Compaq enters thin-client market

Compaq Computer, one of the major players in the desktop segment, is now entering thin-client segment by launching its two thin-client brands, T1000 and T1500, in India.

Speaking about the advantages of thin-clients, K.V. Sai Chandrasekhar, Corporate Manager, PC Business, Compaq Computer India Pvt Ltd, said, "Compaq's thin-clients are alternatives to traditional PCs that provide Windows based and Linux based thin-client capability. It offers a lower total cost of ownership for those who manage specific task applications in their day-to-day business needs in the places like reservation counters.

Thin-clients will have low maintenance cost, no obsolescence, and low cost compare to the PCs." But he agreed that, some portion of PC business will be affected by thin-clients. Commenting about the new products, Chandrasekhar, said, "T1000 is Windows based system and T1500 is Linux based thin-client with embedded Netscape browser. These thin-client connected over a network to a central Windows NT

server or Linux platform. Unlike a traditional PC with high-speed processors and data storage, these terminals are optimized to act solely as windows to the server where user's applications and data reside. Instead of applications running on individual PCs, all applications are run from single server."

Speaking about the market opportunity, Chandrasekhar said that there is no specific data on the market size, but thin-clients is a niche market with high potentiality. Compaq is targeting, Banking sector, Services sector and Call center for their thin-clients. Without giving any numbers, Chandrasekhar said that the company is targeting to play a major role in this segment. Compaq is not planning to have any special promotion for the thin-clients, the company plans to go by its two-tier channel distribution. T1000 is priced at Rs 27,500 and T1500 is priced at Rs 35,000 in India.