. We went from having around 20 computers that performed terribly to 150 machines that run like they are brand new.”

Last year, Neverware raised $1 million in funding. Participants in the round included GRP Partners, Khosla Venures, General Catalyst Partners, Thrive Capital, Raptor Ventures, and a few angel investors.