newsbytes@clarinet.com (02/04/90)
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1990 JAN 31 (NB) -- Takaoka Electric, leading maker of power transmission and distribution equipment, has decided to start volume production of its low-price workstations in March as a part of its diversified management. The workstation called X-MINT codeveloped with Omron and Japan Computer features a base price of 430,000 yen ($3,000). X-MINT does not require an operating system, and has a Motorola 68030 central processor. The cost is about half that of Sony's NEWS or Sun Microsystems' Sun workstation. Takaoka started sample shipment of the workstation, which it claims is superior in software development and engineering calculation, in October of last year. Takaoka decision to mass- produce the unit was prompted by a big influx of orders from academia, such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Keio University. 1,000 units are expected to be made each month on an assembly line where CAPTAIN (Character and Pattern Telephone Access Information Network System) terminals used to be made. Takaoka aims to earn sales of 30 billion yen ($210 million) from its workstation business in five years. (Ken Takahashi/19900201) -- This, and all other articles in the clari.nb hierarchy are Copyright 1990 by the Newsbytes Information Service. Only paid subscribers may access these articles. Any unauthorized access, reproduction or transmission is strictly prohibited. We will reward the first provider of information that helps us stop violators of this copyright. Send reports to reward@clarinet.com.