Silicon Graphics is making its debut into the low-margin, high-volume hardware business with the roll-out of its first workstations based on Intel processors and running Windows NT.
Traditionally, SGI's graphics workstations such as Octane and O2 are built on top of SGI's own MIPS processors and run the company's own version of the Unix operating system.
The introduction of SGI's new 320 and 540 systems, which run Intel's Pentium II and Xeon processors, respectively, and start at $30,000, is one of the Californian company's chief strategies for returning to profitability.
SGI hoped the NT workstations would contribute one-quarter of the company's sales in Hong Kong this year, Jeff Lam, SGI's general manager in Hong Kong and South China, said.
The new workstations target several industries where users require high-quality 3D graphics, both static and animated. Applications include computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, and architecture, engineering and construction.
The machines also served as an alternative for users in the entertainment sector, which had been the firm's focus for high-power Unix workstations, Mr Lam said.