SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY : Amkly Introduces Security-Conscious Line of Computers

Amkly Systems Inc. in Irvine is launching a line of four computers designed to be used in computer networks where data security is essential.

Albert C. Wong, president of Amkly and a former executive at AST Research Inc., said the company’s Amkly Station computers are designed so that access to computer files and disk drives can be controlled by passwords.

“We think this line of products fills a variety of needs for the corporate network that other computer companies aren’t fulfilling,” Wong said.

The computers can provide three levels of security, something that company managers who run networks have long wanted to prevent theft or unauthorized viewing of files, Wong said.

In the early days of computing, large central computers were hooked up to stations known as “dumb” terminals, which had to connect with the central computer to access programs and data. The terminals were called dumb because no data was actually stored within them, thus there was no need to worry about unauthorized access to data.

In recent years, however, networks of personal computers linked together by cable have replaced the old networks hooked to a central computer. The PC networks generally are a less costly way to link together large numbers of PCs within a corporation or university.

Some corporations, however, have balked at the idea of giving all computer users universal access to data. Many already impose limits on users’ access to software. The Amkly machines enable computer managers to easily secure hardware features such as computer disk drives and connection ports that provide access to printers or fax machines.

The computers range in price from $1,095 to $2,995. Individual models can be upgraded for faster processing speed. The four models are each based on a different Intel Corp. microprocessor: the 386SX, 486SX/20, 486SX25, and 486DX.

Amkly, founded by Wong in 1990 after he left AST Research, launched its first line of computers in May.

That line of machines was also upgradeable and featured a ‘peripheral platform’ of some key components that could be snapped in and out for easy service. Wong said Amkly sacrificed the platform and some slots to add more circuit boards to incorporate the security features and keep its prices low.

The private company, which does not disclose sales, has 35 employees. The Amkly Station line is scheduled to begin shipping at the end of October, Wong said.