Network Computing Devices Inc pretty much has the dedicated X-terminal business sewn up, and the Mountain View, California company is now moving in on the personal computer X Window System emulation business with launch of PC-Xware, a single software package that it claims provides full X terminal functionality on personal computers for the first time. Its case is that full functionality previously depended on users integrating functions from separate vendors. Designed for machines running Microsoft Corp’s Windows, PC-Xware is a direct conversion of the company’s NCDware 3.0 software. PX-Xware includes 32-bit X server functionality, fully integrated terminal emulation, local and remote network protocols, and multiple local window managers – at $545. It also offers the facility to manage and configure personal computers running X Window centrally and remotely. Designed for 80486- and Pentium-based machines, it is also designed to support Windows NT when it becomes available. As well as Microsoft Windows, there is the option to use Network Computing’s Motif-like NCDwm as the local window manager, saving on network and processor bandwidth. It has full VT320 emulation for access to character-based applications on networks, and has the TCP/IP stack licensed from NetManage Inc, and the XRemote protocol for high-speed serial communications. Out next month, and can also be had with NetManage’s Chameleon for $735, ChameleonNFS at $800.
