NCI Extends Relationship with IBM and Tektronix to Set Thin Client Standards

Strategic Insights -

Network Computer, Inc. (NCI) announced that its NC Navigator software will be used by Fujitsu to provide complete thin client solutions for enterprise customers. NCI also extended its relationship with IBM and Tektronix Inc. to include the latest version of NCI's NC Navigator. The NC Navigator technology will enable the companies to build thin clients or enhance existing thin client products tailored for specific customer deployments, including terminal replacements and vertical and enterprise applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • NCI's NC Navigator software will be used by Fujitsu to provide complete thin client solutions for enterprise customers, with the Fujitsu Business Terminal 300 available in January 1999.
  • NCI extended its relationship with IBM, with IBM continuing to cooperate in expanding the use and acceptance of thin clients and thin client technology.
  • Tektronix has included the NC Navigator browser and Java virtual machine with their Business Network Computer family since its introduction in July 1997, and users with thin clients purchased up to five years ago can be upgraded to run the latest version of NC Navigator.
  • NCI's NC Navigator includes a browser, electronic mail, text editor, Java virtual machine, mainframe terminal, and Windows emulation, allowing hardware manufacturers to select a range of applications to enhance its existing thin client products.
  • Fujitsu will work with NCI to create custom hardware and software solutions for enterprise customers and develop server solutions to manage and administer thin clients.
  • The network computing market is expected to grow, with Fujitsu providing thin client solutions for enterprise customers.

Statistics:

  • NCI's NC Navigator is used by three leading hardware companies: Fujitsu, IBM, and Tektronix.
  • The Fujitsu Business Terminal 300 will be available in January 1999.
  • The NC Navigator browser has been included with the Tektronix Business Network Computer family since July 1997.
  • NCI's NC Navigator includes 9 built-in applications: browser, electronic mail, text editor, Java virtual machine, mainframe terminal, Windows emulation, and others.
  • The NC Navigator technology will enable the companies to build thin clients or enhance existing thin client products tailored for specific customer deployments.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "Network Computer, Inc. Announces Support of Fujitsu Thin Client Products" (November 11)
  • Fujitsu, "Fujitsu Extends Its Leadership in Network Computing"
  • IBM, "IBM and Network Computer Expand Their Relationship to Support Thin Client Computing"
  • Tektronix, "Tektronix Further Enhances the Business Network Computer with Latest Software and Performance Upgrades"
  • Network Computer, Inc., "NC Navigator"
  • Oracle Corp., "Oracle and Network Computer Announce Strategic Alliance"
  • Netscape, "Netscape and Network Computer Form Alliance to Deliver Java-Based Thin Client Solutions"