After creating a big splash in the US with the Opus boards, which convert PC-DOS boxes into 32-bit multi-user workstations by relegating them to the role of input-output processor and subsystem, Opus Systems Inc is now looking to the UK and Europe to market its National Semiconductor and Clipper-based products. It has appointed the UK’s major Wyse distributor Trinitec Plc in what is billed as an exclusive marketing contract with a net value of UKP5.3m over the next three years. However, two established outlets for Opus boards already exist in the UK: French company Unixsys manufactures systems and kits using the Opus board which are sold through its UK arm in Warrington, Cheshire; and Arcaid Hardware Ltd in Maidenhead, Berkshire, which has built up a customer base of around 150 opus users over the past year. A spokesman from Arcaid said that Arcaid has no intention of pulling out of Opus, and has rights to continue distribution until October – we will be staying in the co-processor market. Trinitec has its own in-house engineering department, and will be integrating the Opus boards with Wyse Technology IBM Personalikes, as well as offering them as upgrades for existing Personal Computer users. Opus faces increasing competition from others entering the UK Unix co-processor market, including the Zaiaz 910 from Pristine Electronics and the A/On board from Legend Data.
