Chip maker AMD will pump an undisclosed stack of cash into research and development funds for virtualisation solutions provider Nivio.

AMD said the investment was intended to support Nivio's vision of virtual desktop access for a worldwide audience.

Nivio has been beta testing its software for the past 18 months and said it hopes the service could eventually enable users to access their personal Windows desktops from any internet connected device.

Meanwhile, AMD said it has signed the deal with Nivio as part of its own drive to extend internet access to so-called emerging markets.

Nivio already provides a similar service to users who have a broadband connection.

No date has been officially set, but the service, which Nivio said has received positive user feedback, is expected to launch in the UK and India shortly.

AMD EMEA sales and marketing director Giuseppe Amato said: "Nivio's commitment to launch in India - a key emerging market - is definitely a draw for us and in return our investment in R&D we also get to support a service that fits perfectly into our continued aim of extending the breadth of access to the internet."®

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