Northgate Computer Systems

Northgate Computer Systems
Company typeIncorporated
IndustryComputer Hardware
Founded1987 (1987)
FounderArthur "Art" Lazere
DefunctApril 25, 2005 (2005-04-25)
FateDissolved
Headquarters
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
,
United States

Northgate Computer Systems, Inc., based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States, was a mail-order personal computer company founded in 1987 by Arthur "Art" Lazere.[1][2]

During the 1990s, the mail-order PC market expanded significantly as consumers sought lower-priced alternatives to established retail brands like IBM and Compaq. By selling directly through catalogs, companies like Northgate, Zeos, Dell, and Gateway utilized a direct-to-consumer business model that bypassed traditional retail showrooms.

Northgate manufactured both computer systems and peripherals. The company's OmniKey line of keyboards received positive reception in contemporary tech publications for their tactile feedback and build quality.[2] They were frequently compared by reviewers to IBM's Model M PC keyboards and were often purchased separately by users of competing PC brands.[3]

History

  • 1987 - founded by Arthur Lazere[2]
  • 1989 - 386 systems available.
  • 1990 - Announced 486 systems using IBM's Micro Channel architecture and merger talks with CPT.[4]
  • 1992 - Discussed a merger with Everex Systems but these talks ended and a 51% stake was bought by investor group Marjac Investments.[5]
  • August 1994 - A chapter 7 petition was filed against the company by creditors.
  • September 1994 - The company filed for a conversion to a chapter 11 reorganization plan.[6] Mylex was owed $4.6 million, $113,000 was expected to be paid from liquidation from Northgate's inventories.[7] The landlord of their Eden Prairie building also canceled their lease and they were planning to move to Minneapolis.[8]
  • December 22, 1995 - Announced a reorganization plan with its creditors which paid 19 cents on the dollar to cover $16 million in unsecured debts. The funding would be from a percentage of computer sales up to a maximum of $3.75 million.[9]
  • 1997 - Northgate was purchased by Lan Plus.[10][11]
  • October 2000 - Lan Plus begins merger with Mcglen Internet Group.[12]
  • April 16, 2001 - Mcglen and Lan Plus announces that the merged company will be operating under the Northgate name.[10][13]
  • September 10, 2001 - Lan Plus and Mcglen expect to complete the merger by October under the name Northgate Innovations with Andy Teng as chairman and CEO.[14] However the completion of the merger wasn't announced until March.[15]
  • September 20, 2002 - Announced a "Volunteer Training Program" with local technical schools to provide real-world computer manufacturing experience.[16] Their principal executive offices are now in City of Industry, California.[17]
  • 2003 - Announced a trial with 7-Eleven to sell Northgate Computer branded PCs through their stores.[18]
  • 2004 - Name changed to Digital Lifestyles Group to focus on the "teen computing and digital lifestyle" market with a new "hip-e" brand.[19]
  • 2005 - On April 25 an announcement on their web site stated "Northgate Computers will close its operations to all customers. Northgate will no longer supply any type of warranty services inclusive of technical phone support."[20][21]

After Northgate went out of business, Creative Vision Technologies picked up the line of keyboards, marketing them under the Avant brand.[22] However, CVT was acquired by Ideal System Solutions in 2011 and the product is no longer listed.[23]

References

  1. ^ Quinlan, Tom; Coursey, David (8 July 1991). "Developers enthused and wary". InfoWorld. Vol. 13, no. 27. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 8. ISSN 0199-6649.
  2. ^ a b c "Northgate". PC Magazine Encyclopedia. PC Mag.
  3. ^ Brenesal, Barry (3 April 2017). "Cherry MX Board Silent Review". PC Mag. Archived from the original on 9 March 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026. ...antique battlewagon mechanicals from the golden age of the keyboard, such as the Northgate Omnikey models and the classic IBM Model M line.
  4. ^ Flynn, Laurie; Burnson, Patrick (8 January 1990). "Northgate to Offer 486 with MCA; Executives Say They're Also Negotiating a Possible Merger With CPT". InfoWorld. Vol. 12, no. 2. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 5. ISSN 0199-6649.
  5. ^ "Company News". The New York Times. Vol. 141, no. 49022. 9 July 1992. p. 66.
  6. ^ PRNewswire via The Free Library by Farlex NORTHGATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC., ANNOUNCES CHAPTER 11 CONVERSION
  7. ^ TechAgreements Annual Report 1994/PROVISION FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
  8. ^ PRNewswire via The Free Library by Farlex NORTHGATE ANNOUNCES LEASE TERMINATION AND UPCOMING MOVE TO NEW LOCATION
  9. ^ Saint Paul Pioneer Press via HighBeam Research Reorganization Plan Gives Minnesota's Northgate Computer Systems 2nd Chance
  10. ^ a b Business Wire via AllBusiness.com Mcglen and Lan Plus Announce New Company Name -- Northgate
  11. ^ Welch, Rod (5 January 2001). "Lighton has 100 keyboards; Lan Plus has Omni Key Keyboards". THE WELCH COMPANY.
  12. ^ Business Wire Sept. 10, 2001 via The Free Library by Farlex Mcglen Announces Continued Purchases of Its Stock by Lan Plus CEO
  13. ^ Business Wire Aug. 16, 2001 via The Free Library by Farlex Lan Plus Announces Worldwide Launch of First AMD Athlon Processor-Based Integra All-in-One; Industry Shows Support in Launching New PC and Entertainment Device
  14. ^ Mcglen Announces Continued Purchases of Its Stock by Lan Plus CEO
  15. ^ Business Wire March 15, 2002 via The Free Library by Farlex Mcglen Internet Group, Inc. and Lan Plus Corporation Complete Merger; New Company to be Named Northgate Innovations, Inc.
  16. ^ PRNewswire via The Free Library by Farlex Northgate Innovations Teams With Local Technical Schools to Provide Real World Training and Experience
  17. ^ "NORTHGATE INNOVATIONS INC, Form 10-K/A, Filing Date Sep 19, 2003". secdatabase.com. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  18. ^ BNET Northgate Innovations and 7-Eleven Inc. Announce News Release Clarification
  19. ^ PR Newswire Association Northgate Innovations Changes Name to Digital Lifestyles Group to Reflect New Vision, Strategy And Product Line
  20. ^ Jigsaw Northgate Innovations Company Information and Contacts Deprecated link archived 2012-09-05 at archive.today
  21. ^ akama Northgate Innovations, Inc.
  22. ^ October 15, 2005 - Avant keyboards Let's Talk Computers
  23. ^ Fran Howard (February 25, 2013), Tracking The Pulse Of Minority-Owned Businesses - Woman With a Plan, Ideal System Solutions Twin Cities Business
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