Neoware teams up with Via to develop thin clients

April 2, 2004 —

Neoware Systems Inc. and Via Technologies Inc. have agreed to jointly develop thin-client computers, the companies said Thursday.

Neoware, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Via will work together on research and development of thin clients with an emphasis on security, manageability, reliability and cost, according to a joint statement. While additional details were not disclosed, Via expects the deal will give a boost to sales of its processors and other products.

"Neoware is one of the top three thin-client players and (this deal) is obviously going to boost our sales quite significantly," said Richard Brown, associate vice president of marketing at Via, in Taipei.

The announcement between Neoware and Via marks an expansion of an existing relationship between the two companies.

Most of Neoware's thin clients use Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s Geode processor but the company also uses Via's C3 and Eden processors in its Eon Professional and Eon Prestige thin-client models.

Unlike most thin clients -- including the Eon Professional, which resembles a slimmed-down PC -- the Eon Prestige integrates the thin client with a 15-inch flat-panel monitor that can either be placed on a desk or mounted on a wall.

For Via, the agreement with Neoware marks another step forward for the company's Spearhead Platform Initiative to develop system designs built around its line of processors, motherboards, chipsets and other offerings, it said.

"It's about providing a market-ready solution, not just components," Brown said.

Among the designs that have so far been produced through the Spearhead Platform Initiative is Via's Glory gaming platform. In January, Apex Digital Inc. demonstrated a PC gaming console called ApeXtreme that is based on the Glory design and is expected to begin shipping soon.

IDG News Service