At Oracle Open World, Network Computer, Inc. (NCI), and UMAX Data Systems, Inc. announced a software licensing agreement that will bring network computers running X86-based microprocessors to the corporate and home office markets. UMAX will manufacture and market network computers running NCI's NC Desktop client software and sell them through its extensive channels and system integrators into corporate markets globally.

The first product line will be powered by the 200MHz Intel Pentium processor, and is expected to resell under US$700. The UMAX NC product line will support standard network interfaces including built-in Ethernet and graphic/sound cards, smart card readers as well as a standard PC keyboard and mouse.

UMAX expects to ship network computers as early as November, 1997. Initially, UMAX's marketing efforts will focus on the European market, with North America to follow in the near future.

"UMAX is a welcome addition to NCI's family of network computer manufacturers," said Bonnie Crater, vice president of strategic marketing at Network Computer, Inc. "UMAX's manufacturing experience in the Macintosh compatible market will help deliver affordable, reliable and easy-to-use network computer products to our corporate customers."

"We're pleased to be working with NCI to deliver network computer technology to corporations and home offices," said Karen Tsou, vice president of sales and marketing of Communication Business Group at UMAX. "The network computer is a tremendous productivity, communications and information access device for corporate networks and intranets."

UMAX is a rapidly growing company that has extended its business from flatbed scanners to Mac OS and PowerPC computers, Wintel-based computers, multimedia and peripherals, software applications and communication products. Over the years, UMAX products have won many awards of recognition at both home and abroad.

UMAX currently employs more than 2,500 people in Taiwan, over 20% of which are devoted to product research and development. The two manufacturing plants located in the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park and a third plant in Hu Kuou Hsiang, Hsinchu, have a total floor area of over 40,000 sq. meters.

Network Computer, Inc. (NCI) is a software innovator with a mission to deliver affordable and easy to use products that tap the power of the global Internet. Formed in 1996, NCI is an affiliate of Oracle Corp. and offers its network computer software and services to corporations, homes and communities. NCI is based in Redwood Shores, California, and can be reached at 415/631-4600.