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.

Network Computing Devices NCD-88k X terminal, front view

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

References
  1. Joanie M. Wexler (May 10, 1993). "NCD beefs up X software for Windows". Computerworld. p. 59. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  2. John Cox (November 23, 1998). "NCD's thin clients get a multimedia boost in buyout". Network World. p. 12. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  3. http://www.tp-sys.com
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