News

IBM Unveils NetVista Brand of Computing Devices

• By Scott Bekker
• 03/13/2000

NetVista is the first line of PCs and devices designed from the ground up for fast, high-bandwidth Internet access, easy set-up and simplified use. In a move to legacy-free designs, many NetVista models feature a menu of next-generation technology like universal serial bus, 256-bit encryption and wireless LAN capabilities.

"NetVista devices are easier to use, slimmer, and will give our customers faster access to the Internet, enhanced connectivity and deadbolt security," says David Thomas, senior vice president, IBM (www.ibm.com) Personal Systems Group.

The NetVista line includes: NetVista All-in-One, NetVista Legacy-Free, NetVista Internet Appliance and NetVista Zero-Footprint Thin Client.

IBM's NetVista All-in-One is about 75 percent smaller than the typical home or office PC, but ships with features standard to larger PCs. The keyboard fits beneath the 15-inch flat panel monitor to free up desk space. The NetVista All-in-One also features two PCI slots and seven USB ports that enable connection to printers, modems and other plug and play devices. The All-in-One also features a wireless LAN option.

The NetVista Legacy-Free features a vertical, space-saving design, and includes a docking cradle for easy synchronization with handheld devices such as an IBM WorkPad or other palm-sized organizers. Integrated Ethernet capability makes network connection fast and easy, and a sleep key places the system in power-saving mode, while tapping another key allows the system to re-engage without rebooting. The NetVista Legacy-Free is equipped with two slots and three bays, and seven USB ports. It also features IBM's proprietary embedded security chip and 256-encryption technology.

The IBM Internet Appliance is a lightweight device that offers built-in broadband connectivity for access to the Internet. IBM expects its partners, such as broadband service providers, Internet service providers (ISPs), application service providers (ASPs) and customers in such data-intensive industries as finance and healthcare to offer the NetVista Internet Appliance to their customers as a complete Internet-access device. The IBM NetVista Internet Appliance will be made available only through IBM's partners.

The IBM NetVista Zero Footprint Thin Client combines an IBM Network Station Series 2200 with an IBM T55 flat-panel monitor. Brackets attach the thin client to the back of the monitor, where it stays out of sight. For those customers where space is severely limited, such as airline check-ins and retail check-outs, the IBM NetVista Zero Footprint Thin Client minimizes the amount of desktop real estate needed for thin client computing.

"For today's customers, the "one-size fits all" PC is giving way to any device that delivers easy access to the Internet and enhances their ability to get things done," said Maria DeGiglio, senior analyst, D.H. Andrews Group Inc. (www.dhagroup.com) in a statement.

IBM's NetVista products will be available for purchase beginning in the second quarter of this year. NetVista products will be available from IBM’s Web site, by calling IBM and through IBM Business Partners.

In addition, IBM will be introducing several NetVista-related support and service programs, such as a monthly subscription for a full suite of software, services and hardware. In another example, a NetVista home-office solution will bring big-business benefits, such as firewalls, to home users. – Thomas Sullivan