OnSat Network Communications Inc has selected DR-WebSpyder as the set-top box for its global internet delivery initiative. In doing so it has handed a significant victory to Caldera’s brand-new subsidiary Caldera Thin Clients Inc, not least because the Orem, Utah-based company beat Microsoft Corp’s WebTV to the contract. OnSat’s services will offer internet access via satellite, using Caldera’s DR-DOS and x86-based set-top devices, Inktomi’s Traffic Server network cache and a private satellite network. OnSat has wrapped up a pilot with a number of US-based internet service providers and has already signed up its first international customer in Startec. Based in South Africa, Startec plans to use OnSat to deliver net and email access to villages in sub-Saharan Africa.
