Bristol-based Maxim Networks Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of wide area networking and ISDN products, has changed its name to OST (UK) Ltd as part of a new marketing strategy intended to remove confusion surrounding its relationship with French parent OST SA. We wanted to make it clear that we are not an OST distributor or part of the dealer channel, but a manufacturer and developer, says new managing diector John Cuming. The move will align the company’s product portfolio with OST SA and its other European subsidiaries and enable it to cash in on OST’s higher profile name. OST (UK) has also expanded its UK distribution network following a contract win from NetWare specialist Azlan Ltd, which has placed an initial stock order for a number of OST’s ISDN network products including its NetWare linking products – LanXpand/NW – and WISDN, a personal computer-based data interchange system operating under Windows. The deal with Azlan has secured an important route into the dealer channel, says OST (UK). The new WISDN is said to achieve data rates above 400Kbps on a single ISDN B channel. The application software was developed by Clipet Ltd, and enables users to see graphic representations of files and directories on users’ systems and remote personal computers. WISDN can also be linked into local networks to pick up and drop off information from file servers and other local network storage systems. The hand set provided enables voice telephone to be made from the personal computer, even if the recipient does not have WISDN or ISDN at his location, claims the company. No word yet on pricing for it.
