AST Signs Deal to Distribute DOS/V-System Computers in Japan

Signaling a major step into the Japanese market, AST Research Inc. said Thursday it has signed a deal to distribute specialized computers in Japan.

The company would not disclose the value of its contract with Mitsui Bussan Digital, a leading distributor in Japan.

The Irvine computer maker’s new contract gives Mitsui the right to market special AST computers based on DOS/V, the emerging computer standard for systems in Japan. The system allows English and Japanese languages to run on the same computer system.

Effective immediately, Mitsui will distribute computers and provide such customer services as installation, maintenance and warranty repairs in Japan.