stak-- THIS IS A BRILLIANT VISION BY MR. SHIH! He has phenomenal insight into the future of PCs and their coming fragmentation.
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ACER USHERS IN NEW ERA OF GLOBAL COMPUTING SOLUTIONS WITH THE
X-COMPUTER (XC)
Development of the XC Specification Redefines Technology
Roadmap -- Acer Group Chairman and CEO, Stan Shih, Leads
Vision to Bring Computing Technology to the Masses
XC Definition:
The XC, or X-Computer, is a class of easy-to-use, application-specific digital devices. Analogous to an "information appliance," XCs are built upon open industry-standards: x86 PC architecture and Internet protocols.
WASHINGTON D.C., June 23, 1998 - A new chapter in the history book of
information technology was written today when the Acer Group, the world's third
largest PC manufacturer, announced the worldwide release of the XC
(X-Computer) industry specification. During a keynote speech at the 1998 World
Congress on Information Technology, Acer Group Chairman and CEO, Stan Shih,
presented the vision, roadmap and technical specification that unveiled how XC
devices will redefine global communities, open new businesses opportunities and
provide people with low-cost, easy-to-use computing solutions that will enlighten,
enrich and empower their lives.
"The Internet and the XC are catalysts that will change the world," said Shih.
"In 15th century Europe, a simple, easy-to-use, movable type-set device, a precursor to what would become the printing press, opened the eyes of the world to new ideas, thoughts and expressions. Now, as the 21st century approaches, we embark on a new age of enlightenment that has the potential to affect over a billion people around the globe. This is the evolution of technology and the heritage of the
XC."
Global Market Dynamics Create the Need for the XC
Currently, less than five percent of the world's population own a personal
computer. Various factors including price, difficulty of use, perception of value and
question of need create significant barriers of acceptance. Even with price
breakthroughs as low as US$699, global PC market penetration has reached a
plateau. Clearly, today's general-purpose PC is not the solution for the majority of
the world's needs.
In a bold move to tackle this issue, Acer developed the XC concept. What
exactly is an XC? By the definition announced today, an XC is not a PC, yet it
leverages many of today's open technology standards developed for personal
computers and the Internet. In use, a PC is a sophisticated and complex
general-purpose device designed to run a myriad of tasks. However, the XC is
marked by its use for a single, application-specific function, exemplified by its
ease-of-use and simplicity of design.
"The PC will not disappear, nor will XCs replace the PC," Shih disclosed. "The
historical development of the PC is a culmination of disparate technologies -
hardware, software and networking communications. The sophistication of the PC
challenges us to reexamine what people are asking for, which indicates that a better
solution is to 'dis-integrate' many of these technologies and create solutions that do
very specific tasks very well, all the time."
Acer predicts that by 2002, global annual shipments of XC devices will outnumber all consumer PCs. By 2005, XCs will challenge all PC shipments, and by 2010, XC devices are very likely to outnumber PC shipments by a ratio of greater than 10-to-1.
Acer expects XC devices to have the most immediate impact within the "3E"
markets: Education, Entertainment and Electronic Commerce. Additionally, Acer
predicts that the XC evolution will enable the PC industry to reinvent itself.
No longer will technology businesses have to compete within the narrow
confines of the traditional PC marketplace. XCs open new doors of business
opportunities for service providers, as well as component and software vendors, to
create new and unique solutions for local and global customers.
Moreover, Shih stated. "With leading engineering resources, flexibility,
speed-to-market, mass manufacturing, 'customerization,' and a vast IT
infrastructure of semiconductor, software, storage and display resources, it is a
natural evolution that Taiwan be the birth place of the XC."
XC Specification - Five Reference Platforms that Open the World to
X-Computers
The XC product platform leverages two accepted worldwide standards - the
x86 system architecture and native Internet protocols. When used as basic building
blocks, the five standard reference XC platforms create numerous product
possibilities.
Starting with a hardware foundation of an x86-compatible microprocessor with
supporting logic, subsequent supporting layers can be offered, including: Fast IR,
Universal Serial Bus (USB), PCI, Flash Card, AC-3, IEEE-1394 (Firewire),
DVD, TV-Out and 2D/3D graphics.
The XC operating system is optimized for ease-of-use, which means that DOS,
Windows CE® or a similar lean OS can be integrated or embedded. The XC user
interface will also support intuitive navigation functions, such as those found with
today's leading Web browsers.
The five XC reference platforms are open for co-development by other OEM
customers, VARs or Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The XC reference
platforms are as follows:
Acer Mobile X100 - provides a framework for mobile applications
With an embedded OS, instant On/Off, and supporting mobile
communications, this platform is ideal for those who need a lightweight,
compact mobile solution that can surf the Internet, send and receive e-mail,
write and edit documents, and transfer data.
Acer Compact X200 - provides a structure for consumer electronics
products
Designed for at-home use, this platform provides a low-cost solution for
home education and entertainment. Based on a 386SX-system architecture,
this platform is designed for a TV-centric environment and supports
standard CD-ROM, CD-audio and DVD titles.
Acer Set-top X300 - provides a framework for set-top boxes
This platform provides a seamless integration solution between the television,
TV programming and the Internet. Leveraging wireless technology, Smart
Card, and advanced encryption security, this platform is an ideal solution for
E-Commerce, home banking and future services, such as
video-conferencing and video-on-demand.
Acer Desktop X500 - based on embedded x86 processor
Leveraging USB, wireless and digital imaging technologies, this platform is
suited for either home or business environments. The platform supports
functions that target TV-centric applications, such as video-mail,
photo/image editing and Web browsing.
Acer Desktop X700 - supports a Socket 7 x86 processor, up to 400MHz
As the most powerful XC platform, this building block offers advanced
multimedia and communications capabilities, such as DVD, 3D graphics
acceleration, and built-in LAN. Ideal applications would include interactive
3D gaming, home theater, or as a home-electronics appliance controller.
XC Platform Pricing and Availability
Acer is currently test-marketing several XC products around the world,
including a Kids Computer (Acer Compact X200) and a Video Server (Acer
Set-top X300). Current plans are to offer these five XC reference platforms to
business partners for custom solutions development. Future XC products and
reference platform designs will be announced as they are developed. End-user
prices are expected to range from US$199 to $999.
About the Acer Group
Established in 1976, Acer is the world's third-largest PC manufacturer,
fifth-largest mobile PC manufacturer and eighth-largest PC brand, offering a broad
selection of industry-leading, high-end multi-user servers, multimedia PCs,
notebooks, computer peripherals & components and semiconductors. Acer has
more than 23,000 employees and 120 enterprises in 44 countries worldwide,
supporting dealers and distributors in over 100 countries. The Acer Group's
revenue in 1997 was US$6.5 billion. For more information, visit Acer's Web site at
acer.com. |
