Network Computing Devices
 | |
| Industry | Computers |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 in Mountain View, California, United States |
| Founders |
|
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | , United States |
| Products | Thin clients |
Network Computing Devices (commonly known as NCD) was established in 1987 with the mission to develop pioneering thin client technology, initially marketed as network terminals or X Terminals. The firm originated in Mountain View, CA and later relocated its headquarters to Beaverton, Oregon.
The founding team comprised Mike Harrigan, Doug Klein, Dave Cornelius, Ed Basart, Martin Eberhard, and Kevin Martin. Shortly after its inception—within approximately six months—Judith Estrin and William Carrico joined the company as CEO and executive vice president, respectively. They guided NCD through its public offering in 1992. NCD’s product lineup facilitated remote graphical user interface access using the X Protocol, while supporting a variety of network protocols including TCP/IP, Token Ring, and DECnet. Additionally, the company created the Network Audio System (nas), which provided network-transparent audio recording and playback capabilities.
Acquisitions
To broaden its technology offerings, NCD acquired several companies. It took over PCXware, a developer of an X Window System implementation compatible with Microsoft Windows. In 1994, NCD purchased Z-Code Software, known for Z-Mail, a cross-platform email client based on open standards; this product was eventually sold to Netmanage. Furthermore, NCD expanded its thin client portfolio by acquiring the TekXPress X-terminals line from Tektronix, adding multimedia functionality to its devices.
NCD discontinued its operations in 2004. Following this closure, some former employees established ThinPATH Systems to continue providing support and services for NCD’s customer base.
See also
- DESQview/X, a comparable technology
External links
- Welcome to NCD – The Thin Client Experts!
- NCD X-Terminal HOWTO
- National Semiconductor & NCD Jointly Develop Information Appliances Business Wire, Nov 14, 2000
- Network Computing Devices – NCD – Recognized by Australian Government Technology Productivity Award Business Wire, March 28, 2001
- Network Computing Devices Introduces NCD ThinPATH PC; Software Reduces Desktop Total Cost of Ownership Business Wire, March 27, 2002
- NCD Finalist in The Computing Industry Awards 2002 for ThinPATH PC Business Wire, August 13, 2002
- 1987 establishments in California
- 2004 disestablishments in Oregon
- American companies established in 1987
- American companies disestablished in 2004
- Companies based in Mountain View, California
- Companies based in Portland, Oregon
- Computer companies established in 1987
- Computer companies disestablished in 2004
- Defunct companies based in Oregon
- Defunct companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Defunct computer companies of the United States
- Defunct computer hardware companies
- Defunct computer systems companies
- Technology companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Technology companies established in 1987
- Technology companies disestablished in 2004
- Thin clients
- X Window System
- Defunct computer companies based in California