NSC country manager Sanjeev Keskar told The Financial Express that under the arrangement, the company would provide reference designs and chips suited for specific environments. On the other hand, VXL would provide support with its software and system level operations besides R&D infrastructure. The chip would now power VXL's WinLinx series of ThinClient solutions and would be showcased at Bangalore IT.Com '99 that kicks off on November 1.

ThinClient technology is the latest in server-based computing through an ethernet network. This technology provides for centralised processing and easy upgradation of software and hardware.

The first in the Geode family of processors (SC 1400 Chip) could be customised to function both in Set-Top Boxes (STBs) and ThinClient-based networking systems. The latest version would be a much upgraded edition of its earlier processor Media GX.

It would consist of a basic X86 processor core and would integrate a host of features like built-in monitor driving, memory control, PCI Bus that facilitates plug-in add on cards, etc.

The Media GX core would also incorporate features like TV output, video input, Mpeg2 hardware decoding in a single chip. ``We are the first to develop an integrated processor for both STBs and ThinClient solutions in India,'' Keskar said. He said the processor would offer the X86 advantage by way of being compatible with all software and operating systems while the processing time would also much quicker as compared to both RISC-based or embedded platforms.

According to Keskar, the company has targeted to market around 25,000 units of ThinClients that are backed by the new chip. The complete solution consisting of a monitor with a node powered by the chips aims at schools, large corporates, banks and similar networked envrionments, he added.

Recently, National Semi Conductor has also tied up with Tata Infotech for STB reference designs.