Wyse adds four Winterm devices

Electronic News, July 8, 1996

San Jose, Calif.--Winding up its Internet strategy, Wyse Technology added four new models to its Winterm computer line. The $500 thin client computing devices provide Internet capabilities for the home, school and public access markets.

The new information devices offer point-to-point protocol and modem capabilities to enable direct connection to Internet service providers (ISPs), and remote users and telecommuters can now dial into the Internet or corporate intranet via a local telephone call to an ISP. The new Winterm models also deliver Windows applications to users.

Highlighting the new devices is Model 2300, an avant-garde member of the Winterm family. Model 2300 features a compact logic box, the size of a paperback book, and the ability to support a wide range of displays for wall-mounting or free standing on a desktop. The model's logic box can sit on the desk of a home or office or be placed out of sight for maximum space savings. Model 2300 is also designed for vertical markets such as health care, point-of-sales and banking.

Wyse also introduced the Winterm 2000T, 2500T and 2700T. Designed for Internet access and other information usages, these devices come with 14-inch or 15-inch displays. Pricing for all the new models starts at $500.

Wyse is in talks with a number of Internet service providers to provide low-cost Internet access and a Windows software-on-demand service for Winterm customers. Wyse's first ISP, Moose Logic Technologies, in Woodinville, Wash., will offer Internet access and Windows software applications through a process similar to renting movies directly from a cable television provider. As part of a pilot program, Moose Logic will offer subscribers a network computing device, which includes basic Internet access, for $39.95 a month. Unlimited Internet usage will be available from ISPs in the future for approximately $30 a month. Popular Windows software will be available for timed use for about $1 per hour.

In a related announcement, Wyse will license its T2000 technology to OEMs in order to expand the market for low-cost thin client computing devices. T2000 is the platform for Winterm information devices. T2000 consists of an x86 engine, a RAM subsystem supporting up to 10MB of memory and a high-end graphics engine. As part of the T2000 licensing agreement, Wyse will provide engineering support to OEM customers. A recent adopter of the Network Computer Reference Platform and Java, Wyse will also work with OEMs to develop devices which encompass both Windows applications and Network Computer/Java functionalities.