Is Your Next Computer a Module?

What's the future business model of success in the personal computer industry? With hardware margins evaporating, one little-known manufacturer believes it has the answer: An "Interputer" that uses modular components.

Acqis Technology, a Mountain View, Calif.-based private company founded in 1998, is preparing later this year to roll out technology sold through solution providers that utilizes a highly portable, 1-pound computer module. The module serves as a central component to be carried and inserted into stations for desktops, notebooks, entertainment devices, even handheld PDAs and cell phones. The module contains main memory, storage and operating system software. It runs either Windows or Linux and includes 512 Mb of memory and up to 12 Gb of storage.

The product is to be launched at Comdex, but it was previewed for solution providers at September's Breakaway Xchange conference in San Diego.

The notion is to improve worker productivity--and reduce the cost of computer ownership--by using one small, transportable CPU module for a variety of different devices. When hooked into a station, the "Interputer" module is automatically synchronized and avoids the need to update files or different software versions on different computer systems.

"This is a different way of doing computing," says William Chu, Acqis president and CEO. "Technology is driving us in this direction."

One drawback, however, is that the product is not yet compatible with the existing installed base of millions of desktop and notebook computers worldwide. That makes it an item aimed primarily at the replacement market or new users. Nevertheless, Chu believes Acqis can ride the growing wave of portability, convenience and small form factors to success.

The "Interputer" will be priced between $950 and $1,300, with docking stations extra. Chu says target markets include small-business executives, consultants, telecommuters and mobile workers, as well as accountants, scientists and engineers. He plans to market it through solution providers--and via Acqis' Web site that will make referrals to solution providers--because they can build applications around the concept. Acqis also will sell build-to-order systems to channel partners. And the company also expects to license its proprietary technology to other manufacturers.