Network Computing Devices
Network Computing Devices (NCD) was a company founded in 1987 to produce a new class of products now known as a "thin client". It was founded in Mountain View, CA, and when it closed it was headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.
![](../I/m/Network_Computing_Devices_NCD-88k_X_terminal.jpg)
The corporate founders were Mike Harrigan, Doug Klein, Dave Cornelius, Ed Basart, Martin Eberhard, and Kevin Martin.
At that time these devices were known as network terminals or X Terminals. Judith Estrin and William Carrico joined the company about 6 months after its founding as its new CEO and executive vice president, and led the company through its IPO in 1992. The products were some of the earliest examples of a thin client and providing remote access to data in something other than ASCII as was common with traditional terminals of the time.
The X Protocol provided a way to show high resolution images of data and graphics over a network connection. NCD supported a range of network protocols including TCP/IP, token ring, DECnet and others.
Acquisitions
NCD purchased PCXware, which made an X Window System for Microsoft Windows.[1]
NCD purchased Z-Code Software in 1994. Z-Code made Z-Mail, a cross platform open standards email client. Z-Mail was later sold by NCD to Netmanage.
NCD purchased TekXPress X-terminals line from Tektronix.[2]
NCD ceased operations in 2004. However, a few of the company's employees have set up a new company, ThinPATH Systems,[3] to provide former NCD customers and others with service, support and products.
See also
- DESQview/X, a similar product
References
- Joanie M. Wexler (May 10, 1993). "NCD beefs up X software for Windows". Computerworld. p. 59. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- John Cox (November 23, 1998). "NCD's thin clients get a multimedia boost in buyout". Network World. p. 12. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
- http://www.tp-sys.com
External links
- http://www.ncd-x.com
- NCD X-Terminal HOWTO
- National Semiconductor & NCD to Jointly Develop Information Appliances
Business Wire, Nov 14, 2000 - Network Computing Devices - NCD - Acknowledged by Australian Government Technology Productivity Award
Business Wire, March 28, 2001 - Network Computing Devices, Inc. Introduces NCD ThinPATH PC; New Software Manages PCs as Thin Clients, Reducing the Total Cost of Ownership of the Desktop
Business Wire, March 27, 2002 - NCD is Finalist in The Computing Industry Awards 2002; Newly Launched ThinPATH PC is Selected as a Finalist in the Computing Industry Awards
Business Wire, August 13, 2002