Technology advancements are the lifeblood of Zenith Data Systems. Few companies come
close to rivalling the technology breakthroughs and patents compiled by ZDS engineers in the
company's brief history.
1994
Introduction of the CruisePAD, a wireless remote interface for networked and
individual PCs that allows users to take full advantage of their networks and
PCs, wherever they choose to work.
Z-PLAYER, which adds mobile multimedia capabilities to most notebook PCs with
PCMCIA.
Z-NOTEFLEX notebook PC, which features five user configurable components,
including the CPU.
1993
Introduction of the Z-STOR, the first Personal Server using Personal NetWare.
Simple and easy to install for personal or workgroup use.
Introduction of Energy Efficient products that meet the EPA Energy Star
requirements.
1992
Provision of network ready desktop and portable systems, with network client
software preloaded and LAN hardware connectivity built in.
1991
The first i386Sl based portable computer with intelligent power management
firmware implementing power saving measures, thus allowing a significant increase in
user battery life.
The first portable computer to offer Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) capability,
allowing significant data throughput via the parallel port (LAN connectivity at
LAN speeds).
1990
A 386 based desktop with EISA architecture and high performance ESDI disk
controller,including 1MB cache, multitasking capabilities, and 1:1 interleave with
cached controller..
1989
Introduction of a multiprocessor computer (Z-1000) using i386 technology and
SCO XENIX and UNIX multiprocessor software. First NoteBook computer
including Daybright transflective LCD, 2 inch floppy disk, standard I/O ports, and
uploading data transfer program in ROM.
1988
Numerous advances in portable technology; first battery operated 286 and 386
based Winchester portables; first portable manufacturer to incorporate extended
Supertwist LCD technology; first to provide fluorescent backlighting in a battery
operated portable; first manufacturer to provide SIMM memory in a portable PC.
1987
First PC compatible to supply VGA level video; first with 4 hour battery life in a
hard disk portable PC; first with an ergonomically correct colour monitor having better
brightness, better contrast and virtually no glare (FTM); first PC compatible vendor with
MS OS/2.
1986
First with Supertwist screens with high visibility in portable computers.
1985
First full function portable computer under 6.5kg.
1984
Flexible disk partitioning, use of multiple parallel and serial ports.
1983
First PC vendor to support MS-DOS and CP/M on the same hard disk;
concurrently; first with and enhanced PC compatible keyboard; first bus architecture
PCs enabling modular upgrades; first to implement smooth scroll video in PC compatibles,
overcoming a major display problem.
1982
First multiprocessor microcomputer, Z-100 series.
1980
First "all-in-one" computer ever manufactured (Z-89/Z-90); term copyrighted.
