The Hindu Business Line : Novatium's NetPC launch deferred

Similar to a thin client, the Network PC connects to a server. It will work on all operating systems, including Windows, Solaris, Linux and Unix, though it is inherently Linux-based.

Bangalore , March 29

Novatium's NetPC is still out of sight as the Chennai-based firm waits for feedback from its pilots.

Earlier this year, Dr Ashok Jhunjhunwala, a professor at IIT Chennai, and founder of the TeNet Group (that incubated Novatium), said NetPC would be launched in two months. Now, the launch has been delayed by another two months.

The company is waiting for feedback that can be used to "cover the customers' requirements," said Mr Alok Singh, CEO, Novatium. Ten enterprises such as banks, development centres and BPOs have been supplied with NetPC. "Initial results are encouraging." He also said a reason for the delay was that the company wanted to wait as the "space had become cluttered with talk of low-cost computing". NetPC is a uniquely designed computer (without monitor or peripherals) that runs on a mobile phone's processor. The Analog Devices digital signal processor replaces the common Intel/AMD chips that run PCs. Hence, NetPC comes with a $100 (Rs 4,500 approximately) tag.

"The price of a mobile's CPU is only $25-30, so the cost is much lesser,'' said Dr Jhunjhunwala.

Similar to a thin client, the Network PC connects to a server. It will work on all operating systems, including Windows, Solaris, Linux and Unix, though it is inherently Linux based.

Novatium plans to introduce different models with features such as WiFi (wireless), DSL (digital subscriber line), Web-cam and the use of different monitors. The WiFi option will cost $10-15 extra for a large volume booking, said Mr Singh.

NetPC also targets the education segment. IIT Madras has already bought it, said Mr Singh. The company is in talks with the State Government secretariat, the Indian defence and other colleges.

He also said a reason for the delay was that the company wanted to wait as the "space had become cluttered with talk of low cost computing". Novatium is not trying to attack cost.

The company is also gearing up production to meet the massive demand. It contract manufactures the devices from WeP (Wipro Peripherals). It expects to sell 1 million units in 18 months.

NetPC is a uniquely designed computer (without the monitor or peripherals) that runs on a mobile phone's processor. The Analog Devices digital signal processor replaces the common Intel/ AMD chips that run PCs. Hence the NetPC comes with a $100 (Rs 4500 approx) tag.

"The price of a mobile's CPU is only $25-30, so the cost is much lesser," said Dr Jhunjhunwala. Similar to a thin client, the Network PC connects to a server. It will work on all operating systems, including Windows, Solaris, Linux and Unix, though it is inherently Linux based. The company plans to introduce different models with features such as WiFi (wireless), DSL (digital subscriber line), web-cam and the use of different monitors. The WiFi option will cost $10-15 extra for a large volume booking, said Mr Singh.

The company is ambitiously targeting the PC user market, rather than the thin client space.

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