Northgate Computer Systems

Northgate Computer Systems, Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Computer hardware
Founded	1987
Founder	Arthur "Art" Lazere
Defunct	April 25, 2005
Headquarters	Eden Prairie, Minnesota , United States
Products	Personal computers, OmniKey keyboards

Northgate Computer Systems, Inc., based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was a direct-mail personal computer manufacturer established in 1987 by entrepreneur Arthur "Art" Lazere. Throughout the 1990s, Northgate leveraged the expanding demand for cost-effective PCs sold straight to buyers, positioning itself against competitors such as Dell and Gateway by delivering reliable machines at competitive prices.

The company earned acclaim within the industry for its robust and responsive OmniKey keyboards, which matched the popularity of IBM’s Model M keyboards and were frequently purchased independently by users of various PC brands.

History

• 1987 - Company inception by Arthur Lazere.
• 1989 - Introduction of 386-based computer systems.
• 1990 - Launch of 486 systems incorporating IBM's Micro Channel architecture; initiated merger discussions with CPT.
• 1992 - Termination of merger negotiations with Everex; majority ownership (51%) acquired by Marjac Investments.
• August 1994 - Creditors filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition against the company.
• September 1994 - Transitioned to Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; reported $4.6 million debt to Mylex; planned relocation following lease termination.
• December 1995 - Reorganization plan approved, offering creditors 19 cents per dollar owed, financed through a capped percentage of forthcoming computer sales totaling $3.75 million.
• 1997 - Acquisition completed by Lan Plus.
• October 2000 - Lan Plus began merger process with Mcglen Internet Group.
• April 2001 - The merged entity operated under the Northgate brand.
• September 2001 - Merger anticipated to conclude under Northgate Innovations with Andy Teng appointed CEO; completion announced in March 2002.
• September 2002 - Initiated Volunteer Training Program in collaboration with technical schools to improve workforce expertise; main offices moved to City of Industry, California.
• 2003 - Conducted pilot retail partnership with 7-Eleven to distribute Northgate-branded PCs.
• 2004 - Adopted new identity as Digital Lifestyles Group, focusing on the teen computing segment with the "hip-e" product line.
• April 25, 2005 - Officially ceased business operations and discontinued all warranty and technical support.

After Northgate's shutdown, Creative Vision Technologies took over the OmniKey keyboard product line, marketing it under the Avant label until CVT was acquired by Ideal System Solutions in 2011, after which production ended.