``VXL would provide thin-client terminals and integrated services to Optima solutions, and the Australian company would be the logistics provider through its wide distribution and marketing network. The products would be marketed under the Optima name for brand value and preferred vendor status which gives the joint venture exclusive trading rights in Australia and New Zealand and non-exclusivity rights in the Asia-Pacific region,'' VXL chairman and managing director AV Kasargod said.

Kasargod said, ``The equity for the JV will be split in the 60:40 ratio with Optima Computer holding the majority stake investing $195,000 including 5 per cent as sweat equity. Optima Computer would also invest $105,000 in VXL Instruments through the purchase of VXL shares. VXL would invest the same amount through a similar purchase of shares in Optima Solutions.''

The three-pronged strategy includes opening up the Australian market to VXL's thin-client products, through Optima's network of 60 offices. The second objective would be to provide total IT solutions and technical support for thin-client solutions including networking and server support to Optima Solutions and finally the JV would establish a distribution network for VXL's products by setting-up VXL, Australia, a subsidiary of VXL Instruments Ltd.

The thin-client is a Windows-based multi-application terminal which supports UNIX and LINUX. VXL WinLinx Pro WBTs and VXL Lite WBTs are the two thin-client products marketed by VXL with base prices of $350 and $600, respectively.

The products support ICA, RDP, and RASP protocols which enable 12 kbps data transmission. They operate on a flash memory chip and have add-on features like the Smart AX-S card which allows central programming and administration, remote management, database control and security system through data encryption and password.

VXL Instruments Ltd grossed revenues of Rs 36.51 crore in the last fiscal and has projected revenues of Rs 50 crore in this financial year. In Australia, the company, through Optima Solutions, plans to target the education and Small Office Home Office (SOHO) segments, government agencies and homes with projected sales of 300,000 thin-client terminals over the next four years.

Ethernetbridgeby year-end
Ethernetbridge, the latest product from VXL Instruments would be launched by the year-end. This module supported by thin-client terminal makes Internet access easier and cost-effective avoiding the installations of fibre optic cables since Ethernetbridge covers a radius of 3 km.